New radio branding

BBC radio leapt into the 1970s on 4 April 1970 by relaunching Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each station was given a distinct identity and prepared for changing listening patterns and the coming of commercial radio. Despite initial resistance to the changes by some listeners who remained attached to the models of the Light, Third and Homes Services, the realignment proved a success and led to bigger audiences in many areas.

Broadly speaking, Radio 1 offered pop, while Radio 2 provided light music. Both networks came together at times for shows such as Family Favourites, Junior Choice and the Terry Wogan Show. Radio 3 was the platform for classical music. It also provided drama and poetry, and during the summer broadcast a ball-by-ball commentary on cricket Test Matches. Radio 4 became the principal speech service. PM and The World Tonight - introduced with the changes - completed a line up of news programmes with Today and The World at One. New programmes - like Week Ending - sat alongside old favourites like Gardeners' Question Time.

The changes instituted ensured the main radio stations were firmly established and thrived over the following years. Their identities have been tweaked over time but have remained fundamentally unchanged.