• Give or get 20% off annual Patreon backing for Origin Story in our Black Friday sale• Fill in our listener survey for a chance to win an exclusive Origin Story t-shirt.Welcome to part two of the story of the BBC. The Second World War is over, radio is booming and television is back. The BBC is stronger than ever, with new talent, new formats and new opportunities. But there are new challenges too: stormy waters over the Suez crisis and a brash new competitor in the form of ITV.Under director general Hugh Carleton Greene, the BBC plugs into the revolutionary energy of the 1960s: Radio 1, Doctor Who, Cathy Come Home, That Was the Week That Was. Meanwhile, David Attenborough’s highbrow upstart BBC2 introduces the nation to colour TV and landmark documentaries. The 70s and 80s are a golden age for ratings, from Morecambe and Wise to Live Aid to EastEnders. Yet there’s also a looming existential crisis thanks to Margaret Thatcher, who loathes the corporation as the embodiment of the bloated state and centre-left groupthink. After the defenestration of DG Alasdair Milne, John Birt gives the BBC a Thatcherite makeover that fends off the Tory assault, but at what cost?In the 21st century, the BBC has lived under the shadow of scandals, cuts and relentless salvos from the right — every blunder, from the Iraq War to Jimmy Savile, becomes another cudgel for its enemies to beat it with. Too successful and it’s accused of stifling competition. Not successful enough and it’s not worth the license fee. The crisis never ends. Yet more than nine in ten of us use it every week and would be devastated to lose it.How has the BBC lived up to the Reithian imperative to inform, educate and entertain, and why did Reith himself end up hating it? How can an organisation so powerful be so vulnerable? Is its unruly pluralism a blessing or a curse? Is it really politically biased — and if so, in which direction? And who did Mary Whitehouse personally blame for Britain’s “moral collapse”? Tune in.Reading listPatrick Barwise and Peter York – The War Against the BBC (2020)John Birt – The Harder Path: The Autobiography (2002)Bill Cotton – Double Bill: 80 Years of Entertainment (2000)Desert Island Discs with Sir Hugh Greene (1983)Simon Elmes – And Now on Radio 4: A Celebration of the World’s Best Radio Station (2007)Lionel Fielden – The Natural Bent (1960)Grace Wyndham Goldie – Facing the Nation: Television and Politics 1936-1976 (1977)David Hendy – The BBC: A People’s History (2022)Charlotte Higgins – This New Noise: The Extraordinary Birth and Troubled Life of the BBC (2015)Sam Knight – ‘Can the BBC Survive the British Government?’, New Yorker (2022)Ian McIntyre – The Expense of Glory: A Life of John Reith (1993)Eric Maschwitz – No Chip on My Shoulder (1957)Hilda Matheson – Broadcasting (1933)Joe Moran – Armchair Nation: An Intimate History of Britain in Front of the TV (2014)JCW Reith – Broadcast Over Britain (1924)JCW Reith – Into the Wind (1949)Jean Seaton – Pinkoes and Traitors: The BBC and the Nation 1974-1987 (2015)Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Produced by Simon Williams. Music by Jade Bailey. Art by Jim Parrett. Logo by Mischa Welsh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the captivating evolution of the BBC, from its humble beginnings in 1922 to its status as a global broadcasting giant. Explore the intricate dynamics of government influence during WWII and the challenges the organization faced, including disinformation. The narrative also delves into the idealism of early broadcasting and its potential to unify society while highlighting key figures who shaped its mission. Throughout, the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity amidst external pressures is underscored, setting the stage for a reflective journey.

Explore the tumultuous political journey of Benjamin Netanyahu as he navigates the complexities of Israeli politics and the Oslo peace process. Delve into his strategies and controversies during his first term and subsequent comeback. Discover how political corruption and internal divides shaped the landscape leading to conflicts with both rivals and allies. Reflect on the shifting dynamics of foreign relations, particularly with the U.S., and the profound implications for the Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts that once seemed attainable.

Discover the tumultuous journey of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, as he navigates scandals and political rivalries. Unravel the influence of his father's revisionist Zionism on his hardline views and leadership style. Delve into how his experiences, from military service to personal loss, have shaped his worldview. The podcast highlights Netanyahu's fear-based tactics in politics and the complex dynamics of Israeli identity and governance amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

In a live show, Dorian and Ian dive deep into the chaotic aftermath of a Presidential election. They unravel the implications of a potential Trump victory on the UK, highlighting the fragility of democracy. The discussion touches on U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Ukraine, and the emotional impact of Britain’s post-Brexit trade challenges. There’s a spirited debate on voter behavior and political identity, alongside reflections on the role of sanctions and the ethics of military authority amid rising political tensions.

In this thought-provoking analysis, emotions run high as the speakers grapple with the ramifications of a historic election outcome. They touch on the fragility of democracy and the unsettling rise of public distrust. The discussion delves into the complexities of voter intelligence and engagement, highlighting how personal experiences often overshadow ideology. Additionally, they compare today's political rhetoric to historical fascism, unearthing the dynamics of social control in modern politics and the role of fear amplified by social media.

The discussion dives into existential risks of AI, contrasting the fearful and optimistic perspectives on technology's future. Thought-provoking scenarios illustrate how a simple AI task could lead to catastrophic outcomes. The impact of automation on jobs and ethical programming responsibilities is explored, along with the dark side of AI algorithms shaping media. The importance of regulation and humanity's moral choices in technology use is emphasized, alongside musings on AI's ability to create emotionally resonant art.

Delve into the dark evolution of conspiracy theories and their troubling transition from niche interests to mainstream phenomena. Discover how these narratives exploit our need for simplicity amid chaos, influencing political landscapes and societal trust. Unpack the psychological factors driving conspiratorial thinking, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore the narrative structure of conspiracy theories and their emotional allure, revealing why they capture the imagination and fuel division in modern society.

The podcast dives into the captivating journey of artificial intelligence, exploring its historical roots from Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' to Ada Lovelace’s skepticism. It highlights the societal anxieties and ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, especially with the rise of tools like ChatGPT. Key figures such as Alan Turing are discussed, alongside the cultural impacts of sci-fi portrayals. The conversation also touches on the evolution of gender dynamics in computing and the cyclical nature of excitement and skepticism throughout AI's history.

Delve into the intense world of suffragettes as they escalate their fight for women's rights through radical actions and violence. Emily Wilding Davison's tragic sacrifice transforms her into a martyr, sparking public outrage. Explore the internal conflicts within the movement, especially between the Pankhursts, and the impact of World War I on suffrage efforts. The podcast raises thought-provoking questions about the morality of militant tactics and their effectiveness, offering valuable insights for modern activists looking to learn from history.