In 1976, Tom Baker’s Doctor Who was front and centre during what many still regard as the glory days of British broadcasting. But just over the horizon, a war was coming… It would be overselling it to say that 1976 was the year in which the world burst into colour. But it was the yearContinue reading “The end of innocence: Doctor Who and the golden age of British television”
Tag Archives: BBC
A complete history of the history of Doctor Who
On November 1963 – coincidentally, just a day after the assassination of President Kennedy – British viewers sat down to watch a new science fiction programme designed to fill the grandstand at Juke Box Jury. Minutes later, a mysterious figure with a flowing white cloak and a Victorian frock emerged from the fog – andContinue reading “A complete history of the history of Doctor Who”
We’re seeing the future of British TV – and it’s American
From Netflix to Comcast, the US takeover of UK broadcasting now looks unstoppable Marking its 70th birthday two months ago, ITV talked with justifiable pride of “seven decades at the forefront of high quality, unashamedly entertaining, popular television”. But barely had the champagne corks stopped popping than ‘the third channel’ announced it was in discussion to sell itsContinue reading “We’re seeing the future of British TV – and it’s American”
Lost in space and time: the story of Doctor Who’s missing episodes
“I am being diminished. Whittled away, piece by piece… Great chunks of my past, detaching themselves like melting icebergs” – The Doctor, The Five Doctors People have been underestimating Doctor Who for a very long time. In 1963, cautious BBC execs were reluctant to commit to more than 13 episodes of their new teatime adventure serial,Continue reading “Lost in space and time: the story of Doctor Who’s missing episodes”
Through the square window: 100 years of the BBC
When we consider the great moments that have bound our nation together over the past century, there is a singular thread that runs through them all. From Neville Chamberlain gravely informing the British people that “this country is at war with Germany” to Her Majesty The Queen assuring us during the Covid pandemic that “weContinue reading “Through the square window: 100 years of the BBC”
Interesting Media 