BBC Radio - Programming

Programming

Throughout its history the BBC has produced many radio programmes. Particularly significant, influential, popular or long lasting programmes include:

  • Any Questions? (1948–present): Topical debate series.
  • The Archers (1950–present): Long running rural soap opera. Currently the most listened to programme on Radio 4 and on the BBC's on-line radio service.
  • Children's Hour (1922–1964): Long running slot for children's programmes.
  • Desert Island Discs (1942–present): Interview programme in which the guest chooses the eight pieces of music they would take with them to a desert island. The longest running music radio programme in British history.
  • Friday Night is Music Night (1952–present): Long running live music show, covering a wide range of music tastes.
  • Gardeners' Question Time (1947–present): Gardening programme in which gardening experts give advice and answer listeners' questions.
  • The Goon Show (1951–1960): Highly influential comedy series with elements of surrealism.
  • Hancock's Half Hour (1954–1960): Influential comedy series which transferred to television.
  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1978–1980 and 2004–2005): Comedy science fiction serial by Douglas Adams.
  • I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue (1972–present): Comedy series parodying the radio panel game format.
  • It's That Man Again (1939–1949): Comedy series popular during and after World War II.
  • Journey Into Space (1953–1958): Science fiction series which was the last UK radio programme to achieve a higher audience than television.
  • Just a Minute (1967–present): Long running panel game where the contestants must attempt to speak for one minute without repetition, hesitation or deviation.
  • Letter from America (1946–2004): Commentary on American news and events by Alistair Cooke. The longest-running speech radio programme in history.
  • The News Quiz (1977–present): Topical comedy show
  • The Reith Lectures (1948–present): Annual series of lectures given by leading figures of the day.
  • Round the Horne (1965–1968): Comedy series notable for its innuendo and use of the gay slang polari.
  • Sports Report (1948–present): Saturday sports round-up including the football results of the day.
  • Test Match Special (1957–present): Live cricket coverage.
  • Today programme (1957–present): Early morning news and current affairs programme.
  • Top Gear / John Peel (1967–2004): Pioneering and influential alternative music programme.
  • Woman's Hour (1946–present): Long running magazine programme for women.
  • Workers' Playtime (1941–1964): Lunchtime variety show.

For more BBC radio programmes see Category:BBC radio programmes.

Read more about this topic:  BBC Radio

Famous quotes containing the word programming:

    “If there is a price to pay for the privilege of spending the early years of child rearing in the driver’s seat, it is our reluctance, our inability, to tolerate being demoted to the backseat. Spurred by our success in programming our children during the preschool years, we may find it difficult to forgo in later states the level of control that once afforded us so much satisfaction.”
    —Melinda M. Marshall (20th century)