The Birth of Children’s Radio at the BBC in 1922: How 2ZY in Manchester Launched the First Kiddies Corner, Influenced by American Radio

Abstract

ABSTRACT The first BBC radio programme for children in Britain was broadcast on November 15, 1922, by 2ZY in Manchester, on the second day of the BBC’s operation. 2ZY was run by wireless manufacturer, Metropolitan Vickers, and staff studied American radio before creating Kiddies Corner, one of forerunners of the BBC’s highly successful Children’s Hour. This article uses archive documents to trace how American radio influenced the launch of children’s broadcasting in Manchester. An analysis of programme listings evaluates how the BBC served children on its three stations, 2ZY, 5IT (Birmingham) and 2LO (London), during the first six weeks of official broadcasting, and suggests Manchester led the field.