CSP: Radio 1 Launch

 Historical, social and cultural contexts

1) What radio stations were offered by the BBC before 1967?

BBC Radio Home (1939-1967) broadcasting education programmes and news. Mainly speech-based. 

BBC Radio Light (1945-1967) broadcasting mainly light entertainment (comedy / drama) and music. 

BBC Third (1946-1970) broadcasting intellectual arts-based talk and music. 

2) How was BBC radio reorganised in September 1967? What were the new stations that launched?

BBC Radio Home was replaced by Radio 4. BBC Radio Light was replaced by Radio 2. BBC Third was replaced by Radio 3.

3) What was pirate radio and why was it popular?

Pirate radio stations were radio stations that broadcasted without a license in international waters. It was popular as it satisfied young people by playing the music that they liked eg. pop music which Radio 1 failed to do.

4) Why did pirate radio stop broadcasting in 1967?

 The Marine Broadcasting Offences Act officially outlawed pirate radio stations by shutting down the loophole that allowed British citizens to listen to pirate radio stations.

5) How did the BBC attract young audiences to Radio 1 after pirate radio stations were closed down?

Many former pirate station broadcasters were employed by the BBC which also meant their loyal listeners followed.

6) What was 'needle time' and why was it a problem for BBC Radio?

Needle time was a law implemented by the government allowing the BBC's listeners to listen to 5 hours a day to ensure people still bought from record companies. This meant pirate radio stations were more popular considering more people listened to them as there was no restriction on however long people could listen to the radio station.

7) How did BBC Radio 1 offer different content to previous BBC radio stations?

8) Who was the first presenter for BBC Radio 1 and why did these new Radio 1 DJs cause upset initially at the traditional BBC?

9) Listen to excerpts from the Tony Blackburn's first 1967 broadcast - how might it have appealed to young listeners?

10) What conventions did Tony Blackburn's radio show borrow from pirate radio - which made it very different to previous BBC radio content?

Audience and industry

1) What was the target audience for BBC Radio 1 in 1967?

2) Why did Radio 1 initially struggle to attract young listeners?

3) What audience pleasures did Radio 1 offer listeners in 1967? (Use Blumler and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory).

4) How is the BBC funded?

5) Applying Stuart Hall's Reception theory, what would the preferred and oppositional readings have been for BBC Radio 1 in 1967? 


Grade 8/9 extension tasks

Look at this BBC Radio 1 timeline from its launch in 1967 to today. What do you notice has changed in BBC radio over those 50+ years?

Read this Guardian interview with the second DJ to broadcast on BBC Radio 1. How does he describe the 1960s and his move to the BBC?

The BBC is a public service broadcaster. What does this mean and why is it an important part of the history of BBC Radio 1?