The Archers is the world's longest-running radio soap opera. source
The Archers is the world's longest-running radio soap opera.
The British production, which has had more than 18,250 episodes, is broadcast on Radio 4, the BBC's main spoken-word channel. source
The British production, which has had more than 18,250 episodes, is broadcast on Radio 4, the BBC's main spoken-word channel.
The Archers is now described as "contemporary drama in a rural setting". source
The Archers is now described as "contemporary drama in a rural setting".
The Archers rapidly became a major source of entertainment for urban as well as rural audiences, attracting nine million listeners by 1953. source
The Archers rapidly became a major source of entertainment for urban as well as rural audiences, attracting nine million listeners by 1953.
The Archers is set in the fictional village of Ambridge in the fictional county of Borsetshire, in the English Midlands. source
The Archers is set in the fictional village of Ambridge in the fictional county of Borsetshire, in the English Midlands.
the Bridge Farm Archers, who took their land and animals organic a generation ago. source
the Bridge Farm Archers, who took their land and animals organic a generation ago.
Unlike some soap operas, episodes of The Archers portray events taking place on the date of broadcast, allowing many topical subjects to be included. source
Unlike some soap operas, episodes of The Archers portray events taking place on the date of broadcast, allowing many topical subjects to be included.
Recordings were sent to London, and the BBC decided to commission the series for a longer national run. In the five pilots the Archers owned Wimberton Farm. source
Recordings were sent to London, and the BBC decided to commission the series for a longer national run. In the five pilots the Archers owned Wimberton Farm.
The Archers actors are not held on retainers and work on the series usually for a few days a month. source
The Archers actors are not held on retainers and work on the series usually for a few days a month.
Baseley subsequently edited The Archers for 22 years. source
Baseley subsequently edited The Archers for 22 years.
Since 2007, The Archers has been available as a podcast. source
Since 2007, The Archers has been available as a podcast.
In 1996, William Smethurst recounted a conversation with Baseley in which he reveals his real motivation for killing off Grace Archer: source
In 1996, William Smethurst recounted a conversation with Baseley in which he reveals his real motivation for killing off Grace Archer:
On the 50th anniversary of ITV's launch, Ysanne Churchman, who played Grace, sent a congratulatory card to ITV, signed "Grace Archer". source
On the 50th anniversary of ITV's launch, Ysanne Churchman, who played Grace, sent a congratulatory card to ITV, signed "Grace Archer".
The actor Norman Painting played Phil Archer continuously from the first trial series in 1950 until his death on 29 October 2009. source
The actor Norman Painting played Phil Archer continuously from the first trial series in 1950 until his death on 29 October 2009.
The Dream of Gerontius was played following the death of Phil Archer. source
The Dream of Gerontius was played following the death of Phil Archer.
