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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

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Open Country: BBC Monitoring at Caversham

BBC Monitoring at Caversham

06/07/2017

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, BBC Monitoring at Caversham

Caz Graham visits BBC Monitoring - the Berkshire mansion that eavesdrops on the world.

Caz Graham visits the suburban Berkshire mansion which for 75 years has eavesdropped on the world. As BBC Monitoring changes, Caz hears why the organisation is leaving Caversham.

For 75 years a stately home near Reading has eavesdropped on the world. As BBC Monitoring changes, Caz Graham hears why the organisation is leaving Caversham. 

Caz speaks to staff past and present to hear about the vital daily work conducted behind the grand portico, amidst splendid grounds, listening in to and translating radio broadcasts since 1943. 

Retired staff recall being on shift when major world events occurred, such as the deaths of Stalin, Franco and Brezhnev. With its roots in short wave technology, Caversham's sensitive radio aerials and satellites could be retuned to listen in to countries around the world. Current manager at BBC Monitoring, Chris Greenway, describes the organisation's work today, for example tracking social media and the broadcasting activities of Islamic State (IS). 

Producer: Mark Smalley.

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