The Open University

Awarded its Charter in 1969; and Harold Wilson would claim it as one of the finest moments of his legacy. Here, was a university open to all, and which could take real advantage of distance learning, a concept derided by some back then, but now commonplace. That learning was enabled by broadcasts on TV and radio which began in 1971.

Maths teachers in nylon shirts and large specs would give black and white lessons to an eager, insomniac audience on TV in off-peak hours; and the same was true on radio. The young, minority BBC2 channel hosted the TV elements; and the new FM relays of BBC Radio 3 and 4 (later BBC Radio 5 on AM) housed the radio programmes. Until 1990, Radio 4 FM still carried the programmes.

Here’s a snippet. The OU ident, recorded on crackly FM, and a few words from Lord Crowther, Founding Chair of the OU.

Now, online and time-shifting has made the dissemination of tuition much easier; but let's remember the role which which radio played in this key development in learning.