In Touch

Image: In Touch presenter David Scott Blackhall with his guide dog Sally in 1965.

The first edition of In Touch, the magazine programme for visually impaired listeners, was broadcast on 8 October 1961. The programme promised to "keep blind listeners in touch with books, plays, records of special interest, and new gadgets." Initially, the programme was on once a month, tucked away on Network 3. As its combination of entertainment and sound consumer advice gained popularity, In Touch moved, first to the Home Service and then in 1971 to become a weekly show.

The first presenter of In Touch was David Scott Blackhall, whose association with the programme lasted until his death in 1981. The current presenter, Peter White, has been with the programme since 1974, and his witty style has been a big factor in the continued success of the show. Other presenters have included Jane Finnis and Tony Hastrick.

For many years In Touch produced an annual handbook of advice and services which was very popular and widely used. As the BBC's longest running series for any group of disabled people, In Touch continues to respond to the needs of its blind and partially sighted audience.