1950 in British radio

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

Events

29 May – The Archers pilot episodes debut on BBC radio, aired on the Midlands opt-out of the BBC Home Service; 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 ; the series runs for 10 years and averages 15 million listeners.
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.
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
6 June – Educating Archie, on the BBC Light Programme
7 June – The Archers, pilot episode
5 November – Life with the Lyons, on the BBC Light Programme
3 December – Calling All Forces, on the BBC Light Programme

Continuing radio programmes

1930s

''In Town Tonight''

1940s

Music While You Work Sunday Half Hour Desert Island Discs Family Favourites Down Your Way Have A Go Housewives' Choice Letter from America Woman's Hour Twenty Questions Any Questions? Mrs Dale's Diary Take It from Here Billy Cotton Band Show A Book at Bedtime

''Ray's a Laugh''

Births

2 February – Libby Purves, radio presenter.
12 May – Jenni Murray, journalist, presenter of Woman's Hour
5 June – Jonathan Fryer, foreign correspondent, writer and politician
8 July – Sarah Kennedy, radio presenter