1950 in British radio

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v t e

This is a list of events from British radio in 1950.

17 February – an appearance on Variety Fanfare from Manchester launches Al Read's comedy career.^[1]
29 May – The Archers pilot episodes debut on BBC radio, aired on the Midlands opt-out of the BBC Home Service;^[2] 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.^[3]
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.^[4]
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)^[3]
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)