ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½

John Snagge OBE

Radio announcer and television commentator, John Snagge started his ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ career in 1924.

Radio announcer and television commentator, John Snagge started his ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ career in 1924 in Stoke on Trent, in what was then a regional radio station, before present day local radio had been thought of. He has a unique insight into the life of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½'s first Director General, John Reith, and insightful reflections on the 'grammar' of radio itself.

Interviewed by John Lane

1924: Assistant Director of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 6ST (Stoke on Trent regional radio)

1928: Announcer at ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 2LO (London regional radio)

1939: Presentation Director

1944: Presenter, War Report

1954: First ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TV Newsreader

1965: Retired

Interview topics:

  • His work at ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 6ST in Stoke on Trent, and how his father intervened in his interview for his job
  • The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and the General Strike and how that related to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 6ST
  • Evening dress as worn on air in London
  • Move from Savoy Hill to Broadcasting House
  • Snagge, broadcasts and dealing with the Royal Family
  • Origins of the Royal Christmas broadcast
  • Early attempts at bringing in regional accents on air
  • Air raid commentary during the war
  • 1948 Olympic games
  • Snagge's involvement with The Goons
John Snagge interview part 1
John Snagge interview part 2
John Snagge interview part 3
John Snagge interview part 4
  • John Snagge OBE

    Radio announcer and television commentator John Snagge became one of the definitive voices of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, particularly during World War II.
  • Sir James Redmond

    Pioneer of early television, Engineer Sir James Redmond explores why Alexandra Palace was an ideal location.
  • Sir Francis McLean

    Former Director of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Engineering, McLean's ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ career started much earlier in the 1930s.
  • George Campey

    George Campey was a Television Publicity Officer and a Press Officer amongst many other senior roles in the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½.
  • Tony Bridgewater

    Tony Bridgewater worked with John Logie Baird in the days before the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ had considered entering into television.
  • Val Gielgud

    In 1929 Val was appointed Head of Productions and was responsible for all radio drama and also contributed to the development of TV drama.
  • Joanna Spicer

    Known as ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ TV’s foremost television programme planner, it has been said that Joanna Spicer practically ran ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Television single handed.
  • Sir Hugh Carleton Greene

    Director-General of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ from 1960-1969. He is widely acknowledged as a moderniser of the Corporation.
  • Peter Dimmock

    Dimmock recalls the limited hours and means of post war television, and the strained relationship with management in Broadcasting House.
  • Donald Baverstock

    In his interview with Frank Gillard, recorded in October 1985, Baverstock recalls a career full of excitement, and innovation.

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