Pronunciation Unit

From IPS-Compendium

Pronunciation Unit : From the earliest days of the Corporation, great care was taken with the pronunciation of names and places. Professor A Lloyd James was the consultant to the BBC and his work led to the formation of the Pronunciation Unit during WWII. It produced books and pamphlets to give guidance to doubtful pronunciations. These were usually checked with two references from authorities at source - such as the local postmaster of a town or village. A daily memo was issued giving guides to topical names and staff of the Unit was always on hand on the telephone to give advice to producers and announcers. The Unit also issued a series of books (Composers, Artists, etc) which were kept particularly in Continuity Suites. Since Mammon took over, each enquiry now costs the enquiring department £10, which is why so many incorrect pronunciations are broadcast daily and the Unit is clearly destined for oblivion.