Britain in a Box 

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Britain in a Box

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Series exploring the stories behind programmes which have become part of TV history

Series exploring the stories behind the making of programmes which have become part of TV history

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Britain in a Box: Series 6: Episode 1: Nationwide

Documentaries

Nationwide

Episode 1

Episode 1: Nationwide

Series 6

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Britain in a Box, Series 6, Nationwide

Paul Jackson remembers popular current affairs show Nationwide.

4 Extra Debut. Paul Jackson’s story of pioneering BBC current affairs TV show Nationwide. With Sue Lawley and Michael Barratt. From 2013.

What was the impact and legacy of the BBC’s popular current affairs programme that launched Sue Lawley’s TV career, and spawned the birth of TV consumer journalism?  

Series in which Paul Jackson celebrates innovative TV programmes, whilst using them as a window on a particular period in our cultural and social history.

Paul talks to Nationwide’s first presenter, Michael Barratt and the first director, Keith Clement, who recall the early technical mishaps which threatened to take it off air. The BBC circuit system wasn’t quite up to speed with the technical ambition of the programme. When linking to Glasgow, viewers would see wavy lines and hear technical clunks. But within six months, and ever increasing audience numbers, the programme found its feet.

Popular across the nation because of its inclusion of the regions, Sue Lawley explains its success. She also recalls THAT interview with Mrs Thatcher when housewife, Mrs Diana Gould persisted in questioning the prime minister on the decision to sink Argentinian war ship, Belgrano when it 'was sailing away' during the Falklands War.

Producer: Sarah Taylor.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2013.

Britain in a Box: Series 6

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Paul Jackson tells the stories behind the making of TV classics

Paul Jackson tells the stories behind the making of TV classics and assesses their legacies

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Series 6

Episode 1: Nationwide

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