The BBC has been key in creating a sense of nationhood through its great outside broadcast moments. The past two Coronations have reflected both tradition and change in the UK, and I am delighted that audiences can explore the rich history of Coronation broadcasting in more depth.
The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will be the third Coronation broadcast by the BBC. To mark the occasion, BBC History has unveiled 20 fascinating facts and 10 hidden gems from its archive to explore the story of Coronation broadcasting.
In 1937, the BBC covered the Coronation of His Majesty George VI, then in 1953 came the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Each Coronation marked a step change in BBC broadcasting and its impact on the nation. In 1937 it was a radio and television ‘first’, which astonished audiences with its immediacy and brought the nation together as never possible before. In 1953, the Coronation created a new market for television, transforming it into a mass medium for the UK. The BBC made a strong case for TV cameras being let into Westminster Abbey for the crowning moment for the first time, which made the event a more modern and inclusive experience for citizens.
BBC History has unveiled:
- 20 Fascinating Facts about the history of Coronation broadcasting
- A mini collection of 10 hidden gems from its archive – including Radio Times covers, microphones and cameras from Coronations past
- A gallery of stills from the BBC archives, capturing moments of pomp and pageantry, as well as behind-the-scenes activity
BBC History has also commissioned two in-depth articles about the impact of technological change (by academic and producer Steve Hocking) and the role of Mass-Observation in capturing the spirit of the times (by Prof Jennifer Purcell), which feature direct witness accounts from BBC staff and observers.
Head of BBC History, Robert Seatter, says: “The BBC has been key in creating a sense of nationhood through its great outside broadcast moments. The past two Coronations have reflected both tradition and change in the UK, and I am delighted that audiences can explore the rich history of Coronation broadcasting in more depth.”
BBC Press Office
Notes to Editors
- Images and docs are all ⒸBBC and should be credited that way
- Mass-Observation is a social and historical research project that captures records of everyday life
- BBC History Homepage: www.bbc.co.uk/historyofthebbc
