Soviet football commentary in a jam

As the England team prepares for its first match since the disappointment of the World Cup, Morand Fachot from Communications has unearthed a gem from the EBU's archives. It seems that a research student working in the bowels of the EBU brought him the document to find out what "jamming" meant:

The Soviet Radio approached the BBC for microphone facilities at the USSR v. England football match on 22nd October. The BBC accordingly advised the Soviet Radio that their commentator would be welcome and microphone facilities would be available but that the BBC would wish to be assured that in exchange the BBC Russian service broadcasts covering the same sporting event would not be subjected to jamming under USSR control. Following the arrival of the Soviet commentator in London, the Soviet Radio was asked to confirm that the BBC's transmissions on the match would be allowed to reach the Russian public undisturbed. The exact times of the BBC broadcast were communicated to the Soviet Radio. No such assurance having been received from Moscow, the BBC feels itself unable to give microphone facilities to the Soviet commentator. It is understood that in the circumstances H.M. Government are not prepared to authorise the G.P.O. to provide the line circuit necessary to carry the Soviet Radio commentary out of this country. It seems to the BBC to be unreasonable for the Soviet Radio to expect to be given facilities to enable them to cover an event in the United Kingdom while Soviet jamming is endeavouring to prevent BBC coverage of of the same event from reaching the Russian public. The decision to grant or refuse a Post Office line from London to Moscow lies with the British Post Office and not with the BBC, but the BBC and the Post Office acting on behalf of H.M. government are in full consultation and agreement regarding their respective parts in this matter.

For the record, the Soviets suffered their worst ever defeat, a five nil drubbing at Wembley. The irony is that, in the end, the BBC probably did them a favour - they must have been quite relieved that no-one back home could hear the radio commentary.

Let's hope it is a good omen for tonight's match against Greece. 

Comments

[Ken]

England won last night's game 4-0, so maybe it was some sort of sign! Seriously though, I am glad EBU keeps these archives because they are an important source for anybody interested in the history of broadcasting. Well done!