The History Of UK Radio details the evolution of radio in the UK from the 1920s to present day. It began with the BBC as the sole radio station, broadcasting news and conservative music. In the 1960s, pirate radio stations emerged catering to teenagers, followed by commercial stations like Radio 1. The internet integrated radio into daily life in the 2000s, allowing on-demand listening and new internet-only stations. Radio continues to rapidly change and adapt to new technologies to remain relevant in the fragmented media landscape.

1. The History Of UK Radio
By Maximilian Trimming

2. The Dawn Of The Radio
• Radio began in the UK in the early 1920s.
• There was only one Radio station in existence called BBC.
• It was developed by the BBC.
• It would only broadcast the news and play music suited to adult tastes.
• Unlike modern stations, there were no adverts played on air. This was so the BBC could maintain a
impartial view on current affairs.
• The target market for the BBC was adults as the content was very conservative.
• It was a regional station as the technology to make a national station did not exist.
• There were three stations The light service, The home service and the ……….
• The BBC started out as a public service broadcaster (PSB for short)
• The industry remained this way until the 1960s…….

3. The swinging sixties baby yeah!
• Radio culture was once again revolutionised. This was because teenage identity had come into the
social light. The Rock and Roll culture was introduced into society.
• Pirate radio stations were set up to introduce teenagers and young people to music from overseas like
Elvis Presley and The Beatles. The most popular being Radio Caroline. These radio stations were set up
illegally out at sea and broadcasted to the land.
• Eventually the Government set up commercial radio stations. These radio stations were set up for profit,
the first commercial radio stations were Radio 1,2,3,4
• Local stations were also set up. These provided local news for communities and updates on the social
scene of said community. Examples include Isle of Wight radio and BBC Yorkshire.
•

4. Personalised Radio
• Personalised radio is still currently in development. It will be a single stream that “intelligently”
switches between live and on-demand broadcasting based on the users preferences.
• It is being developed by the BBC. It has currently a year development cycle.
• This is the only official press release image of BBC Personalised Radio.

5. The Birth of the internet!
• The internet became integrated into everybody's lives in the early 2000s
• Radio was then made accessible through the internet!
• On demand broadcasting became mainstream thanks to internet as it was easily accessible.
• Internet only radio has now come into exsistence! This is radio that you can only listen to via the internet.
An example of this is Apple’s first international radio station programmed into every iPhone, Beats one.
• Internet has also increased the widespread avalibility of Radio.
• Now almost anyone can listen to radio as any smartphone and tablet has access to the internet.
• New forms of listening to radio has helped new tailored stations open as there is more demand for them.
Examples of these stations include BBC Six music.
•

6. The Ever Changing Industry
• Radio is one of the most rapidly changing industries in the world.
• Radio has had to constantly adapt to the ever changing technology.
• Radio has one of the most diverse business market in the world. This is because of the many different
stations there are and how consumers can go about listening to radio.
• This is why the radio industry is fragmented. It will continue to become fragmented to keep up with the
changing market.
• Radio is available on almost any device that has an internet connection or is able to receive FM or AM
signals.

7. The Ever Changing Industry
• Radio is one of the most rapidly changing industries in the world.
• Radio has had to constantly adapt to the ever changing technology.
• Radio has one of the most diverse business market in the world. This is because of the many different
stations there are and how consumers can go about listening to radio.
• This is why the radio industry is fragmented. It will continue to become fragmented to keep up with the
changing market.
• Radio is available on almost any device that has an internet connection or is able to receive FM or AM
signals.