A double-decker bus, an elephant and 300 Girl Guides: analyzing 'space' and 'place' in Blue Peter

Beauchamp, A. (2012) A double-decker bus, an elephant and 300 Girl Guides: analyzing 'space' and 'place' in Blue Peter. Journal of Media Practice, 12 (3). pp. 235-244. ISSN 1468-2753 doi: 10.1386/jmpr.12.3.235_1

Abstract/Summary

This article draws upon Karen Lury's definitions of 'space' and 'place' in relation to the BBC children's programme Blue Peter (1958–present). Through an analysis of the Blue Peter studio over the past 53 years, Amanda Beauchamp highlights its evolution from a 'space' to a 'place' within the history of children's television. Her article considers how the Blue Peter studio's 'infinite nature' was achieved, alongside the role it played in creating the programme institution. She addresses the impact of major changes in the studio layout since 2005, when the studio went from being 'tardis-like' to a 'cosy cubbyhole'. Amanda concludes by questioning the impact that this change has had on programme identity and whether the 'place' that pre-2005 Blue Peter took 47 years to create has been compromised.