Voice of Arthur Burrows - who presented 1st ever news bulletin

Episode 949,   Nov 01, 2014, 03:23 PM

The first 'news bulletin' was heard on 14th November 1922 on 2LO; the day the early stations were handed over to the newly amalgamated British Broadcasting Company. It was delivered at 6.00 and 9.00 p.m. by the director of programmes, Arthur Burrows, was instructed to read each bulletin twice - once quickly and once slowly - before asking listeners to say which they preferred. There was a pause subsequently afterwards to allow any corrections to be identified.

Early bulletins that night included the story of the opening of the Old Bailey sessions; a speech by Conservative leader Bonar Law, the aftermath of a "rowdy meeting" with Winston Churchill; a train robbery; the sale of a Shakespearean first folio' London fog; and the latest billiards scores. Luckily the second day of bulletins had less room for billiards and more for the results of the General Election.