http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29643662
For 3 years the BBC has been working to produce the “genome”. It is now online.
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/about
This site contains the BBC listings information which the BBC printed in Radio Times between 1923 and 2009. You can search the site for BBC programmes, people, dates and Radio Times editions.
This site has been created by BBC Archive Development, in conjunction with BBC Research and Development. Each page of the Radio Times was scanned and a high resolution TIFF image was produced. The programme listings were then zoned in blocks and optical character recognition (OCR) techniques applied to the zones. The information was broken down into time, title, synopsis, contributors, tables etc. automatically and an XML file was then produced for each magazine. Once the programme listings had been reviewed and checked for compliance issues the files were ingested into the database for this site.
Radio Times has been published with regional variations only since 1926. The magazines which have been scanned, and the data sets which have been included in Genome are not exhaustive, rather they represent the ones which we could access and which covered the greatest areas and variations.
The BBC began life as the British Broadcasting Company in November 1922. It was formed by a consortium of radio manufacturers, under licence from the Post Office, with John Reith appointed as General Manager shortly thereafter. In early 1923 the Newspaper Publishers' Association refused to print BBC programme details without the payment of advertising fees, and in response, the BBC decided to publish its own magazine - The Radio Times ('The Official Organ of the BBC') - to alert listeners to what was on and when.
So, as long as you know the date & time of your birth, you can find what was on the radio or the TV at the moment that you were born.
I'm the eldest, so I'll start with me:-
Alex Kemp Wednesday 26 October 1949, 4:30pm:
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/years/1949#month-10
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbctv/1949-10-26
BBC Television is a television service which began broadcasting on 2 November 1936 and ended on 19 April 1964.15.00 : Maurice Chevalier and Margaret Lockwood in the film 'THE BELOVED VAGABOND'http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbchomeservice/basic/1949-10-26
A gay and charming story in which Maurice Chevalier sings several songs
Contributors
Unknown: Maurice Chevalier
BBC Home Service is a radio service which began broadcasting on 1 September 1939 and ended on 29 September 1967.16.30 : RECORDS AT FOUR-THIRTYhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/light/1949-10-26
Leslie Baily in Reminiscent Mood
Contributors
Unknown: Leslie Baily
Light Programme is a radio service which began broadcasting on 29 July 1945 and ended on 29 September 1967.16.15 : Music of the Masters BBC SCOTTISH ORCHESTRAhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/third/1949-10-26
Conductor, Ian Whyte
Contributors
Conductor: Ian Whyte
Third Programme is a radio service which began broadcasting on 29 September 1946 and ended on 29 September 1967.(first program was on at 18:00)
18.00 : LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE U.S.A.
A talk recorded in New York by Francis Williams , American Correspondent of The Observer
Contributors
Unknown: Francis Williams
Liisa Kemp 18 April 1965, 1:30pm
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/years/1965#month-4
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/1965-04-18
BBC One is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964. It replaced BBC Television.13:45 : FARMINGhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbctwo/england/1965-04-18
Introduced by John Cherrington
Farm Secretaries
How many farmers enjoy the form-filling and record-keeping required today? A part-time secretary might help to reduce drudgery and increase efficiency
Directed by PHILIP HICKS
Produced by JOHN KENYON
From the Midlands followed by the Weather Situation for farmers and growers
Contributors
Introduced By: John Cherrington
Directed By: Philip Hicks
Produced By: John Kenyon
BBC Two is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964.19:00 : NEWS REVIEW (1st program)http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbchomeservice/basic/1965-04-18
for the deaf and hard of hearing
A look at the news of the week with film from all over the world and a commentary that can be seen as well as heard
Presenter, Michael De Morgan
Translator, Margaret Jones
Producer, Bill NORTHWOOD
Contributors
Unknown: Margaret Jones
Producer: Bill Northwood
BBC Home Service is a radio service which began broadcasting on 1 September 1939 and ended on 29 September 1967.13.10 : ANY QUESTIONS?http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/light/1965-04-18
A spontaneous discussion by RALPH WIGHTMAN
Lord BOOTHBY
LADY BARNETT
CANON RICHARD TYDEMAN
Travelling Question-Master, FREDDY GRISEWOOD
Produced by Michael Bowen from Lockyer's School, Corfe Mullen. Dorset
Last Friday's broadcast in the Light Programme
Contributors
Unknown: Ralph Wightman
Unknown: Canon Richard Tydeman
Produced By: Michael Bowen
Unknown: Corfe Mullen.
