In just over 300 pages the author gives a comprehensive history of the BBC and also provides much in the way of analysis of the relationship between the broadcaster and state.
David Harris, Radio Listeners Guide 2023
A sharp-eyed survey of the BBC's increasingly fraught relations with other people, notably politicians and listeners.
Dominic Green
In my view, this book is a masterpiece because it blends perceptive political analysis and thorough historical perspective with an informed evaluation of future challenges.
David Harris, Radio User
Like a good physician, [Potter] is not squeamish about sticking in the scalpel to reveal some grisly realities
Oscar Jelley, Oxford Review of Books
... lucid book provides a useful account of the key staging posts in the life of this national institution... leads readers on a pleasant canter, starting from the BBC's small beginnings... this book offers value for money as a general introduction to the BBC and a good read overall.
Chandrika Kaul, BBC History Magazine
... academic and astringent... [earns its] place on the ever lengthening shelf of Beebology.
Stefan Collini
Potter's book This is the BBC can best be seen as a summarising study of the abundant BBC literature, with a special focus on broadcasting's international function.
Huub Wijfjes, TMG journal