Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster

Title: Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster

Author: David Attenborough

Published in: 2002

Date read: 22nd June 2010

Score: 5/5

Genre: Autobiography

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Life on Air" is a memoir by the legendary broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, originally published in 2002 (with updated editions later). It offers a unique and intimate look at his remarkable career, which has spanned over six decades and profoundly shaped natural history broadcasting.

The book is not a traditional autobiography that delves deeply into his personal life, but rather a professional memoir, focusing on his experiences and evolution as a filmmaker and a television executive at the BBC. Attenborough recounts stories from his early days joining the BBC in 1952 as a trainee producer, a time when television was still a very new and experimental medium.

Key aspects covered in "Life on Air" include:

The Genesis of "Zoo Quest": Attenborough details how the ground-breaking "Zoo Quest" series (1954-1964) came about. This was his first opportunity to embark on expeditions to remote parts of the globe, capturing intimate footage of rare wildlife in its natural habitat, a revolutionary concept for television at the time. He vividly describes the challenges and triumphs of these early ventures, including the often unexpected and humorous encounters with animals and local communities.

From Field to Management: The memoir also covers his significant, albeit reluctant, foray into BBC management. He served as Controller of BBC Two (1965-1968), where he famously oversaw the introduction of colour television to Britain. He then became Director of Programmes for the BBC (1969-1972). Attenborough shares insights into the decision-making processes, the creative challenges, and the political landscape of the BBC during this formative period. He reveals his ultimate desire to return to the field, away from administrative duties, which he did in 1973.

The Landmark "Life" Series: A substantial part of the book is dedicated to the creation of his iconic "Life" series, which cemented his status as the world's leading natural history program maker. He discusses the vision, technical innovations, and the sheer dedication required to produce series like "Life on Earth" (1979), "The Living Planet" (1984), "The Trials of Life" (1990), "The Private Life of Plants" (1995), and "The Life of Birds" (1998). He shares anecdotes about ground-breaking filming techniques, dangerous expeditions, and the profound experiences of witnessing extraordinary natural phenomena.

Encounters with People and Wildlife: Throughout the book, Attenborough shares a wealth of entertaining and insightful anecdotes about the fascinating people he has met – from indigenous tribes and fellow naturalists to famous figures – and the incredible array of animals he has encountered face-to-face. His storytelling is characterized by his signature enthusiasm, keen observation, and often dry wit.

Reflections on Broadcasting and Nature: Beyond the adventure, Attenborough offers his reflections on the evolution of television, the ethics of natural history filmmaking, and his deep-seated passion for the natural world. He discusses the challenges of conveying complex scientific information to a mass audience and the responsibility of showcasing nature truthfully, even its brutal aspects.

"Life on Air" is a testament to David Attenborough's enduring curiosity, his pioneering spirit, and his unparalleled contribution to both broadcasting and global environmental awareness. It's a fascinating read for anyone interested in natural history, television history, or the life of one of Britain's most beloved figures.

Comments:
You will not find many autobiographies in my collection as I generally do not like them. For this, however, I had to make an exception. This book did two things, firstly, it painted a portrait of an exceptional life, secondly, it showed me how boring my life is. At the time of writing this, Sir David Attenborough is 99 so he has lived for a further 23 years since this book came out and I am sure that he has done more than enough to fill a second volume.

Books that we've read by David Attenborough (1):
Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster (2002)