Start of Radios 1, 2, 3 and 4

Image: DJ Tony Blackburn opens Radio 1 on 30 September 1967 with 'Daily Disc Delivery'.

The 30 September 1967 saw the launch of the BBC radio networks that are still with us today. Radio 2, Radio 3 and Radio 4 replaced the old Light, Third and Home Service respectively. The simultaneous launch of Radio 1 was an attempt to create a brand new pop music service to replace the outlawed pirate radio stations.

Radios 1 and 2 got almost three quarters of the audience between them. The two stations each had distinctive music output, coming together for popular shows such as Family Choice – the rebranded Housewives' Choice. Radio 3 now featured several elements wrapped up together; daytime music, sport and the old third programme – including plays and talks – as well as adult education study sessions.

Despite being numbered four, Radio 4 was seen by some as the foundation upon which all the other radio services were built. Many of the changes pre-dated the relaunch, but the old names for the services were still used for two years, while listeners got used to the new ones.

The particular identities of Radios 1, 2, 3 and 4 developed further over the succeeding years. Innovation and continuity went hand in hand, as long running shows from before - such as Woman’s Hour - were joined by new ones like Just a Minute. Today BBC Radio truly offers something for everyone, with 1Xtra, 4 Extra, 5 Live, 6 Music and Asian Network – plus the national, language and regional stations – joining the original four networks.