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

Well, this will be ambitious. I came up with this idea, a blog variation on the twelve days of Christmas, ambitiously called the twelve posts of Christmas. Ambitious because so far the most number of posts that I have done in any month is five. I will have to see how it goes.

So, here's the first one.

Buying a copy of the Christmas Radio Times has become a tradition for many households. It is still bought even if no one reads it. 

Here is a selection over the years.

1940. 

With Hitler 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.

1983.

And in 1983, the price was now 56 pence, compared to 10p in 1970. The Two Ronnies were still doing their Christmas specials, though.

 

 1994.

 

The Radio Times now covering all TV and satellite stations.

 

2010.

Dr Who and a free book for Christmas.

2023.

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.

The Radio Times, 2 old pence in 1940, 550 new pence in 2023.

There were 240 old pennies in a pound in 1940. 

550 new pennies is equal to 1320 old pennies. 

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