WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
Policy Directive on News Values
How to balance news reporting with morale building.
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Page: 1
Writtenin
1941
Synopsis
NF Newsome, Head of European Services, tackles the thorny issue of accurate reporting of the war and the BBC's duty to support the government's propaganda drive. The BBC's reputation as purveyor of the truth has to be protected and propaganda needs must be outweighed by demands for the facts.
Did you know?
Although never a communist, Newsome was an admirer of the Soviet Union and on his own initiative, started broadcasting to Europe in 1941 as 'the man in the street', trying to convey the views of British citizens. One of his tasks as Director of European Broadcasts was to ensure consistency across all BBC broadcasts to Europe.
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Sir Walter Monckton, Director General of the Ministry
The Director General of the Ministry of Information speaks on its wartime role.
Anglo-Soviet Agreement
The Home Service interrupts its programming to make a special announcement.
Ivan Mikhailovich Maisky
The Soviet Ambassador praises British workers for 'Tanks for Russia' week.
News Postscript | Rt Hon Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
The British Foreign Secretary travels to Moscow as Germany invades Russia.
Sir Stafford Cripps
Colonel Britton introduces a broadcast to the occupied territories by Ambassador Sir Stafford Cripps.
In Honour of Russia | Mary Lane
A former British resident of Moscow describes life there during the war.
In Honour of Russia | Reginald Watson-Jones
A member of the RAF's medical staff visits war-torn Moscow.
Documents
Directive Instructing Programme Makers to Take Care with Russia
BBC bosses advise programme makers to tread carefully when referring to Russia.
A Report from Poland for a Meeting of the BBC Polish Broadcasting Service.
The importance of wartime news and the dangers of listening to it in Poland.
Memos Regarding Jokes about Russia
As Germany invades Russia, the BBC ponders the appropriateness of humour.
Directive Updating Programme Makers on the Situation with Russia.
Programme makers are warned of continuing sensitivities with Russia.
'Britain's Alliance with the Anti-Christ'.
A German propaganda broadcast meant to appeal to christians in Britain.
Intelligence Report on Russian Propaganda Broadcasts
Examples of how Russia tailored its propaganda to national identities.
Memo Showing Programming Decisions about Russia
Scrutiny of the BBC intensifies.
Memo Calling for Caution in Broadcasts to Poland
Evidence of Soviet atrocities in Lwow [Lviv] reaches the BBC.
Intelligence Report on German Propaganda
'Stalin is a primitive Caucasian bandit.'
Memo On Broadcasting Programmes About the USSR
The Head of Talks details the problems with broadcasting features on the USSR.
Policy Directive on News Values
How to balance news reporting with morale building.
BBC Directive Permitting the Broadcast of USSR's National Anthem.
'The Internationale' can now be played, if caution is taken.
Correspondence on Concerns about Promoting Communism
Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
Correspondence on Concerns about Promoting Communism
Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
How Balanced Can the BBC Be about Russia?
'Let the false legend prevail', the government advises.
A Report on BBC Broadcasts to Poland
'As regards the recent crisis in Russo-Polish relations, we have been most circumspect.'
In Honour of Russia: Plans for the night of programming
The theme for the special programme is described.
In Honour of Russia: The Foreign Office queries the plans
Plans for a night of programmes dedicated to Russia cause concern at the Foreign Office.
In Honour of Russia: Press Release
Press release describing the night's schedule.
In Honour of Russia: Script for one of the night's features
Script set in an aircraft factory which supplies Russia.
An Upset Polish Representative Writes to the BBC
The BBC inadvertently causes a diplomatic row with unvetted broadcasts from Russia.
A BBC Directive on What to Include in That Day's Broadcasts to Europe
Churchill's statement about his conference with Stalin must dominate the news.
European News Directive - 24 January 1945
The latest news on the war and how much can be shared with audiences.
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