Exciting news – we’ve figured out how to travel through time! In episode 3 of the Piccadilly Radio podcast, our host Dr. Philip Johnstone takes us back to Manchester in the 1980s and finds himself quite at home in the terrifying global news, fraught national politics and glam music…
This episode explores the historical development of commercial radio in the United Kingdom, focusing on the emergence of Piccadilly Radio within the wider context of broadcasting policy, pirate radio, and youth culture. It examines how technological, political and cultural changes shaped the radio landscape from the pirates of the 1960s to the licensed stations of the 1980s.
You will hear archive clips from Piccadilly Radio news bulletins and adverts, as well as drama, documentaries and interviews. Full shows available at Manchester Central Library.
This podcast was made possible by National Lottery players and the Manchester Libraries Trust.
Our next bonus episode on Piccadilly Radio’s drama and sound design is out on 15 July!