John Reith and The British Broadcasting Company

John Reith and The British Broadcasting Company

The turn of the 20th century was a time of drastic change. The world was experiencing its first World War, cultural changes in music and clothing , and the League of Nations was established. Radio broadcasts first aired in 1920 covering these events. In October 1922, John Reith established the British Broadcasting Company to broadcast to the British nation.

John Reith, born of George and Adah Reith, was born on July 20, 1889 in Stonehaven, Kincardineshire. John spent most of his young life scraping through school. At fifteen, he apprenticed under an engineer. He went on to pursue a job in London at the engineering firm S Pearson and Son five years later. (John) In 1914, Britain joined the first World War. (Terraine) Reith was called up and stationed in France. One day while helping his major inspect the trenches, he was shot in the face by a German bullet. He was then finished with active duty (John).

John went to America with his former engineering firm (Pearsons) to work at an arms company in Philidelphia. He led an inspection team that checked rifles for the war effort. This year and a half time period gave him experience and exposure as a public figure. Reith met powerful figures such as John D. Rockefeller and spoke at many prestigious universities. In 1917, John Reith returned to Britain to work with the Royal Marine Engineers. During this time, he became engaged to local Muriel Odhams. (John)

The Morning Post advertised a job posting for the general manager of the British Broadcasting Company in 1922. It was being organized by several local radio stations to broadcast to all local radios. John Reith applied and was then hired as general manager. (John) ...

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