Frankie Howerd in 'Variety Bandbox' on the Light Programme 1947
The Light Programme was launched on 29 July 1945, replacing the General Forces Programme which had run during the war. It promised a diet of entertaining radio for the civilian listener, and Director General W.J. Haley emphasised that the channel would develop as more staff and resources were released from the war effort. It quickly became the most popular service, attracting 66 percent of listeners.
The first day began with the sound of Big Ben and the News. Transatlantic Quiz followed later, along with Alf's Dream by W.W. Jacobs, Variety Bandbox, and a concert - Tyneside Salutes the Merchant Navy. The day ended with In a Sentimental Mood, and Songs of Three Decades, before the News and Big Ben once more. Over the years The Light Programme introduced many fondly remembered programmes, including Mrs Dale's Diary, Take It from Here, Woman's Hour, Dick Barton - Special Agent, and Much Binding in the Marsh.
The Light Programme became Radio 2 in 1967 at the same time as the Home and Third Services were renamed Radio 4 and 3. It continues to offer popular programming which attracts large audiences, and can today boast of being the most listened-to station in the UK.
July anniversaries
Investiture of the Prince of Wales
1 July 1969
Masterchef
2 July 1990
BBC Television News and Newsreel
5 July 1954
To the Ends of the Earth
6 July 2005
Hancock's Half Hour television show
6 July 1956
London Calling Europe began
6 July 1941
The Old Man of Hoy
8 July 1967
The first episode of The Office
9 July 2001
Andy Pandy
11 July 1950
It's That Man Again
12 July 1939
Watchdog
14 July 1985
What's My Line
16 July 1951
Toytown first transmitted
19 July 1929
Pot Black first transmitted
23 July 1969
Countryfile first broadcast
24 July 1988
Start of the Light Programme
29 July 1945
Olympic Games from Wembley first televised
29 July 1948
The World Cup Final
30 July 1966
Dad's Army
31 July 1968
