The British Broadcasting Century podcast
@bbcentury.bsky.social
Informing, educating + entertaining re British broadcasting's origin story: the first firsts of radio, early BBC, interwar bits & pieces + occasional pictures of Reith looking grumpy.
By paulkerensa.bsky.social
Podcast/tour/book: paulkerensa.com/oldradio
By paulkerensa.bsky.social
Podcast/tour/book: paulkerensa.com/oldradio
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
Just thinking - and it happens more often than you'd think - about the uncanny, almost eldritch abilty that Forsyth and Monkhouse seemed to have that enabled them to effortlessly drive almost any game show format. I don't think anyone's come close since - except maybe Bradley, but even so...
February 1, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Just thinking - and it happens more often than you'd think - about the uncanny, almost eldritch abilty that Forsyth and Monkhouse seemed to have that enabled them to effortlessly drive almost any game show format. I don't think anyone's come close since - except maybe Bradley, but even so...
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
10 years since we lost the great Terry Wogan who, if you didn't know, was the first person to play reggae music on mainstream radio in the UK. I mentioned him in this piece about Dawn Penn's No No No for the @thequietus.com a couple of years back thequietus.com/opinion-and-...
January 31, 2026 at 10:33 AM
10 years since we lost the great Terry Wogan who, if you didn't know, was the first person to play reggae music on mainstream radio in the UK. I mentioned him in this piece about Dawn Penn's No No No for the @thequietus.com a couple of years back thequietus.com/opinion-and-...
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
When worlds collide... religion x radio history
On this morning's Daily Service, I mentioned it's 100yrs (ish) since BBC listener Kathleen Cordeux requested a Daily Service. Our fab producer found a 90yr old edition in the archive, so 9mins in, a hymn+prayer from 1936:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
On this morning's Daily Service, I mentioned it's 100yrs (ish) since BBC listener Kathleen Cordeux requested a Daily Service. Our fab producer found a 90yr old edition in the archive, so 9mins in, a hymn+prayer from 1936:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Daily Service, Honest to God - Honest worship
Christian worship with a Bible reading, prayer and music led by Paul Kerensa.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 30, 2026 at 2:35 PM
When worlds collide... religion x radio history
On this morning's Daily Service, I mentioned it's 100yrs (ish) since BBC listener Kathleen Cordeux requested a Daily Service. Our fab producer found a 90yr old edition in the archive, so 9mins in, a hymn+prayer from 1936:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
On this morning's Daily Service, I mentioned it's 100yrs (ish) since BBC listener Kathleen Cordeux requested a Daily Service. Our fab producer found a 90yr old edition in the archive, so 9mins in, a hymn+prayer from 1936:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
Read about Doctor Who's conception, from first ideas to its troubled early months of production, in Pull to Open, an immersive history by @paul-hayes.bsky.social, available now from tenacrebooks.co.uk.
January 30, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Read about Doctor Who's conception, from first ideas to its troubled early months of production, in Pull to Open, an immersive history by @paul-hayes.bsky.social, available now from tenacrebooks.co.uk.
Upcoming live shows on ye olde BBC (2 different shows - same poster design as I'm cheap...)
AN EVENING OF (VERY) OLD RADIO:
29 Jan (tonight): HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
30 Jan: West Acre nr KINGS LYNN, Norfolk
31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS, Suffolk
FOUR MONARCHS & A MIC
7 Feb: LEICESTER
paulkerensa.com/tour
AN EVENING OF (VERY) OLD RADIO:
29 Jan (tonight): HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
30 Jan: West Acre nr KINGS LYNN, Norfolk
31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS, Suffolk
FOUR MONARCHS & A MIC
7 Feb: LEICESTER
paulkerensa.com/tour
January 29, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Upcoming live shows on ye olde BBC (2 different shows - same poster design as I'm cheap...)
AN EVENING OF (VERY) OLD RADIO:
29 Jan (tonight): HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
30 Jan: West Acre nr KINGS LYNN, Norfolk
31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS, Suffolk
FOUR MONARCHS & A MIC
7 Feb: LEICESTER
paulkerensa.com/tour
AN EVENING OF (VERY) OLD RADIO:
29 Jan (tonight): HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
30 Jan: West Acre nr KINGS LYNN, Norfolk
31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS, Suffolk
FOUR MONARCHS & A MIC
7 Feb: LEICESTER
paulkerensa.com/tour
Rhodri Talfan Davies to be interim BBC DG.
