麻豆社

An enthralling series exploring how the 麻豆社 fought not only Hitler but also the British government to become the institution it is today. Hailed and derided in equal measure, the 麻豆社 in 1939 had yet to seal its reputation. With the advent of war, the corporation found itself thrust into a battle against the Nazis and the machinations of the British government. This series examines how the conflict transformed the 麻豆社, what impact its broadcasts had at home and abroad, and uncovers the battles that raged with the government over its independence - out of which was forged the template for the modern 麻豆社.

Wholly unprepared for what was the world's first broadcast war, the 麻豆社 fended off complete government takeover and emerged a trusted global news source, transmitting in 47 languages. Using a wealth of preserved recordings and previously unseen documents, Jonathan Dimbleby uncovers the compelling story of how the 麻豆社 went into battle against Hitler and Whitehall's ministers, and its part in the social revolution the war provoked. He also considers the voices of the 麻豆社 at war - many of whom became household names but would never have been allowed near a microphone in different circumstances.

From an early Nazi propaganda coup that forced the 麻豆社 into action and how fears of a crisis in morale at home led to class barriers being swept away on the airwaves to how determination and technical improvisation enabled broadcasting from the heart of the war zone, 麻豆社 at War reveals how World War II was the making of the 麻豆社 - and nearly its breaking.

In this programme, Jonathan Dimbleby looks at how the 麻豆社 prepared to report from the front line during World War II.