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
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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
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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
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