BBC Listener Research Department Reports, 1937-c.1950 - Key Data

This collection contains Audience Research Reports compiled by the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) Listener Research Department (LRD) between 1937 and 1950. The reports analyse wireless listening habits on both a national and regional level, representing the BBC’s earliest foray into market research. The reports provided policy executives and programme makers with an insight into the views, tastes, and listening habits of the British public. This allowed the BBC to track the popularity of their broadcasts and to create programmes in response to the changing tastes of listeners.

Of particular interest are the reports covering the LRD’s wartime audience research. These demonstrate how the BBC became an invaluable source of information and point of influence for the government. This collection therefore provides a unique insight into the cultural preferences of the British public during the mid-twentieth century and the history of broadcasting in the UK.