Light Programme is a radio service which began broadcasting on 29 July 1945 and ended on 29 September 1967.13.30 : MAX BYGRAVES ENTERTAINShttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/networkthree/1965-04-18
with BOB MILLER AND the MILLERMEM and BOB DIXON at the piano Max's special guest, NAT GONELLA
Script by Spike Mullins
Produced by JOHN BROWELL
Contributors
Unknown: Bob Miller
Unknown: Bob Dixon
Unknown: Nat Gonella
Script By: Spike Mullins
Produced By: John Browell
Network Three is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1957 and ended on 29 September 1967. It was replaced by BBC Radio 3.13.15 : BBC VIOLIN COMPETITION
Part 2
ANDREW MCGEE
Contributors
Unknown: Andrew McGeeDavin Kemp 23 February 1973 (time unknown)
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/years/1973#month-2
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/1973-02-23
BBC One is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964. It replaced BBC Television.11.45 : Closedownhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbctwo/england/1973-02-23
12.25 : Y Garej
Situation comedy
BBC Two is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964.11.45 : Closedownhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio1/england/1973-02-23
17.25 : Open University
BBC Radio 1 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967.11.00 : Dave Lee Travishttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio2/1973-02-23
13.00 : Johnnie Walker
BBC Radio 2 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced Light Programme.12.02 : Tony Brandonhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio3/1973-02-23
including at 1.15: Today's Story; April, June and Other Off Moments written by KEITH WATERHOUSE read by COLIN EDWYNN 5: Pauline
Contributors
Written By: Keith Waterhouse
Read By: Colin Edwynn
BBC Radio 3 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.12.15 : Midday Promhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio4/fm/1973-02-23
BBC NORTHERN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, leader BARRY GRIFFITHS
conducted by DALIA ATLAS Part 1
Rossini Overture: Semiramide
12.30* Shostakovich Symphony No 9
Contributors
Leader: Barry Griffiths
Conducted By: Dalia Atlas
BBC Radio 4 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service Basic.12.00 : You and Yours
Presenter Nigel Murphy You and the Law
Whose Welfare? A series on entitlement and aspects of the welfare state, by LAURIE SAPPER. Editor DENNIS LOWER
VHF South West: see Variations
Contributors
Presenter: Nigel MurphyMicaela Kemp Saturday 5 January 2002, 9:56am
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/years/2002#month-1
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/2002-01-05
BBC One is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964. It replaced BBC Television.9.00 - 12:00 : The Saturday Showhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbctwo/england/2002-01-05
Dani Behr and Joe Mace are joined by Gary Lucy , star of new ITV drama Footballers' Wives, and Krista Vendy who plays Tess in Neighbours.
Music is provided by Victoria Beckham and Wheatus. Karaoke Kriminals continues, there's new cartoon fun with The Mummy, plus Super Duper Sumos and The Cramp Twins, and US comedy with So Little Time and more from The Wild Thornberrys.
Producers Daniel Baldwin, Jennifer Chatham. Melissa Hardinge : Executive producer Annette Williams
Contributors
Unknown: Dani Behr
Unknown: Joe MacE
Unknown: Gary Lucy
Unknown: Krista Vendy
Provided By: Victoria Beckham
Unknown: Duper Sumos
Producers: Daniel Baldwin
Producers: Jennifer Chatham.
Producers: Melissa Hardinge
Producer: Annette Williams
BBC Two is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964.9.00 - 9:50 : Pole to Polehttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcchoice/2002-01-05
Concluding the series rerun.
Bitter End. After five months and 13,000 miles, Michael Palin arrives in Cape Town to embark on the final leg of his journey. But the only ship to Antarctica has no available berths and he realises he will have to bend his own rules.
Contributors
Unknown: Michael Palin
BBC Choice is a television service.6.00 - 19:00 : CBBC on Choicehttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcknowledge/2002-01-05
[alex comment: i never, ever watched this channel, or knew that it existed]
BBC Knowledge is a television service.
9.40 - 10:30 : Conquistadors: Fall of the Aztecshttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio1/england/2002-01-05
The story of Cortes and the Aztec empire. Also at 12.40pm, 3.40pm.
[alex comment: i never, ever watched this channel, or knew that it existed]
BBC Radio 1 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967.7.00 - 10:00 : Emma Bhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio2/2002-01-05
BBC Radio 2 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced the Light Programme.8.05 - 10:00 : Brian Matthewhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio3/2002-01-05
With Sounds of the Sixties.
BBC Radio 3 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced the Third Programme.9.00 - 12:00 : CD Reviewhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio4/fm/2002-01-05
Andrew McGregor plays some of this month's CD releases.
9.30 Building a Library: Chris de Souza recommends a version of Mendelssohn's Symphony No 4 in A (Italian) from among the available recordings.
10.10 A look at some recent reissues.
10.30 David Owen Norris reviews new piano discs, including Maria Joao Pires playing Beethoven and Arnaldo Cohen exploring the piano music of Brazil, plus Brahms for piano duet and Fantasies and Delusions by Billy Joel.
11.00 An interview with John Potter and Richard Wistreich of Red Byrd about their second volume of music by Leonin.
11.30 Disc of the Week: Poulenc La Voix Humaine (excerpt) Felicity Lott (soprano), Suisse Romande Orchestra, conductor Armin Jordan
Producers Mark Lowther and Andrew Lyle.
