Posted by Griff on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/Mel-Oxley-tp1510351.html

Hi All :)

I just got an email from my friend at the BBC. Apparently, there are
NO pictures of Mel in the current library. She and a number of people
she has talked to about this are disgusted, as he is well remembered
and was extremely popular by the BBC old school. But, apparently in
the early eighties, there was a huge purge of stills, audio tape,
records and films - practically a whole warehouse-full was either
destroyed or just thrown away. Many (just about everyone) BBC people
at the time protested (it was even raised in Parliament), but the
top-brass did nothing about it, and also by then it was too late. I am
told that the decision pretty much was made by one person who is hated
by most BBC folks. He retired very shortly after. Many priceless
audio and video episodes and collections were lost, amongst them
episodes of the Goons, Dr Who, Dick Barton, and many many other
irreplaceable items.

The old 'stills' card index still survives, and apparently lists Mel
Oxley and a ton of other personalities, but their images are no more.

It has since been cited as the greatest piece of vandelism ever
undertaken in the name of 'taking up space' and one of the greatest
folies, especially considering that the BBC had at the time miles of
space. Also, since this fiasco, the BBC has spent a fortune restoring
and rebuilding audio and video archives recorded by the public and
other old copies sent abroad. It is a very sensitive subject to just
about anyone who works at the Beeb.

However, my contact says that Mel worked for the BBC World Service, as
well as many independent broadcast companies - radio and TV, and she
has asked an opposite number to look into it, and also get library
pictures of many other of the bradcasting 'greats' that are also missing.

I'll keep you posted as I get any new information...

Best to all :)

Griff