1951 in British radio

This is a list of events from British radio in 1951.

Events

1 January – The Archers series debuts nationally on the BBC Light Programme; it will still be broadcast 75 years later as the world's longest-running radio "soap".
28 May–20 September – The BBC Home Service broadcasts comedy series Crazy People, predecessor of The Goon Show, created and written by Spike Milligan, who performs it with Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers and Michael Bentine.
2 July – The English language programmes of Radio Luxembourg move from long wave to the medium wave frequency of 208 metres and begins serialising the adventures of science fiction comic hero Dan Dare.
August – Tony Hancock joins the cast of Educating Archie as Archie's tutor.

Debuts

28 May – The Goon Show, on the BBC Home Service
2 July – The New Adventures of Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future, on Radio Luxembourg

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''

1950s

Educating Archie

''Listen with Mother''

Births

2 February – Ken Bruce, Scottish radio presenter
26 February – John Waite, radio presenter
1 March – Mike Read, DJ
13 May – James Whale, radio presenter
14 May – Max Reinhardt, music presenter
24 June – David Rodigan, DJ
28 July – Claire Benedict, Antiguan-born actress
9 August – James Naughtie, Scottish journalist and radio presenter
10 September – Sally Grace, actress
20 September – John Lloyd, comedy producer