Now BBC Dir of Nations; before that Dir of Wales 2011-2020, a job held by his own father Geraint, 1990-2000.
Geraint's father Aneirin was a WW2 BBC newsreader, put Dylan Thomas on air, and was BBC Head of Progs Wales.
85 yrs of Talfan Davieses at the BBC!
Now BBC Dir of Nations; before that Dir of Wales 2011-2020, a job held by his own father Geraint, 1990-2000.
Geraint's father Aneirin was a WW2 BBC newsreader, put Dylan Thomas on air, and was BBC Head of Progs Wales.
85 yrs of Talfan Davieses at the BBC!
January 28, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Rhodri Talfan Davies to be interim BBC DG.
Now BBC Dir of Nations; before that Dir of Wales 2011-2020, a job held by his own father Geraint, 1990-2000.
Geraint's father Aneirin was a WW2 BBC newsreader, put Dylan Thomas on air, and was BBC Head of Progs Wales.
85 yrs of Talfan Davieses at the BBC!
Now BBC Dir of Nations; before that Dir of Wales 2011-2020, a job held by his own father Geraint, 1990-2000.
Geraint's father Aneirin was a WW2 BBC newsreader, put Dylan Thomas on air, and was BBC Head of Progs Wales.
85 yrs of Talfan Davieses at the BBC!
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
I'd imagine @paulkerensa.bsky.social will also doing something on the general strike (if not this year, then definitely when the @bbcentury.bsky.social gets to 1926 in the series).
January 28, 2026 at 11:23 AM
I'd imagine @paulkerensa.bsky.social will also doing something on the general strike (if not this year, then definitely when the @bbcentury.bsky.social gets to 1926 in the series).
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
When "Taxi" got cancelled after Season 4, Danny De Vito wasn't happy. He used his position as host on SNL to bring everyone out for a proper farewell, and it's really quite something. It DID get one last season after this, but I'm so glad Danny did this. www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5TE...
Danny DeVito Monologue: Taxi - Saturday Night Live
YouTube video by Saturday Night Live
www.youtube.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:31 PM
When "Taxi" got cancelled after Season 4, Danny De Vito wasn't happy. He used his position as host on SNL to bring everyone out for a proper farewell, and it's really quite something. It DID get one last season after this, but I'm so glad Danny did this. www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5TE...
I hear tickets are nearly sold out for this week's 3 performances of An Evening of (Very) Old Radio.
May be a few tickets left if you're quick, and are near one of these marvellous places:
Thu 29 Jan: HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Libary
Fri 30 Jan: West Acre Theatre, KINGS LYNN
Sat 31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS
May be a few tickets left if you're quick, and are near one of these marvellous places:
Thu 29 Jan: HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Libary
Fri 30 Jan: West Acre Theatre, KINGS LYNN
Sat 31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS
January 27, 2026 at 4:36 PM
I hear tickets are nearly sold out for this week's 3 performances of An Evening of (Very) Old Radio.
May be a few tickets left if you're quick, and are near one of these marvellous places:
Thu 29 Jan: HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Libary
Fri 30 Jan: West Acre Theatre, KINGS LYNN
Sat 31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS
May be a few tickets left if you're quick, and are near one of these marvellous places:
Thu 29 Jan: HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Libary
Fri 30 Jan: West Acre Theatre, KINGS LYNN
Sat 31 Jan: Wingfield Barns, DISS
Near Leicester on Sat 7 Feb?
At 2pm, it'll be the first (only?!) performance of 'Four Monarchs and a Mic: The BBC's Royal Engineer'
The tale of RH Wood, the BBC engineer who started at 2ZY Manchester in the 1920s, rose to Head of OB, and became the king's favourite.
An incredible tale - join me!
At 2pm, it'll be the first (only?!) performance of 'Four Monarchs and a Mic: The BBC's Royal Engineer'
The tale of RH Wood, the BBC engineer who started at 2ZY Manchester in the 1920s, rose to Head of OB, and became the king's favourite.
An incredible tale - join me!
Four Monarchs and a Mic: The BBC’s Royal Engineer | Leicester Comedy Festival
events.comedy-festival.co.uk
January 27, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Near Leicester on Sat 7 Feb?