WEB SITE: www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/cdreview E-MAIL: [email protected]
DISC DETAILS: call the Radio 3 Information Line on [number removed] or consult CEEFAX, BBC1, page 651
Contributors
Unknown: Andrew McGregor
Unknown: Chris de Souza
Unknown: David Owen Norris
Unknown: Maria Joao Pires
Unknown: Arnaldo Cohen
Unknown: Billy Joel.
Unknown: John Potter
Unknown: Richard Wistreich
Soprano: Felicity Lott
Conductor: Armin Jordan
Producers: Mark Lowther
Producers: Andrew Lyle.
BBC Radio 4 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service Basic.9.00 - 10:00 : Home Truthshttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio5/2002-01-05
John Peel takes a wiry look at the foibles of family life.
Producer Alison Hughes. PHONE: [number removed]. E-MAIL: [email protected] John Peel : page 11
Contributors
Unknown: John Peel
Producer: Alison Hughes.
Unknown: John Peel
Radio 5 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 27 August 1990 and ended on 27 March 1994. (sic)9.00 - 11:00 : Chiles on Saturday
Adrian Chiles with news, sport and guests.
Contributors
Unknown: Adrian ChilesOliver Kemp Friday, 21 January 2005, 7:31am
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/years/2005#month-1
http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcone/london/2005-01-21
BBC One is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964. It replaced BBC Television.6.00 - 9:15 : Breakfasthttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbctwo/england/2005-01-21
presented by Bill Turnbull and Sian Williams. Then The National Lottery Daily Play
Contributors
Presented By: Bill Turnbull
Presented By: Sian Williams.
BBC Two is a television service which began broadcasting on 20 April 1964.7.30 - 7:55 : Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimensionhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcthree/2005-01-21
BBC Three is a television service.19.00 - 19:30 : The 7 o'Clock News on BBC3http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbcfour/2005-01-21
(first program)
BBC Four is a television service.19.00 - 19:30 : Cover Storieshttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio1/england/2005-01-21
How has style bible i-D remained at the vanguard of cool for 25 years?
BBC Radio 1 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967.7.00 - 10:00 : Chris Moyleshttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio2/2005-01-21
BBC Radio 2 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced Light Programme.7.30 - 9:30 : WakeUptoWoganhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio3/2005-01-21
And at 9.15 Pause for Thought with the Rev Roger Royle.
Contributors
Unknown: Roger Royle.
BBC Radio 3 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.7.00 - 10:00 : Morning on 3http://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio4/fm/2005-01-21
With Penny Gore.
Music includes:
7.00 8.30 : Chopin Etudes, Op 10 Nos 1, 3 and 4 Boris Berezovsky (piano) Mozart Rondo Concertante in B flat, K269 Pinchas Zukerman (violin), ECO, conductor Daniel Barenboim Vauqhan Williams Tuba Concerto John Fletcher , LSO, conductor Andre Previn
8.30 10.00 : Palestrina Stabat Mater a 8 The Cardinally Musick, conductor Andrew Carwood Beethoven Concerto No 5 in E flat (Emperor) Boris Berezovsky , Danish National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Thomas Dausgaard Schubert Heidenroslein , D257, Die Forelle, 0550; Im Fruhling, D882 Thomas Quasthoff (baritone), Justus Zeyen (piano)
Contributors
Piano: Boris Berezovsky
Piano: Mozart Rondo
Violin: Pinchas Zukerman
Conductor: Daniel Barenboim
Conductor: Vauqhan Williams
Unknown: John Fletcher
Conductor: Andre Previn
Unknown: Stabat Mater
Conductor: Cardinally Musick
Conductor: Andrew Carwood
Unknown: Boris Berezovsky
Conductor: Thomas Dausgaard
Conductor: Schubert Heidenroslein
Baritone: Thomas Quasthoff
Baritone: Justus Zeyen
BBC Radio 4 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 30 September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service Basic.6.00 - 9:00 : Todayhttp://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/radio5/2005-01-21
With James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.
6.25 ,7.25,8.25 Sports News with Steve May.
6.45 Yesterday in Parliament
With Sean Curran and David Wilby.
7.48 Thought for the Day with Abdal Hakim Murad.
8.31 Yesterday in Parliament
Contributors
Unknown: James Naughtie
Unknown: Sarah Montague.
Unknown: Sean Curran
Unknown: David Wilby.
Unknown: Abdal Hakim Murad.
Radio 5 is a radio service which began broadcasting on 27 August 1990 and ended on 27 March 1994.6.00 - 9:00 : Breakfast
Nicky Campbell and Shelagh Fogarty with the morning's news, sport, weather and money news.
Contributors
Unknown: Nicky Campbell
Unknown: Shelagh FogartyGrace Kemp 30 May 2012, 1:40pm:
(entries stop at 2009, so cannot show anything)--------- Alex Kemp