The Epilogue

Image: The Epilogue from Studio 32 at Broadcasting House in May 1935

The Epilogue, a quiet moment of reflection to mark the end of the broadcasting day, was first heard on Sunday 26 September 1926. It initially comprised themed Bible readings but over time hymns were added.

Amongst the BBC's Sunday output - which was restricted to programmes that were deemed appropriate to the Sabbath - the Epilogue stood out and was greatly appreciated. By 1928 the BBC could report that the Sunday Epilogue was "the most popular single item in all the programmes".

Internal documents reveal that the Epilogue was intended to stand apart from the rest of the evening's radio by preserving an "improvised, unexpected quality". Thus Christian thought was distilled, and presented without sectarian bias. The title Epilogue was chosen by London Station Director Basil Nichols, although in later years the programme was not always the last thing on at night. It was an idea General Manager John Reith had originally proposed, and was prepared by Director of Education John Clarke Stobart, who chose the readings along with Stuart Hibberd and others.

The Epilogue finally ended on Good Friday Sunday 1980. The moment of stillness in the broadcasting day that the Epilogue brought to radio is continued today with Thought for the Day on Radio 4, and Pause for Thought on Radio2.