The Friends of West Wickham Library enjoyed an amusing and informative talk by former broadcaster Richard Straker about his time spent behind the scenes at the BBC.

Sat among the bookshelves of the library, the Friends learned of the technological and cultural changes that have occurred over the years in television and radio production.

Mr Straker began his 32-year BBC career in radio, which involved working on such well-known productions as the Today programme, World at One and PM.

Moving into television in 1971 he became senior television announcer in 1985, with responsibility for looking after and training other announcers.

He combined this role with that of interview techniques consultant for the FCO, providing media training to ambassadors and other high-level representatives.

Mr Straker used the institution of the BBC canteen as an example of cultural changes.

From being a place where one could often bump into household names, such as band members of Blondie, Mr Straker noted how the increased use of location filming meant that such chance meetings became less common during his broadcasting career.

It was also instructive to note the comparison between old and new broadcasting technologies.

For example, that both traditional 2" tapes and modern digital production methods create particular timing difficulties.

The former meant having to time announcements to correspond with the starting point of programmes on the tape, while the latter gives rise to the time lag evident in television interviews by satellite with persons not in the studio.

The talk was followed by a raffle and refreshments.

For further information on the activities of the Friends, phone Chair Peggy Spencer on 020 8777 7871.

By William Aps