Series in which Jonathan Dimbleby explores how the BBC fought not only Hitler but also the British government to become the institution it is today. Hailed and derided in equal measure, the BBC in 1939 had yet to seal its reputation. With the advent of war, the corporation found itself thrust into a battle against the Nazis and the machinations of the British government. The series examines how the conflict transformed the BBC, what impact its broadcasts had at home and abroad, and uncovers the battles that raged with the government over its independence - out of which was forged the template for the modern BBC.

In episode one, Jonathan reveals how the BBC prepared for the first broadcast war and fought off government attempts to control it. Wholly unprepared, the BBC fended off complete government takeover and emerged a trusted global news source, transmitting in 47 languages. Using a wealth of preserved recordings and previously unseen documents, Jonathan uncovers the compelling story of how the BBC went into battle - against Hitler and Whitehall's ministers - and its part in the social revolution the war provoked.

He also considers the voices of the BBC at war - many of whom became household names but would never have been allowed near a microphone in different circumstances. From an early Nazi propaganda coup that forced the BBC into action and how fears of a crisis in morale at home led to class barriers being swept away on the airwaves, to how stubborn determination and technical improvisation enabled broadcasting from the heart of the war zone, BBC at War reveals how World War Two was the making of the BBC - and nearly its breaking. Show less