大象传媒

What was the impact and legacy of the 大象传媒鈥檚 popular current affairs programme that launched Sue Lawley鈥檚 TV career, and spawned the birth of TV consumer journalism?

Series in which Paul Jackson celebrates innovative TV programmes, whilst using them as a window on a particular period in our cultural and social history.

Paul talks to Nationwide鈥檚 first presenter, Michael Barratt and the first director, Keith Clement, who recall the early technical mishaps which threatened to take it off air. The 大象传媒 circuit system wasn鈥檛 quite up to speed with the technical ambition of the programme. When linking to Glasgow, viewers would see wavy lines and hear technical clunks. But within six months, and ever increasing audience numbers, the programme found its feet.

Popular across the nation because of its inclusion of the regions, Sue Lawley explains its success. She also recalls THAT interview with Mrs Thatcher when housewife, Mrs Diana Gould persisted in questioning the prime minister on the decision to sink Argentinian war ship, Belgrano when it 'was sailing away' during the Falklands War.

Producer: Sarah Taylor.

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in May 2013.