Witness History

Tony Britten, a renowned composer best known for creating the UEFA Champions League anthem in 1992, shares the fascinating story behind this iconic piece of music. He reveals how he crafted a classical theme to revitalize football's image during a troubled time. Listeners will enjoy insights into the pressures of the project, the key inspiration drawn from Handel, and the anthem's transformation into a global phenomenon. Britten also offers a glimpse into the surreal and shocking moments that have shaped sports history.

Explore the captivating life of Vivian Maier, a little-known street photographer who captured urban life with her Rolleiflex camera. Working as a nanny in Chicago, she amassed over 150,000 striking images, yet rarely shared her work. After her death, her hidden artistry was unveiled, changing the narrative around her enigmatic persona. Dive into eye-witness accounts that reveal the complexity of her interactions and the unrecognized genius that immortalized fleeting moments through her lens.

In the aftermath of World War Two, a group of famous photographers brought their individual styles into one powerful collaboration, over a celebratory bottle of champagne. On 22 May 1947 the agency, Magnum Photos was founded, going on to represent some of the world’s best photographers. In 2017, Louise Hidalgo spoke to Jinx Rodger, the widow of one of the founders, and Inge Bondi one of the very first staff members.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: French photographer Raymond Depardon who become a partner at Magnum Photos. Credit: Raph GATTI / AFP via Getty Images)

Martín Chambi is regarded as one of the most important indigenous Peruvian photographers of the 20th century. Famous for his black and white images of local Andean people and the surrounding countryside, Chambi’s work challenged preconceptions of Peruvian culture and traditions. In 1924 he was among the first to photograph Machu Picchu – his work helping to shape the way Peru is seen around the world. His photography was declared part of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation by Peru’s government in 2019. Jacqueline Paine speaks to his grandson Roberto Chambi.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Martín Chambi self-portrait 1923. Credit: Martín Chambi Archive.)

J. D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, who was known as Nigeria’s top photographer, started documenting women’s hairstyles in 1968. He built up a portfolio of around 2,000 negatives revealing the elaborate ways African women styled their hair through his series of black and white photos. A selection of his 'Hairstyles' prints was displayed at the Venice Biennale in 2013. Reena Stanton-Sharma speaks to his son Amaize Ojeikere, also a photographer, about his father’s work. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic’ and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they’ve had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America’s occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: 'Hairstyles' by J. D. 'Okhai Ojeikere. Credit: TERESA SUAREZ/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

On 11 September, 2001, a small Canadian town called Gander became a haven for thousands of airline passengers and crew stranded after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The attacks on the World Trade Center had forced the closure of US airspace leaving many flights unable to land. Within hours, 38 planes with 7,000 passengers, had been diverted to Gander, effectively doubling the town's population. But what happened next showcased the extraordinary kindness and generosity of the Newfoundlanders. For five days, local residents provided beds, food, medicine and clothing for those stranded during the crisis, and didn’t ask for a penny. They even put on music evenings, barbecues and canoe trips to keep their visitors entertained.

In the 1940s, Swedish researchers conducted a shocking experiment on hospital patients, feeding them excessive sugar to study its effects on dental health. Initially viewed as a success, the study's dark ethical implications surfaced decades later when documents revealed the lack of consent and severe dental damage. Elin Bommenel's discovery prompted a critical reflection on these practices, exposing troubling aspects of Sweden's healthcare history and calling for greater awareness in disability care. It's a story that highlights the forgotten victims of questionable medical research.

In Mexico, a groundbreaking soda tax was introduced in 2013 to combat rising diabetes rates. Advocates faced fierce opposition from the beverage industry, which used media tactics to undermine their efforts. The connection between sugary drinks and health crises was stark, with alarming conditions in schools lacking safe drinking water. Despite intimidation faced by health officials, grassroots advocacy led to the tax's implementation, showcasing both the challenges and triumphs in promoting public health.

On May 14, 1955, Soviet and European leaders signed the Warsaw Pact, a key moment in Cold War history. This treaty emerged as a response to NATO and reflected the intense geopolitical tensions of the era. Key events like the Berlin Blockade and the Hungarian uprising showcased its impact. The narrative also revisits the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia during the Prague Spring, highlighting the struggles within communist states. Eyewitness accounts bring these historical moments to life, revealing their lasting implications.

Mark Seifer, biographer of Nikola Tesla, delves into the electrifying rivalry between Tesla and Thomas Edison. The discussion emphasizes Tesla's groundbreaking innovations, particularly his alternating current system, and contrasts them with Edison’s direct current methods. Listeners learn about the intense competition over the Niagara Falls hydroelectric plant and the mystery of why neither inventor received a Nobel Prize despite their monumental contributions. Seifer paints a vivid picture of two brilliant minds whose legacies forever changed the world of electricity.