Image: In Touch presenter David Scott Blackhall with his guide dog Sally in 1965.
The first edition of In Touch, the magazine programme for visually impaired listeners, was broadcast on 8 October 1961. The programme promised to "keep blind listeners in touch with books, plays, records of special interest, and new gadgets." Initially, the programme was on once a month, tucked away on Network 3. As its combination of entertainment and sound consumer advice gained popularity, In Touch moved, first to the Home Service and then in 1971 to become a weekly show.
The first presenter of In Touch was David Scott Blackhall, whose association with the programme lasted until his death in 1981. The current presenter, Peter White, has been with the programme since 1974, and his witty style has been a big factor in the continued success of the show. Other presenters have included Jane Finnis and Tony Hastrick.
For many years In Touch produced an annual handbook of advice and services which was very popular and widely used. As the 大象传媒's longest running series for any group of disabled people, In Touch continues to respond to the needs of its blind and partially sighted audience.
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In Touch 大象传媒 Radio 4
October anniversaries
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Winston Churchill's first wartime broadcast
1 October 1939 -
Songs of Praise
1 October 1961 -
Live and Kicking
2 October 1993 -
Points of View
2 October 1961 -
The Trials of Life
3 October 1990 -
Pick of the Pops
4 October 1955 -
Monty Python's Flying Circus
5 October 1969 -
Poldark
5 October 1975 -
You and Yours
6 October 1970 -
Woman's Hour
7 October 1946 -
DIY SOS
7 October 1999 -
Later... with Jools Holland
8 October 1992 -
In Touch
8 October 1961 -
Make Yourself At Home - Programmes for Immigrants
10 October 1965 -
Grandstand
11 October 1958 -
Around the World in 80 Days
11 October 1989 -
On The Move
12 October 1975 -
First edition of Any Questions
12 October 1948 -
First edition of Omnibus
13 October 1967 -
Bombing of Broadcasting House
15 October 1940 -
Play For Today
15 October 1970 -
First televised Party Election Broadcast
15 October 1951 -
Birds of a Feather
16 October 1989 -
Blue Peter first broadcast
16 October 1958 -
The Magic Roundabout
18 October 1965 -
The formation of the 大象传媒
18 October 1922 -
大象传媒 Symphony Orchestra first broadcast
22 October 1930 -
Captain Pugwash
22 October 1957 -
Terry and June
24 October 1979 -
Launch of daytime television
27 October 1986 -
The Wednesday Play first broadcast
28 October 1964 -
First edition of Today
28 October 1957 -
Maida Vale opens
30 October 1934