Radio Times: The Rise and Fall of a Mid-Century Radio Guide
In the golden age of broadcasting, keeping track of schedules was a necessity for every household. One such publication that captured this era was Radio Times, a guide that evolved from its predecessor, Radioprogram, by the late 1930s. Transitioning into a tabloid format, the publication initially used standard black ink on white paper before adopting a visually striking signature style: black ink printed on 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, viewed the publication as a threat to the sales of their own product, the Listener-In. To eliminate the competition, HWT issued an ultimatum to newsagents: any vendor continuing to stock Radio Times would see all HWT publications—including major titles like The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial—withdrawn from their shelves.
Because HWT publications represented a massive portion of newsagent revenue, most vendors complied. The only exception was the Victorian Railways' bookstalls, a chain large enough to resist the HWT pressure and continue stocking the guide. Consequently, for a period, Radio Times was available almost exclusively through these bookstalls and local milk bars. This corporate feud was not just a business struggle; it was documented within the pages of Radio Times itself and resulted in several legal battles.
The Transition to The Age Green Guide
Internal conflict eventually mirrored the external corporate wars. In the late 1940s, a falling-out occurred between Editor H. Drysdale Bett and John Bett. This rift led John Bett to approach The Age with a proposal.
In 1949, John Bett founded and edited "The Age Radio Supplement," a weekly publication released every Thursday. Maintaining the aesthetic tradition of its predecessor, this supplement was also printed on green paper. Over time, this publication evolved into "The Age Green Guide," which continues to be published every Thursday as a supplement to The Age to this day.
Following these developments and the rise of the new supplement, Radio Times officially ceased publication in 1950.
Key Facts
- Origin: Evolved from Radioprogram in the late 1930s.
- Visual Identity: Known for its distinctive black ink on green paper.
- Distribution Crisis: Boycotted by most newsagents due to pressure from the Herald and Weekly Times (HWT).
- Sole Major Retailer: Victorian Railways' bookstalls were the only large chain to defy HWT.
- Legacy: Led to the creation of "The Age Radio Supplement" in 1949, now known as "The Age Green Guide."
- End of Era: Radio Times ceased publication in 1950.
| Publication | Key Period | Distinctive Feature | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio Times | Late 1930s – 1950 | Green paper / Tabloid | Ceased publication |
| The Age Radio Supplement | Founded 1949 | Green paper / Thursday release | Evolved into Green Guide |
| The Age Green Guide | 1949 – Present | Thursday supplement | Still in publication |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the distinctive look of Radio Times?
After a brief period of using white paper, Radio Times adopted a unique format featuring black ink printed on green paper.
Why did many newsagents stop selling Radio Times?
The Herald and Weekly Times (HWT) threatened to withdraw all their publications, including The Herald and The Sun News-Pictorial, from any newsagent that continued to stock Radio Times.
Where could people still buy Radio Times during the HWT boycott?
The publication remained available at milk bars and through the Victorian Railways' bookstalls, which were the only newsagent chain large enough to resist HWT's pressure.
Who was responsible for the creation of The Age Radio Supplement?
John Bett founded and edited the supplement in 1949 following a disagreement with Editor H. Drysdale Bett.
What happened to Radio Times in 1950?
Radio Times officially ceased publication in 1950.
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.