History of BBC Radio 2

The British Broadcasting Corporation, or BBC, runs the United Kingdom's most famous and popular radio stations. There is one unique aspect of these radio stations which set them apart from most other radio stations around the world, including those in the United States, in that the BBC is owned and operated by the British government. BBC Radio 2 is one such radio station and has been in production since the 1960s.

BBC's Radio 2, along with Radio 1, has been one of the most popular radio stations, not just in the United Kingdom, but worldwide ever since its inception on September 30, 1967. Though it was primarily created to be a sister station to BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 very quickly garnered its own loyal following, eventually becoming more akin to a competitor to Radio 1. 

The British Broadcasting Corporation's Radio 1 and Radio 2 were unique from other national radio stations in that they were created and owned by the British Parliament. It was a response to the "pirate" radio stations that had been growing in popularity through Britain during the 1960s.

Both stations during their inception played primarily the popular music favored by the younger generation. They still do, to a large extent. However, the programming for Radio 2 began to evolve during the 1970s, eventually becoming more distinct from Radio 1. The programs that are popular now, such as the "Breakfast Program" and the "Current Events at Lunchtime" were created in the 1970s. Radio 2 has been on a 24-hour broadcasting format since the 1970s. By the 1980s, Radio 1 and Radio 2 were completely split and run separately from one another. Radio 2 focused primarily on pop, rock n' roll, folk, country and jazz music. 

In more recent years, BBC Radio 2 has catered to a listener demographic that is mostly 25 years and older. There is movement towards garnering a younger listening audience again, however. The success of BBC Radio 2 continues to grow as it now ranks higher than Virgin Radio and other popular radio stations in the United Kingdom.