Poetry Extra: The ABC of the BBC

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BBC Radio 4 Extra

Poetry Extra

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Weekly opportunity for listeners to revisit the riches of the BBC radio poetry archive

A brand new poetry slot on Radio 4 Extra gives listeners a weekly opportunity to revisit the riches of the BBC radio poetry archive

The ABC of the BBC

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Poetry Extra, The ABC of the BBC

Daljit Nagra selects the best programmes from the BBC's poetry archive.

To celebrate 100 years of the BBC, Daljit Nagra chooses The ABC of the BBC.  Presented by Wendy Cope.  From 2008.

Poet Daljit Nagra chooses The ABC of the BBC to mark 100 years.

The BBC was formed on 18th October 1922 to inform, educate and entertain. Daily broadcasting began on November 14th, 1922.

Published in 1928, Eleanor Farjeon's The ABC of the BBC is a collection of alphabet poems - giving a lively impression of the corporation in its early days.

This inspired Wendy Cope to offer her own specially commissioned ABC of the BBC, depicting the broadcaster in a contemporary light. 

Interspersed readings from both collections offer some humorous insights into how things have changed. 

Producer: Julian May

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

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