The importance of protest has always been an essential part of the democratic process in the UK, and now with a new Police and Crime Bill being passed, that right is under threat. 

This documentary takes you into the heart of two events of the 20th Century where protest was never more vital. Author and historian David Rosenberg discusses The Battle Of Cable Street of 1936 and the challenge to Moseley’s British Union of Fascists in London’s East End; while Senior Lecturer in Modern British History at Goldsmith’s University Dr. John Price talks about the Battle Of Lewisham, which saw local communities stand against the National Front’s uprising in 1977; and Jan Nielson, of Unite Against Fascism talks about her experiences at the Battle of Lewisham, and the importance of protest in the modern day. 

This programme explores why the battles in the wider war against injustice and oppression must continue - especially in light of the new bill.

Image taken at the Battle of Cable Street mural, London.

Battles In A Longer War

A look at the history and evolution of the radio documentary feature, a hybrid form which can sometimes appear closer to music or poetry than to news reporting.

First broadcast 28th June 2008 BBC Radio 4
Produced by Alan Hall

The Ballad Of The Radio Feature

When we think of the sound of sport on TV or radio, it's generally commentary. But what's around the commentary? Broadcast sport would be nothing without the crowds, the kicks, the thwacks and the grunts. This programme is about those sounds and why they matter.

During the World Cup of 2010, the Vuvuzelas made many people realise that the sound of a sports event, something they took for granted, does matter.

Dennis Baxter's job is to think about the sound of sport, and he is our guide. For nearly 20 years he's worked on the Olympics, defining how the broadcast will sound, always trying to increase drama and excitement. For him, closer is generally better. If he can put a microphone on an athlete, he will.

At the Oxford-Cambridge boat race, the TV coverage is enhanced by microphones on the cox in each boat. Whilst Wimbledon has a special sonic drama all of its own, as we learn from Bill Whiston who mixed the Bafta-nominated sound of the 2008 finals.

When good sound isn't available, it's not uncommon for a prerecorded sound to be added to cover the shot. Is this cheating or merely giving us what we expect?

The experience of "live" events can be highly produced, very different from the experience of being there. Is this enhanced sound so very different from that of a film or a video game? We meet a Hollywood sound effects specialist and a video game sound designer to find out what they do to create a sense of authenticity and excitement. Are they raising our expectations of how "real" sport should sound?

As we approach the 2012 Olympics, this programme will make you think more about what you hear when you watch sport.

First broadcast on 30th April 2011 BBC Radio 4
Presented by Dennis Baxter
Produced by Peregrine Andrews

The Sound of Sport

Radio MA at Goldsmiths alumni, now audio editor and producer creating original documentaries and helping others with theirs.

Battles In A Longer War

Stuart Beckwith

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