The recommendations of the Crawford Committee were published in March the following year and were still under consideration by the GPO when the 1926 general strike broke out in May. The strike temporarily interrupted newspaper production and with restrictions on news bulletins waived the BBC suddenly became the primary source of news for the duration of the crisis.
The crisis placed the BBC in a delicate position. On one hand Reith was acutely aware that the Government might exercise its right to commandeer the BBC at any time as a mouthpiece of the Government if the BBC were to step out of line, but on the other he was anxious to maintain public trust by appearing to be acting independently. The Government was divided on how to handle the BBC but ended up trusting Reith, whose opposition to the strike mirrored the PM's own. Thus, the BBC was granted sufficient leeway to pursue the
Government's largely in a manner of its own choosing. The resulting coverage of both striker and government viewpoints millions of listeners who were unaware that the PM had broadcast to the nation from Reith's home, using one of Reith's sound bites inserted at the last moment, or that the BBC had banned broadcasts from the Labour Party and delayed a peace appeal by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The of the strike nicknamed the BBC the BFC for British Falsehood Company.
Result:
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Correct answer: consensus
Explanation: The word 'consensus' fits grammatically as a noun that indicates a general agreement among a group, which aligns with the context of the BBC's leadership decision-making process. It is the only option that conveys a collective agreement, which is essential in this context.
Meaning: 'Consensus' means a general agreement or shared opinion among a group of people.
Wrong options:
- censor: 'Censor' refers to the act of suppressing or restricting content, which does not fit the context of agreement.
- cancerous: 'Cancerous' describes something harmful or malignant, which is unrelated to the idea of agreement.
- contention: 'Contention' implies disagreement or conflict, which contradicts the notion of a unified decision.
Correct answer: enterprise
Explanation: The term 'enterprise' is appropriate here as it refers to a business or organization, fitting the context of the BBC being perceived as a public service rather than a commercial entity. It aligns with the grammatical structure as a noun.
Meaning: 'Enterprise' means a project or venture, especially one that involves risk or initiative, often used to describe a business.
Wrong options:
- application: 'Application' refers to the act of putting something into operation, which does not fit the context of a broadcasting service.
- aspiration: 'Aspiration' denotes a hope or ambition, which is not relevant to the description of the BBC's operational status.
- entitlement: 'Entitlement' refers to the right to have something, which does not align with the context of describing the BBC's nature.
Correct answer: objectives
Explanation: The word 'objectives' fits grammatically as a plural noun that refers to goals or aims, which is consistent with the context of the BBC pursuing the Government's aims. It logically follows the structure of the sentence.
Meaning: 'Objectives' means specific goals or targets that an organization aims to achieve.
Wrong options:
- objections: 'Objections' refer to expressions of disapproval, which contradicts the idea of pursuing goals.
- observations: 'Observations' imply comments or remarks, which do not fit the context of pursuing aims.
- opulence: 'Opulence' refers to great wealth or luxury, which is unrelated to the concept of objectives.
Correct answer: impressed
Explanation: The word 'impressed' is the correct past tense form that fits the context of the sentence, indicating that the coverage had a significant impact on listeners. It aligns with the grammatical structure required here.
Meaning: 'Impressed' means to have made a strong positive effect on someone.
Wrong options:
- has impressed: This present perfect form suggests an ongoing effect, which does not fit the past context of the sentence.
- has been impressing: This continuous form implies an ongoing action, which is inconsistent with the completed action described.
- had impressed: This past perfect form suggests an action completed before another past action, which is not necessary in this context.
Correct answer: supporters
Explanation: The term 'supporters' fits grammatically as a plural noun referring to those who back or advocate for a cause, which aligns with the context of individuals backing the strike. It is the most appropriate term in this context.
Meaning: 'Supporters' means people who agree with or advocate for a particular cause or group.
Wrong options:
- followers: 'Followers' typically refers to people who follow someone or something, which does not convey the active support implied here.
- suppliers: 'Suppliers' are those who provide goods or services, which is unrelated to the context of supporting a strike.
- victims: 'Victims' refers to those harmed or affected by an event, which does not fit the context of individuals supporting a cause.
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