The University of the Air

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Archive on 4: The University of the Air

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Gordon Brown charts 50 years of the Open University.

4 Extra Debut. Gordon Brown charts the remarkable story of the Open University and explores the challenges that lie ahead. From 2019.

Gordon Brown was one of the first tutors for the Open University. 

To mark the OU's 50th anniversary in 2019, the former UK Prime Minister, tells the remarkable story from the battle for its birth to the current crisis.   

The brainchild of Harold Wilson, brought into being by the passionate efforts of Jennie Lee, the OU was founded on the revolutionary principle of open access for all, with no previous qualifications required.

Since it was founded, more than 2 million students have passed through its decidedly open doors. 

With over 170,000 current students, it's the biggest university in the UK and one of the largest in the world. Until recently it consistently ranked high for student satisfaction. 

Though it’s perhaps best known as a classically 1970s institution, evoking memories of early mornings perched in front of the television, the OU seemingly passed into the digital age with quiet aplomb, yet the increased competition from MOOC providers, a recent fall in student numbers and leadership crisis put into question the future of the OU.

With contributions from: 

Robin Wilson, son of Harold Wilson and OU Professor
Current Chancellor Martha Lane-Fox
Vice- Chancellor Mary Kellett
Professor Steven Rose
Anant Agarwal, CEO of EdX
Willy Russell
Lenny Henry

Producer: Liza Greig

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2019.

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