From the Pips to the Proms: How The BBC Began – T425

An evening talk by Paul Kerensa on the early history of the BBC, from wireless pioneers to its 1922 launch and beyond.

An evening talk tracing the BBC's origins, from the pioneers of wireless concerts through the corporation's first broadcast in November 1922, when a news report read twice made the second broadcast a repeat. Paul Kerensa retells forgotten achievements of early broadcasting figures, including the first drama writer who became the first TV chef and the short-lived first children's presenter, using tales, clips and props. This is an updated version of a talk given at the Institute in February 2025.