Why Not Visit Auntie?
WHY NOT VISIT AUNTIE?
What really goes on and has gone on at the BBC in Wales? There are currently two opportunities in Cardiff to delve into ‘Auntie’s’ past and present in the Principality. One is an exhibition at the National Museum and the other what seems to be a fascinating tour of the shiny new BBC headquarters in Central Square. So why not visit the exhibitions and find out more about ‘Auntie’ in Wales?
The first broadcast in Wales was on 13 February 1923 from the radio station 5WA at 19 Castle Street, Cardiff. So, to mark the centenary of the BBC in Wales the National Museum has put together an exhibition ‘BBC 100 in Wales’ which runs until 16 April 2023. The exhibition offers the experience of a walk through time to discover more about the history of the BBC in Wales and how 100 years of broadcasting has evolved.
There is an opportunity to see the technology, programmes and costumes of the past through objects and archive foot-age. Dr Who exhibits are much in evidence, along with items from recent programmes like ‘Sherlock’ and ‘His Dark Materials’. You can even relax in a 1970s living room and watch some Christmas TV. The exhibition has been co-developed with a group of young people to question the representation of communities on the BBC and how the future may evolve. ‘We want to hear from you, too – join the conversation’ they say and ‘tell us about your BBC memories and viewpoints on your visit to the exhibition. Tickets are free and available online or as daily walk-up visits. The museum opens at 10am and closes at 5pm, although it is now open until 9pm on the first Thursday of every month. Parking is available at the rear of the museum and costs £6.50 via a pay station accepting card payments only.
BBC Wales itself is providing an interesting opportunity to step into the future of broadcasting with a tour of the new headquarters in Central Square. ‘Ever wondered how sound effects are added to your favourite podcasts? Or what it’s like to read the news? Join our friendly guides for an exclusive behind-the-scenes award-winning tour of BBC Cymru Wales.’ BBC Central Square has received a coveted Visit Wales gold award for the quality of its tours, during which you visit one of the largest BBC newsrooms ‘packed with cutting-edge technology including augmented reality, virtual reality and robotic cameras.’
Each walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. As a live and working broadcast centre, no two tours are the same. Tours take place Thursday-Sunday with a choice of three times 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm. There are security checks before each tour. You are advised not to bring large shop-ping bags or rucksacks as BBC Wales do not provide cloakroom facilities for storing bags or lug-gage. Tickets can be purchased online with adult tickets priced £13, with students, those under 62 years and registered unemployed £10. Over 25s and disabled person tickets are £16.00. You can also get a family ticket (1 Adult and up to 3 children or 6 Adults and 6 children) £38.00
Incidentally no one quite knows where the BBC got the nickname ‘Auntie.’ The BBC written archives say that it was used in the 1950s to contrast BBC’s prudish, cosy and refrained image with that of the much brasher ITV. Another explanation is that it comes from the early days when BBC bosses, largely of middle class origins, demonstrated daily that they knew what was best for listeners and later on the viewers. This was derided by critics as the “Auntie knows best” syndrome. Hence the shortened version of “Auntie”. Another fun explanation is that it came from the term ‘Auntie Beeb’ used with mock-affection by the comic broadcaster Kenny Everett who likened the BBC’s repressed attitudes to those of a maiden aunt.