Radio Times: The Rise and Fall of a Mid-Century Radio Guide
In the golden age of broadcasting, listeners relied on printed guides to keep track of their favorite programs. One such publication, Radio Times, emerged from an earlier title called Radioprogram by the late 1930s. Transitioning into a tabloid format, the publication initially used standard black ink on white paper before adopting a signature aesthetic: black ink printed on distinctive green paper.
The Conflict with Herald and Weekly Times
The success of Radio Times eventually led to a fierce commercial rivalry. The Herald and Weekly Times (HWT), a dominant media force of the era, believed that Radio Times was negatively impacting the sales of their own publication, the Listener-In. To eliminate the competition, HWT issued an ultimatum to newsagents: any vendor who continued to stock Radio Times would see all HWT publications withdrawn from their shelves.
Because HWT controlled a massive share of the market through titles like The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial, most newsagents complied. The only exception was the Victorian Railways' bookstalls, a chain large enough to resist HWT's pressure. Consequently, for a period, Radio Times was available only through these bookstalls and local milk bars. This corporate feud was not just a business struggle but a public one, documented within the pages of Radio Times itself and fought through various legal battles.
The Transition to The Age Green Guide
Internal conflict further destabilized the publication in the late 1940s. A falling-out between Editor H. Drysdale Bett and John Bett led to a professional split. In 1949, John Bett approached The Age and founded "The Age Radio Supplement," a weekly publication released every Thursday. Maintaining the visual tradition of its predecessor, this supplement was also printed on green paper.
While the original Radio Times ceased publication in 1950, its legacy lived on. The Age Radio Supplement eventually evolved into "The Age Green Guide," which continues to be published every Thursday as a supplement to The Age.
Key Facts
- Origin: Evolved from a publication called Radioprogram in the late 1930s.
- Visual Identity: Known for its distinctive black ink on green paper.
- Market Struggle: Faced a boycott by newsagents pressured by the Herald and Weekly Times (HWT).
- Distribution: Survived primarily through milk bars and Victorian Railways' bookstalls.
- Legacy: Led to the creation of The Age Radio Supplement in 1949, now known as The Age Green Guide.
- End of Era: Radio Times officially ceased publication in 1950.
| Publication | Key Period | Distinguishing Feature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radioprogram | Pre-late 1930s | Early iteration | Renamed to Radio Times |
| Radio Times | Late 1930s – 1950 | Green paper / Tabloid | Ceased publication 1950 |
| The Age Radio Supplement | Founded 1949 | Green paper / Thursday release | Became The Age Green Guide |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of Radio Times?
Before it was renamed Radio Times in the late 1930s, the publication was known as Radioprogram.
Why was Radio Times difficult to find in some stores?
The Herald and Weekly Times (HWT) threatened newsagents with the withdrawal of all HWT publications, such as The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial, if they continued to sell Radio Times.
Who were the only major vendors to stand up to HWT?
The Victorian Railways' bookstalls were the only newsagent chain large enough to resist HWT's pressure and continue stocking the publication.
How did the conflict between H. Drysdale Bett and John Bett affect the industry?
Their falling-out led John Bett to partner with The Age in 1949 to create The Age Radio Supplement, which preserved the tradition of printing on green paper.
Does any part of the Radio Times legacy still exist today?
Yes, The Age Radio Supplement evolved into The Age Green Guide, which is still published every Thursday as a supplement to The Age.