Philosophy
Today is the 89th anniversary of the founding of the British Broadcasting Corporation, originally the British Broadcasting Company. Originally, a collection of interested parties, companies that were beginning to experiment with the new radio technology, with the intent that the communication across distance could be used to help foment peace in the world.
In the 50s, the beeb would make the move into television, but the radio would remain. The BBC world service is the largest international broadcaster, with programing in 27 languages that spans the globe. It is a voice of thoughtfulness that takes perspectives from around the globe and brings them together in insightful and provocative ways. In certain ways, it is the closest we have to a global village and it is one in which ideas instead of profit or propaganda are the rule.
I heard a heart-wrenching interview on BBC a few months ago with a British couple that had been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia while trying to sail around the world. They had been imprisoned and separated from each other. When asked how they kept their sanity, the answer was the BBC world service. As they recalled hearing the annual choir concert in the Christmas broadcast, they both broke down and you realized just how powerful good radio can be.
Happy birthday BBC, and despite the nefarious efforts of Rupert Murdoch and David Cameron, may you have many, many more.
- The Power Of Radio
Today happens to be the birthdays of both Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern. Probably a good time to think about radio. The Republican Revolution of the 90s could not have happened without the power of radio. But now, Obama takes the Presdient's weekly...
- Before Pbs
"Predictions for Educational TV in the 1930s" May 29th, 2012 Smithsonian Today most universities offer online courses that allow students to study and take tests without physically being on campus, but in the 1930s the distance learning technology of...
- Cq, Cq, Cq...amateur Radio Operators Are Concerned
Does the government own the broadcast spectrum? "Ham radio operators concerned about losing band" by Didi Tang and Malia Rulon USA TODAY Ham radio enthusiasts nationwide are concerned about a bill in Congress that they say would limit their ability...
- A Metamorphosis For Pbs Is Needed
In the not too distant future I can envision changes at PBS. Changes are needed for the playing field has changed considerably. "Turn PBS Into BBC One" by Alyssa Rosenberg July 3rd, 2010 The Atlantic It says a lot about the Public Broadcasting Service...
- Crystal Radio Sets
I simply cannot resit old radio products. I doubt if you will hear "Hen-reeee! Henry Aldrich!" or "Once again, your neighborhood Blue Coal dealer brings you the thrilling adventures of the Shadow, the hard and relentless fight of one man against the...
Philosophy
BBC as a Force for Smart in the World
Today is the 89th anniversary of the founding of the British Broadcasting Corporation, originally the British Broadcasting Company. Originally, a collection of interested parties, companies that were beginning to experiment with the new radio technology, with the intent that the communication across distance could be used to help foment peace in the world.
In the 50s, the beeb would make the move into television, but the radio would remain. The BBC world service is the largest international broadcaster, with programing in 27 languages that spans the globe. It is a voice of thoughtfulness that takes perspectives from around the globe and brings them together in insightful and provocative ways. In certain ways, it is the closest we have to a global village and it is one in which ideas instead of profit or propaganda are the rule.
I heard a heart-wrenching interview on BBC a few months ago with a British couple that had been seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia while trying to sail around the world. They had been imprisoned and separated from each other. When asked how they kept their sanity, the answer was the BBC world service. As they recalled hearing the annual choir concert in the Christmas broadcast, they both broke down and you realized just how powerful good radio can be.
Happy birthday BBC, and despite the nefarious efforts of Rupert Murdoch and David Cameron, may you have many, many more.
- The Power Of Radio
Today happens to be the birthdays of both Rush Limbaugh and Howard Stern. Probably a good time to think about radio. The Republican Revolution of the 90s could not have happened without the power of radio. But now, Obama takes the Presdient's weekly...
- Before Pbs
"Predictions for Educational TV in the 1930s" May 29th, 2012 Smithsonian Today most universities offer online courses that allow students to study and take tests without physically being on campus, but in the 1930s the distance learning technology of...
- Cq, Cq, Cq...amateur Radio Operators Are Concerned
Does the government own the broadcast spectrum? "Ham radio operators concerned about losing band" by Didi Tang and Malia Rulon USA TODAY Ham radio enthusiasts nationwide are concerned about a bill in Congress that they say would limit their ability...
- A Metamorphosis For Pbs Is Needed
In the not too distant future I can envision changes at PBS. Changes are needed for the playing field has changed considerably. "Turn PBS Into BBC One" by Alyssa Rosenberg July 3rd, 2010 The Atlantic It says a lot about the Public Broadcasting Service...
- Crystal Radio Sets
I simply cannot resit old radio products. I doubt if you will hear "Hen-reeee! Henry Aldrich!" or "Once again, your neighborhood Blue Coal dealer brings you the thrilling adventures of the Shadow, the hard and relentless fight of one man against the...