WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
How Balanced Can the BBC Be about Russia?
'Let the false legend prevail', the government advises.
Page: 1
Page: 1
Writtenin
1942
Synopsis
This letter continues the conversation between Harold Nicolson and the Head of Talks at the BBC about the desirability of achieving balance in programming about Russia. Nicolson reports his conversation with the Minister of Information, Brendan Bracken, who urges caution, not least because of his concerns over the reaction of Maisky, the Russian Ambassador, to any critical broadcasts.
Did you know?
Brendan Bracken, a flamboyant and controversial character, was Churchill's Parliamentary Private Secretary and closest confidant before becoming Minister of Information in 1941. He is credited with transforming the ministry, which previously had fallen foul of both journalists hungry for news and defence staff wary of giving away too much information. Bracken was convinced that the public could handle the truth and he soothed relations with the BBC by using a dual approach, insisting on close scrutiny of overseas broadcasting while allowing the BBC much freer rein for domestic programmes.
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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.
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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
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Memo On Broadcasting Programmes About the USSR
The Head of Talks details the problems with broadcasting features on the USSR.
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How to balance news reporting with morale building.
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'The Internationale' can now be played, if caution is taken.
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Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
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Should the BBC try to temper public enthusiasm for Russia?
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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.
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Plans for a night of programmes dedicated to Russia cause concern at the Foreign Office.
In Honour of Russia: Press Release
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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
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