Our latest “Document of the Week”, chosen by our Editor, Nishah Malik, provides a snapshot into the BBC’s early efforts to assist Indian and Pakistani immigrants with integrating into British society in the 1970s.
Following post-War migration from the Indian subcontinent, the 1970s marked a significant period for Asian immigrants in Britain. Large-scale migration, encouraged by labour shortages and new immigration policies, led to a growing South Asian community across the UK. As families settled and navigated life in Britain, the BBC recognised the need for dedicated programming to support their integration. This extract, from a 1971 BBC handbook, details the television and radio shows presented in simple Hindi and Urdu, described as “Hindustani”.
The BBC’s immigrant-focused programming included Nai Zindagi, Naya Jeevan (“New Life”) and Apna Hi Ghar Samajiye (“Make Yourself at Home”). Both shows became well-known and ran until 1982. Produced by the Immigrant Programmes Unit, these broadcasts played a crucial role in bridging cultural gaps and supporting immigrant communities in their new home. They provided community support, personal advice, Bollywood music, and English language lessons for “housebound mothers and young children”. These programmes also tackled serious topics such as housing discrimination, the balance between assimilation and integration, and whether immigrants should unite.
This document provides a fascinating glimpse into a transformative period in British media history, one in which television and radio became powerful tools for encouraging integration and cultural expression. The legacy of these programmes is significant—they paved the way for greater representation of ethnic minorities in British media. They provided a foundation for later South Asian-focused shows across the BBC, from the BBC Asian Network (1996) to groundbreaking comedy shows, such as The Real McCoy (1991), the iconic Goodness Gracious Me (1998), and the talk show, The Kumars at No. 42 (2000).
Where to find this document
This document is part of our collection, BBC Handbooks, Annual Reports and Accounts, 1927–2002. The British Broadcasting Company became the British Broadcasting Corporation on 1 January 1927. It became an iconic and central part of British culture and life. This collection contains annual reports and accounts published by the BBC between 1927 and 2002, as well as annual public service broadcasting reviews. The collection provides students and scholars with a unique opportunity to examine the social and cultural forces that shaped Britain in the twentieth century.