The Political Structure of UK Broadcasting 1949-99

In 1999 David Elstein delivered a lecture series examining the evolvement of UK Broadcasting policy from 1949 to 1999. His sharp analysis is a valuable contribution to the post-war development of the British broadcasting system and unfolds many topical issues in current media policy debates.

Nobody is better placed than David Elstein to add to broadcasting history a challenging analysis of the state’s past attempts at cultural policy-making.

Stewart Purvis, Professor of Television Journalism, City University London. 

For many years, David Elstein has been one of the most rigorous and controversial commentators on British broadcasting. These lectures contain historical insights, which also have a great deal of contemporary relevance.

Martin Cave, Visiting Professor, Imperial College Business School.

David Elstein’s high level experience in advertising, subscription and publicly funded broadcasting gives his account of post WWII British broadcasting policy a unique authority. His finding that “broadcasting policy is determined more by the ebb and flow of politics and the activities of determined pressure groups than by ad hoc committees of the great and good” both persuades and provides a salutary challenge to conventional wisdoms.

Richard Collins, Honorary Visiting Professor at the Universities of Exeter and City University London.

David Elstein’s penetrating critique of the six post war inquiries into UK broadcasting is a real contribution to a history of flawed forecasts and missed opportunities.

Richard Tait, Professor of Journalism, Cardiff University.

The book includes an introduction by one of the series editors, Christian Herzog.