Today is the centenary of the first broadcast radio programme on the BBC, a news bulletin that included the snooker scores, court news from the Old Bailey and fog problems in London. It included radio stations from around the country… the one in Manchester aired the first children’s programme, featuring Miss A. Bennie, who told juvenile listeners, “Now, children, listen to this lovely fairy story” before going on to read The Happy Prince, by Oscar Wilde. Happy days.
But these clips are just appetisers. The archive of the BBC is a treasure trove of wonders, with only a small proportion actually available. Ofcom has launched a consultation into whether to allow the BBC to make more of the archive available (it closes today…hurry!). To which the only possible response is…why are you even asking? Bring it on!
