1079: Today in Parliament - 70 years on

In the victorious but challenging days after World War II, ‘Today in Parliament’ began on BBC radio. Indeed, its existence was cemented into a Corporation obligation. The programme was laborious in its early days, with a lengthy script being assembled from the acres of Hansard or reports and delivered solemnly by BBC staff announcers. In time, as Parliament eventually agreed with Reith’s original intention that proceedings themselves be broadcast, the programme could liven up as we heard for ourselves those moments of moment, passion and entertainment. Seventy years on, Robert Orchard reflects fondly on ‘TIP’. Order. Order.