This is an accessible and concise history of British radio and television. The book considers the nature and evolution of broadcasting, the growth of broadcasting institutions and the relation of broadcasting to a wider political and social context. Beginning with the genesis of radio at the turn of the century, Crisell discusses key moments in media history from the first wireless broadcast in 1920 to the present.

Andrew Crisell is Professor of Broadcasting Studies at the University of Sunderland. He is the author of Understanding Radio, also published by Routledge.

Preface. Part 1. The Phenomenon of Broadcasting 1.The Birth Of Radio 2. The BBC: From Private Company To National Institution 3. Keeping The Sabbath, Waging A War And Building A Pyramid 4. The Golden Age Of Radio And The Rise Of Television 5. Television: The First Years Of Competition Chapter 6. Pilkington And After 7. The Rise And Fall Of Radio 8. Television And Its Social Effects 9. A Growth Of Sights And Sounds Part 2. The Rise Of The Active Audience 10. Cables, Dishes And Deregulation 11. And Now The Nineties Part 3 From Broadcasting To Multimedia Bibliography Index