The cast of Waggoners Walk, an early radio soap-opera success, in 1971
Credit: BBC
Over the past few years, much has been made of the rebirth of radio. Stalwart shows such as Desert Island Discs and the Today programme are enjoying higher profiles than ever, while lockdown has seen a surge in listenership – particularly in the commercial sector, where it was reported recently that people were tuning in for almost two extra hours per day. The podcast industry, too, is booming, creating young millionaires off the back of lucrative advertising deals.
Yet we could also be on the verge of a quieter but no less significant revolution: the renaissance of the radio soap-opera. Of course, we have always had The Archers, which is part of Britain’s cultural tapestry, and which everyone knows (even if they never listen). But that evergreen show’s monopoly is about to come to an end.