BBC

On Monday, as part of my "Media & Communication for Social Change" class, we went on a tour inside the BBC building. Although not the actual headquarters, the "Bush House" hosts The World Service Trust. This branch of the BBC is responsible for implementing international development, humanitarian work, and advocacy. Basically, they go to the rescue for whatever country they find to be in desperate need of help. Our teacher, Lisa Robinson, works here as well so she set everything up for us.

We sat down for a meeting, where I met Larry Blackstock. Something this guy said really stood out for me. He said, the thing that helps him wake up every morning and makes him go to work is the fact that he can help someone in need and actually bring change to the world. I think if he was older, it wouldn't have had such a profound effect on me, but since he was relatively young, it became a statement of inspiration. He must be incredibly lucky to have a job that makes him feel that way, because from the way I see it, it is an extremely rare thing.

The tour was concluded after we had a brief discussion with the India group. They have one project where they host a television debate show to influence dialogue between the candidates. The show also has a segment where the audience members can ask the politicians questions: a concept completely unimaginable for the natives. Their second project is a television program where women travel around different villages and towns opening dialogue about sexual health. Although these programs may seem like nothing too big for us Americans, it has potential to bring a world of change into these countries where they are so accustomed to living under suppression. The role the BBC has around the world is commendable, and I wish them the best of luck in their future projects. Working for them would be an honor.