Woman's Hour

Image: T. Holland Bennett interviewing Deborah Kerr, Elsie May Crump and Margaret Bondfield in 1946.

The first edition of Woman's Hour aired on 7 October 1946, presented by Alan Ivimey. The Radio Times said he was a specialist "in writing for and talking to women." However from the early days the programme responded to the concerns of its audience, and so Woman's Hour tracked and reflected the tremendous changes in the lives of women since the end of the War.

Woman's Hour tackled a diverse range of topics, and the programme was always a more radical presence than its image might suggest. Early talks with titles such as "Putting Your Best Face Forward" and "How to Improve Your Whatnot" were mixed with others on current affairs and on subjects such as childcare and equal pay.

Over the years Woman's Hour frequently broke new ground in discussing issues such as the menopause, illegitimacy, homosexuality, divorce and prostitution. Many notable presenters have fronted the programme, including Jean Metcalfe, Marjorie Anderson, Sue MacGregor and Jenni Murray.

Woman's Hour remains a cornerstone of Radio 4s weekday schedule, providing a distinctive mix of challenging and light hearted content, and popular drama. The programme is more interactive than ever with listeners' opinions solicited through the website, phone-ins and emails.