At 2pm, it'll be the first (only?!) performance of 'Four Monarchs and a Mic: The BBC's Royal Engineer'
The tale of RH Wood, the BBC engineer who started at 2ZY Manchester in the 1920s, rose to Head of OB, and became the king's favourite.
An incredible tale - join me!
At 2pm, it'll be the first (only?!) performance of 'Four Monarchs and a Mic: The BBC's Royal Engineer'
The tale of RH Wood, the BBC engineer who started at 2ZY Manchester in the 1920s, rose to Head of OB, and became the king's favourite.
An incredible tale - join me!
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
To mark 100 Years of Television, they should bring back TV title sequences that play on the host channel's ident. Let's face it, often the best bit of the entire series.
January 26, 2026 at 9:02 PM
To mark 100 Years of Television, they should bring back TV title sequences that play on the host channel's ident. Let's face it, often the best bit of the entire series.
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
TV is (probably) a century old today. This event is happening a few miles from me but, sadly, I can’t go. I may chase up later.
May be a few tickets left …
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future...
May be a few tickets left …
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future...
Bournemouth University rebuilds John Logie Baird's first TV set
Exactly one century on, a team at Bournemouth University is recreating the first receiver.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 6:46 AM
TV is (probably) a century old today. This event is happening a few miles from me but, sadly, I can’t go. I may chase up later.
May be a few tickets left …
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future...
May be a few tickets left …
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future...
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
Television is 100 years old today! 🎉
January 26, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Television is 100 years old today! 🎉
A nice article from @theobserveruk.bsky.social by @juderogers.bsky.social on 100 yrs since the first radio scare: observer.co.uk/style/featur...
...We re-enacted this lost broadcast + delved into the press coverage of the time on the latest British Broadcasting Century podcast: pod.fo/e/379c24
...We re-enacted this lost broadcast + delved into the press coverage of the time on the latest British Broadcasting Century podcast: pod.fo/e/379c24
100 years of fake news: the accidental radio hoax that te...
A century ago, a priest’s satirical BBC broadcast convinced listeners that London was under siege. It became a global sensation, and Orson Welles was listening...
observer.co.uk
January 26, 2026 at 10:44 AM
A nice article from @theobserveruk.bsky.social by @juderogers.bsky.social on 100 yrs since the first radio scare: observer.co.uk/style/featur...
...We re-enacted this lost broadcast + delved into the press coverage of the time on the latest British Broadcasting Century podcast: pod.fo/e/379c24
...We re-enacted this lost broadcast + delved into the press coverage of the time on the latest British Broadcasting Century podcast: pod.fo/e/379c24
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
This is a fantastic listen! An in-depth look at (and recreation of) the first known "radio scare", courtesy of the 1920s BBC. And my goodness, the stunt was so *very* British...
NEW PODCAST KLAXON! And it's a beauty.
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
The British Broadcasting Century with Paul Kerensa: #112 The First Radio Hoax: Broadcasting the Barricades - A Centenary Re-enactment
100 years ago from this podcast's release, the BBC broadcast the first known radio scare - 12 years before Orson Welles's famous War of the Worlds, and possibly inspiring it.It was hoax - although ...
pod.fo
January 25, 2026 at 11:54 AM
This is a fantastic listen! An in-depth look at (and recreation of) the first known "radio scare", courtesy of the 1920s BBC. And my goodness, the stunt was so *very* British...
Happy 100th birthday to the BBC's 'The Week's Good Cause', launching 24 Jan 1926.
Its first charity was the National Children's Home and Orphanage, the appeal given by Charles Wakefield - Castrol Oil entrepreneur & philanthropist, and £1,025 and sevenpence raised.
More:
www.bbc.com/historyofthe...
Its first charity was the National Children's Home and Orphanage, the appeal given by Charles Wakefield - Castrol Oil entrepreneur & philanthropist, and £1,025 and sevenpence raised.
More:
www.bbc.com/historyofthe...
The Week's Good Cause
24 January 1926
www.bbc.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Happy 100th birthday to the BBC's 'The Week's Good Cause', launching 24 Jan 1926.
Its first charity was the National Children's Home and Orphanage, the appeal given by Charles Wakefield - Castrol Oil entrepreneur & philanthropist, and £1,025 and sevenpence raised.
More:
www.bbc.com/historyofthe...
Its first charity was the National Children's Home and Orphanage, the appeal given by Charles Wakefield - Castrol Oil entrepreneur & philanthropist, and £1,025 and sevenpence raised.
