OUR LIFELONG COMPANION: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADES OF RADIO
Added 118 days ago. 17 September 2025
As we’ve grown up there has always been an extra family member along with us - the radio! We take a look back at how it evolved alongside us, and the shows that defined each decade.
Following its early beginnings broadcasting from 2LO London in the early ‘20s, BBC radio gradually developed, becoming more structured in 1930 with distinct programming schedules.
BBC Empire Service (1932)
This became the BBC World Service, launched to broadcast impartial news, globally.
In Town Tonight (1933-1960)
One of the very first radio magazine programmes, featuring real-life stories and interviews with celebrities.
Children’s Hour (1922-1964)
A mainstay of the ‘30s, with storytelling, dramas and music for children.
Radio became a means to encourage wartime solidarity and keep spirits high during a very difficult time.
Music While You Work (1940-1967)
Designed to boost factory worker morale with cheerful instrumental music.
ITMA - It’s That Man Again (1939-1949)
Hugely popular comedy show starring Tommy Handley.
Forces Favourites (1941)
A music request show linking British troops stationed abroad with loved ones at home, later evolving into Family Favourites and Two-Way Family Favourites.
With the war behind us, radio became about gentle family entertainment, with panel games and comedy talent emerging.
Listen with Mother (1950-1982)
Calming 15-minute daily show for under-5s featuring stories, nursery rhymes and gentle classic music. “Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin…”
The Archers (1951-present)
Launched as an “everyday story of country folk,” the world’s longest running soap has featured lots of famous guests including Princess Margaret, Sir Terry Wogan, Alan Titchmarsh and Queen Camilla.
Twenty Questions (1947-1976)
The simple unscripted format proved a huge hit, with lots of humorous chatter from the regular panellists. Other quizzes of the era included My Word! and Animal, Vegetable, Mineral.
The new breed of portable radios changed the way we listened, with their popularity bolstered by the emerging teenage markets of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Pick of the Pops (1955-2023)
Initially focussing on reviews, it became a pop chart show hosted by Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman.
Saturday Club (1957-1969)
Featuring rock, skiffle, and pop acts like The Beatles and The Shadows.
Easy Beat (1960-1967)
A Sunday morning show blending pop music and live sessions.
By the mid-1960s, young people wanted more pop and rock music than the BBC offered, turning to pirate stations like Radio Caroline. In 1967, the BBC restructured in response; The Light Programme became Radio 2 and a new station for younger audiences was born… Radio
Do you have fond memories of radio shows from days gone by? Perhaps you had a moment of fame on one or had a special request played?
We’d love to hear all about it!
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