Radio 2

   Radio 2 was established by the BBC as a development from its Light Programme. This in turn, after the Second World War, had replaced the General Forces Programme which broadcast in an accessible style to the armed services. The Light Programme in the postwar decades was the BBC’s most widely appealing radio service, very different in character to the authoritative public service ambitions of the Home Service or the specialist tastes in the arts and classical music addressed by the Third Programme. The decision in 1967 to establish four very distinctive ‘streamed’ stations repositioned the new Radio 2 next to a younger sibling, Radio 1.

   For many years the contrast in style, musical preferences and ways of talking to the listener between these stations has been very great. Radio 2 has attracted a mainly much older audience, offering musical styles from earlier in the century, presented in a consciously relaxed, soothing, sometimes nostalgic way. The station retained a loyal core audience, but was little noticed or discussed. Instead, it was subject to some routine derision, perhaps connected with prejudices about age, though the station also seemed to lack clarity of aim and to be merely undemanding. It became a rumoured target for privatization (fulfilling no obvious public service remit) during the 1980s. As the BBC developed audience strategies and mission statements in the 1990s, the functions of radio services were closely analysed. There were already signs that Radio 1 had become too youthful for some, while Radio 2 was rethought until, in a development mostly unforeseen, its audience share began to match and at times exceed that of Radio 1. The BBC describes the station, somewhat ambiguously, as reflecting the ‘heritage of popular music and culture’ (1997:9). In practice it now offers considerable variety, anchored around a recognizable address to listeners: a very wide range of music; comedy, quiz and magazine programmes; documentaries, book readings, coverage of the arts, religion and several other areas. Its distinctive voices include those of Terry Wogan, a brilliant improviser and raconteur; Steve Wright, formerly a Radio 1 disc jockey; and several previously associated with other stations. Still not much noticed or discussed, Radio 2 describes itself as ‘the most listened-to radio station in Britain’ and its future development, including what kind of audience it attracts, will be of considerable cultural interest.

   See also: local radio; Radio 3; Radio 4; Radio 5; radio comedy

   Further reading

    BBC (1997) Our Commitment to You, London: BBC Books.

   MICHAEL GREEN