Abstract
In its seven chapters, this book explores British Asian radio broadcasting between 1960 and 2004 and critically examines the roles of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Independent Broadcasting Authority and Radio Authority. It discusses initiatives to address issues of settlement and race relations as well as successes, failures and campaigns of interest. Chapter 2, ‘A Reflection on Media and Migration’, holds a particular focus on Asian migration and its impacts on British media. Chapter 3, ‘Settlement and Race Relations’, reviews the process of settling in Britain for migrants from the Indian subcontinent and East Africa between 1960 and 1970. Chapter 4, ‘The Role of the BBC as a Public Service Broadcaster’, explores the role of the media in education regarding the issue of race. Chapter 5, ‘The Mere Representations to Genuine Participation’, evaluates the changes within the BBC and the introduction of local radio and how this contributed to shaping British Asian radio broadcasting. Chapter 7, ‘Community Radio Movement’, reviews other radio initiatives in the 1980s, which resulted in the separation of Asian radio broadcasting in England. Finally, chapter 8, ‘The Ultimate Creation of British Asian Radio’, explores the introduction of the Broadcasting Act 1990 and the Restricted Service License and how the continued development of radio contracts impacts British Asian radio. All in all, this is a useful historic volume, which would indeed be of interest to anyone interested in ethnic and mother-tongue radio broadcasting, cultural and communication studies, media history and British cultural history.