Behind The Scenes @ BBC Broadcasting House

Yesterday morning I was over at the BBC’s Broadcasting House, the classic art deco building on Portland Place in central London, for a discussion on the Digital Switchover process for our region hosted by Maggie Philbin. Several of London’s very active ‘hyperlocal’ online groups were represented – these online organisations provide a forum for local people in various areas across the city to air grievances, resolve problems, organise activities and act as a sounding board for local government policy. A quick google search using your postcode or the name of your area will soon reveal whether your local area has an active group – unfortunately, not every part of London is equally represented…

[EDIT] Following on from the meeting Networked Neighbourhoods have put up a post which explains what local websites can offer to the Beeb, and vice versa: http://networkedneighbourhoods.com/?p=1016

The simple art deco clock above the fireplace in the Council Chamber

Today’s meeting was held in the Council Chamber of the building (which is set to become the home for the BBC’s entire serious news output when the corporation vacates the White City complex over in West London). This semi-circular double-height room sits right behind Eric Gill’s 1933 frieze of Ariel and Prospero, which dominates the space above the main entrance. What’s surprising, given that its a physical manifestation of the organisation’s powerful past, is how austere and plain this room is. However when you consider the circumstances surrounding the building’s creation all becomes clear – Broadcasting House was built in 1931 in the immediate aftermath of the Great Depression. One of the key factors that influenced the building’s architectural style, which incorporates strong, clean lines and simple geometric shapes, is austerity – art deco designs are considerably cheaper to realise (and mass produce) than the elaborate bespoke decorative styles that marked the art nouveau and earlier periods…

[box]The Switchover Help Scheme offers cheap digital set-top boxes and free installation by a CRB-checked technician for the elderly and the disabled. For certain groups of people receiving income-related benefits the set-top box is actually free, and there’s also a 12 month after-care helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties using their new equipment. You can find out about the scheme, and check your eligibility for the free service, by visiting the Switchover Help Scheme website here. You might also want to consider checking whether your elderly relatives and neighbours know about the scheme so that they’re prepared in April when the analog TV signal in London is switched off…[/box]