Oral histories of technical personnel in Broadcast and Community Video

This oral history collection focuses on audiovisual (AV) workers who contributed significantly to the emerging video industry’s institutional ecosystems. Through interviews with technicians, maintenance staff, and camera operators associated with pioneering institutions as well as early independent production units, the project recovers often-overlooked perspectives from the foundational years of India’s AV industry. The topics explored include trajectories that transformed untrained individuals into accomplished engineers, training methodologies, working conditions, research, feedback and development of equipment, and transmission of embodied knowledge across analog and digital systems. Each interview, ranging from around 30 minutes to more than 2 hours, has been transcribed into a timestamped summary to support research and accessibility. All interviewees have signed informed consent forms authorizing recording and use, in line with project protocols. Contributors of materials have also completed Deed of Gift or Loan Agreements, securing the appropriate terms for donation or temporary use.