A History of the BBC in 100 Blog Posts: 1927.

There were a number of firsts for the BBC in 1927, although one of the more popular examples, that Christopher Stone became the first Radio DJ in April doesn't seem to be true.  A glance at the BBC Programme Index indicates that what was then called a "gramophone recital" began as early as November 1922, and the first named "DJ" was Moses Baritz in March 1925 (although some sources date this back to as early as 1924).  Is this a mistake or has Baritz, born in Manchester of Ukrainian Jewish origin and founding member of the Socialist Party of Great Britain been written out of history?  See above the only photo I could find for him online.

Below are some actual firsts.  The first director general of the BBC was Lord Reith and there's a lengthy interview with him from 1967 with Malcolm Muggeridge (clips from which have featured in documentaries throughout the years notably TV Hell).  There's a tribute to Sir Henry Wood because 1927 was the first year the BBC Proms were broadcast on the radio.  It's also the first year various sporting commentaries began across rugby, cricket, football and tennis (this was the first BBC Wimbledon).

Reith

Blue Plaques: Reith, John Charles, Lord Reith (1889-1971)

"Lord Reith was the first Director-General of the BBC (in 1927). He is commemorated with a blue plaque at his former home at 6 Barton Street in Westminster."

[English Heritage]

Lord Reith Looks Back: I was meant to do something in the world [1/3]

Lord Reith Looks Back: I Found the BBC or the BBC Found Me [2/3]

Lord Reith Looks Back: I was not fully stretched [3/3]

A series of interviews in which Lord Reith tells his life story to Malcolm Muggeridge.  You'll recognise it from the clip from the TV Hell theme night in which he says that everyone having access to television is "a potential social menace of the first magnitude."

[BBC Clips][BBC Programme Index]

Archive on 4: Who's Reithian Now?

"As the BBC approaches its 90th birthday, arch scrutiniser and listeners' champion Roger Bolton examines the genesis of Reithian values and finds out how well Lord Reith - the first Director General of the BBC - lived up to his own exacting standards."

[BBC Sounds][BBC Programme Index]

Behind The Scenes

The B.B.C. Christmas Fund for Children

The first iteration of the BBC's Children in Need began on Christmas Day 1927.  

[BBC Programme Index]

Media milestones: First BBC sports commentary: January 15 1927

"The BBC had just one instruction for Captain HBT Wakelam when he made its pioneering sports broadcast: "Don't Swear" was pinned up at eye-level as he faced the microphone while England faced Wales in the rugby international at Twickenham."

[The Guardian]

Sir Henry Wood tribute

The Thirty-Second Season of the Promenade Concerts was the first to be broadcast and supported by the BBC.  Broadcast during the 1994 concert series.

[BBC Clips]

The Essay: Renewing the Past: The BBC and Early Music: 1920s, Reviving Old Ayres

"Nicholas Kenyon explores early music at the BBC in the 1920s."

[BBC Sounds][BBC Programme Index]

The British Broadcasting Corporation First Annual Report 1927

"The Governors of the British Broadcasting Corporation assumed office on January 1st, 1927, and have the honour herewith to present their first Annual Report."

[hathitrust]

The BBC Handbook 1928

"The issue of this Handbook is a reminder that broadcasting is an established and accepted institution. People may still marvel at the wonder of wireless, but perhaps they should marvel still more that in so short a space of time this new Public Service should have become so essential and so powerful a factor in our life."

[World Radio History]