Established 1973 - 40 Years Of Commercial Radio

Episodes

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01Part One2013120520140820 (R2)LBC launched on October 8th 1973 with Capital following 8 days later. Initial reaction to their arrival was not good with some politicians wanting for instance 'to put LBC out of its misery' but on the very last day of the year Radio Clyde launched in Glasgow and was an instant success; Commercial Radio was up and running. Very quickly LBC and Capital were revamped and the impact of commercially funded radio spread across the whole of the UK.

Part One looks at the development of ad funded radio aimed at the UK, and the progress to the launch of the first two stations; London's LBC and Capital Radio.

Tim Blackmore marks the 40th anniversary of commercial radio's arrival on British soil.

02Part Two2013121220140827 (R2)Part Two examines the impact commercial radio has had on the UK's broadcasting environment; its role as a training ground for talent new to the medium, its introduction of new styles and techniques as well as its impact on the BBC.

Among the contributors in this series are John Whitney, Capital's first MD who later rose to be Director General of the IBA, John Thompson, the regulator's first Director of Radio, Marshall Stewart, the former 'Today' Editor drafted in to rescue LBC, as well as David Symonds the first deejay to be heard on Capital. As Torin Douglas, the former BBC Media Editor says: 'Commercial Radio has influenced radio all through the last 40 years...right from the start its been driving the BBC which always responds to competition - the BBC raised its game'.

Tim Blackmore marks the 40th anniversary of commercial radio's arrival on British soil.