The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) began radio service in the United Kingdom on this day November 14 in 1922. The BBC Radio service has gone on to create several popular and award-winning shows spanning various genres that have garnered listeners not only in Britain but also worldwide over the years. On this occasion, we present a select list of shows, some of which have ceased to air and others that are still going strong...

The Goon Show: This groundbreaking radio comedy series that ran on the BBC Home Service from 1951 to 1960 mixed ludicrous plots with surreal humour, puns, catchphrases and an array of bizarre sound effects. The show was created and mainly written by comedian Spike Milligan, who was inspired to name the programme, 'The Goon Show' after a Popeye character Alice the Goon. It has cited as an inspiration by The Beatles legend John Lennon, members of the legendary comedy group 'Monty Python'. 'The Goon Show' also featured the work of comedian Peter Sellers who went on to star in 'The Pink Panther' film franchise and other successful Hollywood motion pictures. The show was also broadcast internationally through the BBC Transcription Services in countries like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, India and Canada throughout the 1950s.