BBC records its own secret history

The "oral memoirs" of senior BBC figures, including Sir David Attenborough, are to be preserved in an archive of broadcasting history ordered by the director general, Greg Dyke.

The candid videotaped interviews with broadcasters and executives who have played central roles in the corporation's history are to be recorded on the promise that their contents will remain secret until the contributors die.

Although the project has existed on a small scale for decades, Mr Dyke is said to be determined that the full story of British public service broadcasting be preserved for the nation and has significantly expanded the list of interviewees to reflect the breadth of the organisation.

The move forms part of a wider project to bring together the thousands of artefacts that chart the BBC's history.

Mr Dyke has made the initiative a priority to ensure that no important pieces of equipment or works of art are lost during the £400m redevelopment of Broadcasting House in Portland Place, London.

For decades, the views of directors general and chairmen of the BBC have been recorded when they left office. But Mr Dyke and Gavyn Davies, his chairman, are now interviewed at least once a year to capture new developments. The list of other interviewees is secret, but has been extended recently to include entertainers and senior executives.

Sir David is understood to have been given a place not just as controller of BBC2 in the 1960s but as one of the most popular broadcasters.