"Life on Air" is a biography written by David Attenborough about his life in broadcasting. Previously I only knew that he narrated many of the famous BBC nature documentaries, and after reading the book I realized that his life was far richer than I had imagined.
He was interested in nature from a young age, living near a famous fossil discovery site as a child, and studying paleontology and zoology at university, which laid the foundation for his later work. After a few years at the BBC as a producer and presenter of animal exploration documentaries, he also worked in executive management as Director of BBC Radio 2 and Director of BBC Programs. Then, feeling too far removed from nature, he quit his executive job and went freelance, mainly presenting and narrating documentaries for the BBC and other producers. This book is mostly a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary work he was involved in.
I've watched quite a few of the famous documentaries he's been involved in, including Planet earth, Blue Planet, Life Story, etc. I'm very envious of the fact that he can go to all sorts of places around the world that are hard for ordinary people to get to, where he can see all sorts of unique beauties, exotic flora and fauna, and come into contact with different cultures from all over the world. The book describes how to go to these places, the difficulties encountered, the tough environment and the dangers encountered. Ordinary people would probably not be able to stand going to a place, with all kinds of inconvenient transportation, poor accommodation and food conditions, and sometimes falling into the river or being attacked by animals, and without the love of nature it would not be possible to stick to the job for more than sixty years.
His strengths are not the familiar tone of voice, but his love of nature and life, rich knowledge of biology and excellent program ideas and writing skills. After each documentary, he was quick to come up with new ideas and detailed plans, teaming up with others to secure funding and complete the new documentary.
Thank you so much David Attenborough for bringing us these unparalleled documentaries, and for giving us the opportunity to experience on screen the joys of his explorations around the world, adding to our experience of life, and making us more concerned about nature, protecting the planet, and protecting life.