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Down Your Way Revisited

Jeffrey Richards assesses the impact of the 麻豆社 radio programme which explored the lives of ordinary people. From 2006.

Down Your Way was one of Britain's longest-running radio series.

It started in 1946 when 麻豆社 producer Leslie Perowne hit on the idea of spinning out a popular music programme on the 麻豆社 Home Service with short interviews with members of the public.

The idea was an instant success, and Down Your Way became a staple of the 麻豆社's radio schedules for decades.

At the height of its success in the 1950s - when television had yet to make a significant impact - it was attracting 10 million listeners a week. It finished its run in 1992.

Cultural historian Professor Jeffrey Richards argues that Down Your Way portrayed a 'heritage Britain', intent on preserving the past, which provided listeners with a reassurance that - despite all appearances to the contrary - nothing would ever really change in their green and pleasant land.

Producer: Libby Cross

First broadcast on 麻豆社 Radio 4 in May 2006.

Available now

1 hour

Last on

Thu 6 Nov 2025 00:00

Broadcasts

  • Sat 5 Nov 2016 08:00
  • Sat 5 Nov 2016 15:00
  • Sun 6 Nov 2016 03:00
  • Wed 5 Nov 2025 10:00
  • Wed 5 Nov 2025 16:00
  • Thu 6 Nov 2025 00:00