This is a list of events from British radio in 1950.
Events 17 February – an appearance on Variety Fanfare from Manchester launches Al Read's comedy career. 29 May – The Archers pilot episodes debut on BBC radio, aired on the Midlands opt-out of the BBC Home Service; the series will still be running 75 years later. 6 June – the BBC Light Programme first broadcasts Educating Archie, featuring ventriloquist Peter Brough and his schoolboy dummy Archie Andrews (sic.); the series runs for 10 years and averages 15 million listeners. 5 November – the BBC Light Programme first broadcasts Life with the Lyons, the UK's first sitcom, featuring British-domiciled American couple Ben Lyon and Bebe Daniels. 3 December – the BBC Light Programme first broadcasts the magazine and variety programme Calling All Forces featuring Ted Ray; his catchphrase "You should use stronger elastic" originates. Gracie Fields' radio show transfers from the BBC to Radio Luxembourg, where it is sponsored by Wisk soap powder.
Debuts 16 January – Listen with Mother, on the BBC Light Programme (1950–1982) 6 June – Educating Archie, on the BBC Light Programme (1950–1960) 7 June – The Archers, pilot episode (1950–Present) 5 November – Life with the Lyons, on the BBC Light Programme (1950–1961) 3 December – Calling All Forces, on the BBC Light Programme (1950–1952)
Continuing radio programmes 1930s In Town Tonight (1933–1960) 1940s Music While You Work (1940–1967) Sunday Half Hour (1940–2018) Desert Island Discs (1942–Present) Family Favourites (1945–1980) Down Your Way (1946–1992) Have A Go (1946–1967) Housewives' Choice (1946–1967) Letter from America (1946–2004) Woman's Hour (1946–Present) Twenty Questions (1947–1976) Any Questions? (1948–Present) Mrs Dale's Diary (1948–1969) Take It from Here (1948–1960) Billy Cotton Band Show (1949–1968) A Book at Bedtime (1949–Present) Ray's a Laugh (1949–1961)
Births 2 February – Libby Purves, radio presenter. 12 May – Jenni Murray, journalist, presenter of Woman's Hour (died 2026) 5 June – Jonathan Fryer, foreign correspondent, writer and politician (died 2021) 8 July – Sarah Kennedy, radio presenter Bob Oliver Rogers, comedy producer (died 1979)
See also 1950 in British music 1950 in British television 1950 in the United Kingdom List of British films of 1950
References