This is an excellent collection for anyone interested in the history of British broadcasting and in retracing the development of television as a cultural form. Media International Australia This book will produce as many boos as hurrahs, according to the views and values of individual readers - Murdoch's lecture of 1989 in particular, will either raise hats or hackles - ... Read morebut the worth of the book is enhanced by Franklin's even-handed prefaces to each lecture. The collection of this material between two covers is very welcome. All the MacTaggart lectures are eloquent, individualistic and heartfelt. In addressing the difficult task of editing each text and reducing it to a quarter of its original length, Franklin has succeeded in retaining the strength of the speaker's voice and the ambience of the moment. The result is an eminently readable, thought-provoking collection of arguments by some of the most prominent figures in broadcasting. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of television. In fact, it seems surprising that we have managed without it until now.
Christine Fanthome Journal of British Cinema and Television This is an excellent collection for anyone interested in the history of British broadcasting and in retracing the development of television as a cultural form. This book will produce as many boos as hurrahs, according to the views and values of individual readers - Murdoch's lecture of 1989 in particular, will either raise hats or hackles - but the worth of the book is enhanced by Franklin's even-handed prefaces to each lecture. The collection of this material between two covers is very welcome. All the MacTaggart lectures are eloquent, individualistic and heartfelt. In addressing the difficult task of editing each text and reducing it to a quarter of its original length, Franklin has succeeded in retaining the strength of the speaker's voice and the ambience of the moment. The result is an eminently readable, thought-provoking collection of arguments by some of the most prominent figures in broadcasting. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of television. In fact, it seems surprising that we have managed without it until now. Show Less