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.