BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Britain in a Box

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Series exploring the stories behind programmes which have become part of TV history

Series exploring the stories behind the making of programmes which have become part of TV history

Britain in a Box: Series 4

Paul Kobrak

Britain in a Box: Series 4: Episode 2: The Old Grey Whistle Test

Documentaries

The Old Grey Whistle Test

Episode 2

Episode 2: The Old Grey Whistle Test

Series 4

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Britain in a Box, Series 4, The Old Grey Whistle Test

Paul Jackson's series on classic TV shows focuses on The Old Grey Whistle Test.

Paul Jackson reveals how album rock series 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' survived on TV for 16 years. With Bob Harris. From February 2011.

Paul Jackson reveals how the BBC's influential music show devoted to rock albums, The Old Grey Whistle Test, survived on TV for 16 years from 1971 to 1988.

It provided British TV debuts for the likes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Billy Joel, Judas Priest, Judee Sill and Lynyrd Skynyrd - and yet was accused of ignoring punk.

Looking at how it divided the musical nation, Paul speaks to presenters 'Whispering' Bob Harris, Annie Nightingale and Mark Ellen, plus artists including PIL's Jah Wobble, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson and Wishbone Ash's Martin Turner. There's also a rare interview with Mike Appleton, the show's producer throughout its 18-year history.

Producer: Paul Kobrak.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2011.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Series exploring the stories behind programmes that have become part of TV history

Series exploring the stories behind the making of programmes that have become part of TV history

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Britain in a Box

Series 4

Episode 2: The Old Grey Whistle Test

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