BBC Third Programme launch

It’s simplistic to presume that the BBC Third programme transformed itself neatly into today’s Radio 3. As the BBC re-assembled domestic broadcasting after the War, it vowed to create a ‘Third’ channel ‘when frequencies could be found’, in addition to the Home Service and the new Light Programme. What is amazing is that such plans were being assembled with such care in such a timely manner, as the Nation was preoccupied by War.

The Third Programme was duly launched in 1946. on 203.5m AM for listeners in London, Manchester, and nineteen other areas. In the Central Midlands, transmissions were on 514.6m.

"It will be unique in freedom from routine and in acceptance of artistic responsibility." No news bulletins or fixed periods are to cramp the opportunities of the third programme. Plays, operas, and concerts will be given in their entirety”. Over a third of the content was to be devoted to music, with ‘none of it background’; and you can hear here a lengthy introductory speech by the BBC’s then DG, Sir William Haley.

It broadcast just throughout the evening, with even that being truncated 10 years later as educational programmes were inserted onto the frequencies under the banner ‘Network Three’. Then, in 1965 classical music programmes were added on the frequencies during the day as the ‘BBC Music Programme’. The Third Programme lumbered on, even marginally beyond the creation of Radio 3. It wasn’t until 1970 that this medley of offerings became simply Radio 3.

The Third Programme attracted a small and enthusiastic band of vocal and intelligent supporters: “Thank God for the Third Programme! I begin to feel that I live in a civilised country. I am proud of your venture, and will gladly pay my increased licence. Persevere with it. “ John Lawson, Lincoln