Description

A passionate vision of British television intellectuals as distinctive professionals using media to translate knowledge and serve the public good.

Offering a pioneering exploration of one of Britain's most significant yet often overlooked television phenomena, this book traces the rise and development of the TV intellectual as a distinct presence over the past sixty-five years. Situated within the framework of public intellectual theory, it explores several of Britain's most notable and influential cultural figures, revealing how these unusual kinds of stars have combined creativity and intellect to engage wide international audiences.

At the heart of these intellectuals' work lies a profound engagement with the concept of civilization--ranging from early concerns about its survival to critical reflections on colonialism and its legacies. The book shows how these influential figures, together with the television medium itself, have explored civilization in all its complexities, including thoughtful considerations of its future.

Blending historical analysis with cultural critique, this book will appeal to students and scholars in media and cultural studies, offering a compelling study of the intellectual and creative forces shaping British television across decades.