WWII: Outbreak | Britain on the brink of World War II

Instructions for the News Department on the Outbreak of War

'This department will have to stand by in a period of comparative chaos.'

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Document with instructions for the News Department on the Outbreak of War (page 1 of 2).

Page: 1 2 Back | Next

Document Type | Memo

29 June 1939

Text version

Writtenin

1939

Synopsis

In this slightly chilling memo, details are laid out for how the News Department will be reorganised, how its role will change in a war situation and what will happen with regards to censorship of information. It is interesting to note that only male members of staff will be seconded to the newly activated Ministry of Information government department.

Did you know?

The war brought about a rich and exciting phase of radio history. BBC news was soon recognised as a major wartime service with direct news reporting, eyewitness accounts and front-line commentaries included in BBC programmes for the first time. A regular BBC foreign news service, together with a permanent staff of foreign correspondents, was also formed as a result of the outbreak of war.

Contributors

RT Clark (Senior News Editor)
Writer

Associated subjects

BBC History | Home Front | World War II

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