More:
www.bbc.com/historyofthe...
Caught up with the British Broadcasting Century Podcast?
Latest episodes:
111: The first radio drama - and our drama about it (Dec 1922)
112: The first radio hoax, Broadcasting the Barricades - and a re-enactment (Jan 1926)
Next:
113: The first Armistice broadcast (Nov 1923)
podfollow.com/BBCentury
Latest episodes:
111: The first radio drama - and our drama about it (Dec 1922)
112: The first radio hoax, Broadcasting the Barricades - and a re-enactment (Jan 1926)
Next:
113: The first Armistice broadcast (Nov 1923)
podfollow.com/BBCentury
The British Broadcasting Century with Paul Kerensa
100 Years of the BBC, Radio and Life as We Know It.
Be informed, educated and entertained by the amazing true story of radio’s forgotten pioneers. With host Paul Kerensa, great guests and rare archiv...
podfollow.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:08 AM
Caught up with the British Broadcasting Century Podcast?
Latest episodes:
111: The first radio drama - and our drama about it (Dec 1922)
112: The first radio hoax, Broadcasting the Barricades - and a re-enactment (Jan 1926)
Next:
113: The first Armistice broadcast (Nov 1923)
podfollow.com/BBCentury
Latest episodes:
111: The first radio drama - and our drama about it (Dec 1922)
112: The first radio hoax, Broadcasting the Barricades - and a re-enactment (Jan 1926)
Next:
113: The first Armistice broadcast (Nov 1923)
podfollow.com/BBCentury
A cracking couple of shows on BBC Four tonight, on the birth of television. From 2002 and 1976.
Both on iPlayer for a month, or on YouTube forever-ish.
Both on iPlayer for a month, or on YouTube forever-ish.
January 20, 2026 at 11:04 PM
A cracking couple of shows on BBC Four tonight, on the birth of television. From 2002 and 1976.
Both on iPlayer for a month, or on YouTube forever-ish.
Both on iPlayer for a month, or on YouTube forever-ish.
On our radio history podcast, I attempt a chronological retelling (now in Nov 1923)
Sometimes (as last ep) we leap ahead for one-off centenary specials. I think we've got the balance ok (But do say if not?)
Our next one-off centenary leap-ahead?
I think: the General Strike & the BBC (May '26)...
1/2
Sometimes (as last ep) we leap ahead for one-off centenary specials. I think we've got the balance ok (But do say if not?)
Our next one-off centenary leap-ahead?
I think: the General Strike & the BBC (May '26)...
1/2
January 19, 2026 at 8:49 AM
On our radio history podcast, I attempt a chronological retelling (now in Nov 1923)
Sometimes (as last ep) we leap ahead for one-off centenary specials. I think we've got the balance ok (But do say if not?)
Our next one-off centenary leap-ahead?
I think: the General Strike & the BBC (May '26)...
1/2
Sometimes (as last ep) we leap ahead for one-off centenary specials. I think we've got the balance ok (But do say if not?)
Our next one-off centenary leap-ahead?
I think: the General Strike & the BBC (May '26)...
1/2
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
Yet another repost for a thing I love dearly, because it's brilliant and I want as many people to hear it as possible - a complete day of broadcast radio from WJSV Washington, 21st September 1939. Everything from soup to nuts, from Godfrey in the morning to the Big Band Remotes at night.
WJSV Complete Day : Old Time Radio Researchers Group : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
WJSV COMPLETE DAY On Thursday, September 21st, 1939, radio station WJSV in Washington, DC recorded their entire broadcast day from sign on to sign off. This...
archive.org
January 17, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Yet another repost for a thing I love dearly, because it's brilliant and I want as many people to hear it as possible - a complete day of broadcast radio from WJSV Washington, 21st September 1939. Everything from soup to nuts, from Godfrey in the morning to the Big Band Remotes at night.
From about a year ago, so now it’s 100… A great thread:
99 years ago today, Glasgow’s Daily Record and Mail reports on an under-appreciated landmark in media history—the first fake news broadcast of all time.
You’ve heard of Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds,” but do you know about Father Ronald Knox’s “Broadcasting the Barricades?” (THREAD)
You’ve heard of Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds,” but do you know about Father Ronald Knox’s “Broadcasting the Barricades?” (THREAD)
January 17, 2026 at 7:06 PM
From about a year ago, so now it’s 100… A great thread:
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
And the thread from @bbcentury.bsky.social kindly recommends some additional reading on the subject, beginning with an oldie (but, I hope, a goodie):
bsky.app/profile/bbce...
bsky.app/profile/bbce...
