The Twelve Posts of Christmas - Day One: The Christmas Radio Times - A History Measured In Inflation

Buying a copy of the Christmas Radio Times has become a tradition in many households. I remember when I was young, we always bought both the Radio Times and TV Times at Christmas. That was the only they were bought. Back then, both magazines only published their own schedule and programmes. Today, they publish all, including satellite stations. There are far more TV magazines to choose from as well.

I expect that at least one is still bought by many at Christmas today, but does anyone read it?

Here is a selection over the years.

1940. 

While Hitler was planning his invasion of Britain, which thankfully never happened, the BBC offered its Christmas Radio Times for two old pence. And in 1940, Radio Times actually meant radio, because hardly anyone had a television set. 

And during the war, the BBC suspended its television service.

1957.

Seventeen years later, and the price had increased by a penny.

 1971.

Into the nineteen seventies now with festive favourites, The Two Ronnies on the front cover.

Cover price, 10 new pence.

1983.

And in 1983, the price was now 56 new pence. 

The Two Ronnies were still doing their Christmas specials, though.

 

1994.

 

The Radio Times now covered all TV and satellite stations. For years at Christmas, people would have had to buy both the Radio Times, and the commercial television offering, TV Times, as each only covered their own programmes.

 

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth".

 

Cover price now, £1.30.

 

2010.

Dr Who and a free book for Christmas this year.

Cover price, £2.20.

And in 2010, you could probably buy many books for less than £2.20.

2023.

Cover price, £5.50.

They are often very cheerful, but one thing did stand out, the price!

1940… 2 old pence.

1957… 3 old pence.

1971… 10 new pence.

1983… 56p.

1994… £1.30p.

2010… £2.20p.

2023… £5.50p. 

83 years of inflation.

2 old pence in 1940, 550 new pence in 2023.

There were 240 old pennies in a pound in 1940. 

So, 550 new pennies are equal to 1320 old pennies. 

One 2023 Radio Times magazine, would buy 660 copies in 1940.