Dan Snow argues “it would be a complete catastrophe for all of us if the BBC didn’t exist”

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What’s the view from your sofa?

The television is situated in our living area. What makes it quite ingenious is its ability to blend with the room’s decor when switched off, as it camouflages itself as a mirror, thus not overpowering the overall ambiance.

What have you been watching on your mirror-like TV recently?

The entire family enjoys sports – watching the Women’s Euros was quite thrilling! I also like to share some classic movies that I adore with my three kids, such as Indiana Jones and Back to the Future, just to see if they can handle them. Turns out, they do enjoy them.

Who controls the remote at home?

My wife, Lady Edwina Louise Grosvenor, who is both a criminologist and philanthropist, finds working the television challenging. Instead, she needs to go through different platforms like Sky or Netflix, which I find complex and unappealing due to the various universes they offer. This complexity and the need for multiple clicks to reach the desired content are reasons I believe traditional TV is struggling.

Making TV yourself, you’ve moved away from traditional broadcasters?

Observing the wind’s direction sparked my interest in digital programming and publishing for historical content. As a result, I initiated History Hit [digital history platform]. However, I continue to work in television as well, making me a part of two distinct worlds.

Are you optimistic that the five main terrestrial channels can survive over the next 20 years?

It’s quite unlikely that you’d place a bet on it, considering the significant changes over the past 20 years. On History Hit, the Fast channel, which is free and ad-supported, has garnered great popularity. Since it’s scheduled television, it seems we’re revamping TV channels in an unusual fashion. However, it’s worth noting that conventional channels might still persist in some form or another.

Would you go to the barricades in order to save the BBC?

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I couldn’t agree more! The thought of a world without the BBC is utterly terrifying to me. Public service broadcasting holds a unique charm and significance, especially when it comes to our access to unbiased, reliable news. It’s this very aspect that makes Britain stand out.

How important was your father, former Newsnight presenter Peter Snow, in getting you into TV?

I’m deeply grateful to my parents for everything they’ve given me, shaping the person I am today. My presence here is largely due to their influence. Without my father’s passion for history and literature, as well as his frequent trips with me to historical sites, I wouldn’t have pursued history for my A-Levels or higher education. His unique talent for simplifying complex concepts without being patronizing was a significant source of inspiration when the BBC invited us to collaborate on Battlefield Britain.

As a passionate film enthusiast diving into the world of ancient Rome, I can confidently say that crafting an authentic and unique portrayal of daily life in Pompeii for our series “Pompeii: Life in the City” was no easy feat. Each episode was a meticulous journey, filled with research and creative exploration to bring the vibrant, bustling city to life on screen.

As a keen enthusiast, I’m consistently amazed by how much our archaeological explorations have expanded over the years. The techniques we employ today are leaps and bounds beyond what was available just a quarter of a century ago. Now, thanks to advanced excavation methods, we’re uncovering an abundance of organic materials, including remnants of foodstuffs. What’s more, we can now excavate carbonised grass with meticulous care, unlocking a wealth of information about the past.

Filmmaker Ridley Scott reportedly responded to concerns over historical inaccuracies in his movie “Napoleon” by suggesting that the fact-checkers should find something more important to do, leading us to question whether accuracy in history is essential in a film.

It’s quite ironic, isn’t it? I had an amusing chat with Ridley about these films. However, these are dramatizations based on history, not factual accounts. While there are some excellent historical movies that strive for accuracy, such as Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and The Last of the Mohicans, it’s perfectly fine if filmmakers decide to take creative liberties; it’s their prerogative.

Historians and people like me who enjoy delving into details can find humor in such instances. We might even jump on the bandwagon of the publicity and casually point out mistakes like, “That’s not the correct emperor” or “The cloak isn’t accurate!

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2025-08-19 03:16