
The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. To mark the occasion, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History has unveiled 20 fascinating facts and 10 hidden gems from its archive to explore the story of Coronation broadcasting.
In 1937, the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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 ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History has unveiled:
- 20 Fascinating Facts about the history of Coronation broadcasting
- A – including Radio Times covers, microphones and cameras from Coronations past
- A gallery of stills from the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ archives, capturing moments of pomp and pageantry, as well as behind-the-scenes activity
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History has also commissioned two in-depth articles about the (by academic and producer Steve Hocking) and the in capturing the spirit of the times (by Prof Jennifer Purcell), which feature direct witness accounts from ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ staff and observers.
Head of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History, Robert Seatter, says: “The ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ 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.â€
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Press Office
Notes to Editors
- Images and docs are all â’¸ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and should be credited that way
- Mass-Observation is a social and historical research project that captures records of everyday life
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