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.