The BBC News Bulletin Scripts Archive, available in three comprehensive volumes, offers a unique window on the evolution of scripted radio news from 1937 to 1995. These volumes present a dynamic record of daily radio bulletin transcripts, capturing the pulse of national and global events.
Each volume spans approximately two decades and comprises transcripts of six daily broadcasts. These transcripts not only document the unfolding of significant news events but also reveal the iterative nature of news reporting, with revisions made throughout the day to reflect the latest developments and changes in reporting tone and emphasis. Scholars can analyze the changes made to the original script, such as what was highlighted, crossed out, or added, to understand how news stories were edited and refined before airing.
Now digitally accessible exclusively through ProQuest, these bulletin transcripts come with original annotations and real-time updates, allowing researchers to discern with unprecedented detail and accuracy the manner in which news stories broke and their cadence. This exclusive access unlocks a treasure trove of information, shedding light on the inner workings of newsrooms and the decision-making processes behind news dissemination.
As a leading global media institution, the BBC has played a pivotal role in shaping the public broadcasting landscape. Its transcripts provide a valuable new resource for researchers, highlighting the progression of historical news reporting practices.
View the BBC News Bulletin Scripts Archive Brochure
Coverage spanning 1937-1995 – 6 decades of content
Provides 169,000 radio news bulletins & 2.8 million+ script pages
Unlock transcripts previously unavailable to the public
Collection 1 encompasses pivotal historical events from the 1930s to the 1950s.
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Collection 2 chronicles landmark moments in history and culture from the 1950s to the 1970s.
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Collection 3 covers major historical events from the 1970s to the 1990s.
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RESEARCH, TEACHING AND LEARNING
BBC News Bulletin Scripts Archive provides a wealth of information for researchers interested in exploring topics such as media, culture, history, language, economics, and more.
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An audio archive with transcripts of the weekly Spanish-language Enfoque Nacional (1979-1988), the weekly Spanish-language Panorama Hispano (1984-1987), and the daily English-language Latin File (1988-1990). They focus on Latinx issues related to politics, sociology, human rights, the arts, and more.
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Access over 30 ethnically-focused magazines spanning 100+ years in Ethnicity & Culture Magazine Archive. Explore diverse perspectives and authentic voices from African American, Latinx, Asian, indigenous, and European immigrant communities in North America and elsewhere.
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