DK snaps up books on BBC centenary by Jae and Seatter

DK has signed up two books celebrating the BBC’s centenary by 1Xtra Breakfast Show host Nadia Jae and head of BBC history Robert Seatter.  

Mark Searle, DK licensing publishing director, bought UK rights for both books from Daniel Mirzoeff, head of business development in the BBC’s commercial team. Jae’s BBC Raise Your Voice will be published in July, while Seatter’s Broadcasting Britain: 100 Years Of The BBC is due in September.  

This year, the BBC will be the first major broadcaster in the world to mark 100 years of continuous broadcasting. As part of its special celebratory year, staff and many of its high-profile figures are visiting schools across the UK to share their personal stories. The visits are designed to inspire young people to achieve their goals and help realise their ambitions. Raise Your Voice is the companion to the Share Your Story schools visits. 

Jae said: “As a young black girl I was always taught that my voice was important. To be heard was my superpower. As a broadcaster I’m heard by thousands of people every day. Now, I get to be part of a book of incredible success stories that teach young people how to raise their voice.” 

Broadcasting Britain: 100 Years Of The BBC "unpacks more than 100 broadcasting moments, programmes, and key objects that have shaped our lives, reinvented our world and stayed in our memory," DK said. Stories span the moon landing to 9/11, Monty Python to “EastEnders”,  Live Aid to London 2012. 

Seatter said: “Broadcasting defines us–it is how we remember where we were, what we did and who we are. Across 100 years, the BBC has been at that point of definition and this book relives some of the many thrilling, emotive and magical moments that have brought us together as a community of listeners and viewers in Britain, as well as connecting us to a wider world.” 

Searle added: "We need the BBC more than ever so it’s a privilege to be publishing two books to mark its centenary. Broadcasting Britain is a compelling history of 100 years of the BBC, reflecting its key role at the heart of Britain, while Raise Your Voice provides inspiration for younger readers looking to tell their own unique stories to the world."