...Your essential reading around this is our guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social's book Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the World and the Art of Fake News: amzn.to/45bfubZ
Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News
Buy Broadcast Hysteria: Orson Welles's War of the Worlds and the Art of Fake News Illustrated by Schwartz, A Brad (ISBN: 9780809031641) from Amazon's Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
amzn.to
January 17, 2026 at 5:11 AM
And the thread from @bbcentury.bsky.social kindly recommends some additional reading on the subject, beginning with an oldie (but, I hope, a goodie):
bsky.app/profile/bbce...
bsky.app/profile/bbce...
Thanks Andrea! What a broadcast it was. The stuff of legends…
One of the most gloriously bonkers moments in British broadcasting history. If you have an interest in satire and genuine "fake news" (!), it's a must listen 🎧
NEW PODCAST KLAXON! And it's a beauty.
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
January 16, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Thanks Andrea! What a broadcast it was. The stuff of legends…
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
A century ago today, the BBC made radio history with the first fake news broadcast!
Don’t miss hearing @paulkerensa.bsky.social reconstruct and deconstruct this fascinating media milestone with all the wit and insight I’ve come to expect from @bbcentury.bsky.social. I’m proud to be part of it. 🗃️
Don’t miss hearing @paulkerensa.bsky.social reconstruct and deconstruct this fascinating media milestone with all the wit and insight I’ve come to expect from @bbcentury.bsky.social. I’m proud to be part of it. 🗃️
NEW PODCAST KLAXON! And it's a beauty.
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
100 years ago today, the first radio scare!
On the BBC: "The crowd is preparing to demolish the Houses of Parliament - with trench mortars..."
We re-enact Father Ronald Knox's Broadcasting the Barricades, + fab guest @abradschwartz.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/379c24
The British Broadcasting Century with Paul Kerensa: #112 The First Radio Hoax: Broadcasting the Barricades - A Centenary Re-enactment
100 years ago from this podcast's release, the BBC broadcast the first known radio scare - 12 years before Orson Welles's famous War of the Worlds, and possibly inspiring it.It was hoax - although ...
pod.fo
January 16, 2026 at 7:06 PM
A century ago today, the BBC made radio history with the first fake news broadcast!
Don’t miss hearing @paulkerensa.bsky.social reconstruct and deconstruct this fascinating media milestone with all the wit and insight I’ve come to expect from @bbcentury.bsky.social. I’m proud to be part of it. 🗃️
Don’t miss hearing @paulkerensa.bsky.social reconstruct and deconstruct this fascinating media milestone with all the wit and insight I’ve come to expect from @bbcentury.bsky.social. I’m proud to be part of it. 🗃️
Reposted by The British Broadcasting Century podcast
My latest Substack is on the centenary of the first radio hoax, on 16/1/1926.
“Is it true the House of Commons is blown up? Is the Savoy Hotel blown up? What has happened to Big Ben?” - Sunday Pictorial, 17/1/1926, quoting listeners' calls
Read/subscribe:
paulkerensa.substack.com/p/faked-news...
“Is it true the House of Commons is blown up? Is the Savoy Hotel blown up? What has happened to Big Ben?” - Sunday Pictorial, 17/1/1926, quoting listeners' calls
Read/subscribe:
paulkerensa.substack.com/p/faked-news...
Fake(d) News and the First Radio Hoax - 'Broadcasting the Barricades' on its centenary
It's 100 years since Father Ronald Knox demolished Big Ben, roasted alive dignitaries... and terrified BBC listeners
paulkerensa.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:17 PM
My latest Substack is on the centenary of the first radio hoax, on 16/1/1926.
“Is it true the House of Commons is blown up? Is the Savoy Hotel blown up? What has happened to Big Ben?” - Sunday Pictorial, 17/1/1926, quoting listeners' calls
Read/subscribe:
paulkerensa.substack.com/p/faked-news...
“Is it true the House of Commons is blown up? Is the Savoy Hotel blown up? What has happened to Big Ben?” - Sunday Pictorial, 17/1/1926, quoting listeners' calls
Read/subscribe:
paulkerensa.substack.com/p/faked-news...