Wireless for the blind

It’s the longest running disability programme in UK broadcasting history, and probably in the world. This month, In Touch, the BBC’s programme for blind and partially sighted listeners, celebrates its golden jubilee

For half a century, the BBC radio programme In Touch has been broadcasting for the benefit and entertainment of blind and partially-sighted people across the UK.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, a live recording will take place on 4 October, for broadcast on 7 October, featuring current and former contributors, producers and presenters, including Gary O’Donoghue, Sue Townsend and Thena Heshel, producer of In Touch for 33 years.

Originally broadcast by the then BBC Home Service in 1961, In Touch moved to Radio 4 in 1967, where it has been a regular feature ever since. Now, the 20-minute programme is broadcast every Tuesday night at 8:40pm.

How has a show centred round a disabled audience survived for so long in the face of huge changes in the broadcasting environment?

Long-time presenter of In Touch and regular Disability Now columnist Peter White says that the programme’s enduring appeal relates to blind people’s affinity with radio.

“Blind and visually impaired people are a very obvious radio audience: we rely quite heavily on radio for information. Things have improved to some extent with technology but it’s still easier to turn on the radio than pick up a newspaper.

“There’s also a commonality of attitude. I’d never subscribe to the idea that we’re all the same, but as a community we do have a lot in common. On In Touch, you put up a problem and get a solution. That swapping of ideas is a strong element.”

David Blunkett MP, a guest on the 50th anniversary programme, has been listening to In Touch all his political life. “I was reminded, rather forcibly, by Peter White, of remarks I’d made on the programme back in 1973,“ he says. “They were about my scepticism about whether blind people should have an entirely separate programme. So, appearing on the 50th anniversary show left me with pause for thought. Had I changed, or had the programme?

“Both of us have, of course. I’m mellower and see the value in blind and partially sighted people sharing experiences. I also think that the original charter of the BBC for education and information is fulfilled by In Touch more than it ever was 40 years ago.

“Dropping into the show as you drive, or cook (as I did when the chef Anton Mosimann was talking about turning things over on the grill or frying) gives listeners the opportunity of widening their horizons.”

Does Cheryl Gabriel, current producer of In Touch, feel the show has the potential to survive another 50 years?

“The fact that it’s lasted 50 years and still has a solid audience that provides us with fantastic stories bodes well,” she says. “We have a fantastic relationship with our audience, which is one of the strongest things. We listen to them and respond to what they ask of us, at least, we try our very best to do that. All the while we’ve got an audience, we’ll have a programme.”