BBC Sound Archive
The BBC Sound Archive is a collection of audio recordings maintained by the BBC and founded in 1936. Its recordings date back to the late 19th century and include many rare items, including contemporary speeches by public and political figures, folk music, British dialects and sound effects.
Foundation and early years
The BBC began broadcasting in 1922 but nothing was recorded until ten years later. At that time, only one recording machine, a
By 1936 a number of
Coverage, access and development
The archive includes material dating back to the 19th century, including about 200
Resource constraints mean that the BBC has been selective in maintaining items in the archive. About 66% of radio output is now archived,[8] the collection's recordings are of around 350,000 hours in total duration.[9] Automatically available are "live major news sequence programmes, live music sessions and concerts, drama, arts, features, events, light entertainment, science and education programmes", while "DJ shows with commercially recorded music, local radio and World Service output" are less likely to be retained.[10]
Access to part of the archive is made available to researchers and the public through the British Library.[11]
Technological advances have increasingly improved the durability of early recordings, requiring their translation into digital formats, and enhancements such as noise reduction.[12][13]
References
- ^ "BBC Archive - The BBC Sound Archive". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ a b c "Saving the sounds of history". BBC News. 30 August 2007. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ "Planned Environment Therapy Trust Archive and Study Centre. Publications by Staff. Craig Fees, "Appreciation [Marie Slocombe, 1912-1995]" FOLK MUSIC JOURNAL (1996), pp. 272-273". www.pettarchiv.org.uk. Archived from the original on 5 September 2008. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ "BBC - BBC Internet Blog: Pioneers of the BBC Sound Archive". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 February 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ "BBC Archive - Preserving the Sound Archive". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
- ^ "The Archive Hour". www.radiolistings.co.uk. Archived from the original on 7 January 2013. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ "Spoken Word Services » Blog Archive » BBC Archive trial takes off". www.spokenword.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ "BBC Archive - The BBC Sound Archive". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
- ^ "BBC Archive - The BBC Television Archive". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 February 2010. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
- ^ "BBC Sound Archive — SSRC". mediaresearchhub.ssrc.org. Archived from the original on 23 April 2009. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ "Using the Sound Archive catalogue". www.bl.uk. Archived from the original on 15 January 2010. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
- ^ "BBC Archive - Preserving the Sound Archive". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
- ^ "BBC Archive - Preserving the Sound Archive". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2010.