The Echo of War : Home Front Propaganda and the Wartime BBC, 1939-45

This text investigates the central role played by the BBC in sustaining civilian morale in Britain during World War II.

Using BBC archives and contemporary public opinion research, it contrasts government-directed propaganda with the BBC's own atttempts to boost morale, demonstrating radio's essential function in that process. The book questions traditional assumptions about the wartime BBC's independence and impartiality.

It also investigates how radio portrayed Britain's wartime enemies and allies.

It describes how the BBC's War Reporting Unit brought listeners close to the front line for the first time.

Finally, the book considers how, through its contribution to the "reconstruction" debate, the BBC consolidated not only a lasting image of the "People's War", but also a compelling vision of the "People's Peace".