2ZY

2ZY was Manchester’s first radio station, on-air from 1922 to 1927, beginning its tests (when tests were essential) on 17 May 1922, with regular programmes beginning on 15 November 1922. It was a day after the famous 2LO from London; and just over an hour after Birmingham's 5IT. These were the early days of broadcasting, when different radio manufacturers came together to form the British Broadcasting Company.

Here, boss, Kenneth Wright speaks; followed by the engineer, Hugh Bell, from Metropolitan Vickers; Reginald Jordan; and head of drama, Victor Smythe.

As networking became technically possible and the BBC National Programme launched in 1927, 2ZY and its sister around the UK made up the BBC Regional Programme. These two networks later became the Home Service.