Between the early 1920s and the outbreak of World War II, the BBC developed two nationwide radio stations – the National Programme and the Regional Programme (which began broadcasting on 9 March 1930) – as well as a basic service from London that include programming originated in six regions.

Although the programme items attracting the greatest number of listeners tended to appear on the National, they were each designed to appeal "across the board" to a single but variegated audience by offering at most times of the day a choice of programme type rather than simply catering to two distinct audiences.

The reasons given included the need to prevent enemy aircraft from using differentiated output from the Regional Programme's transmitters as navigational beacons.

By 1964, the Home Service was on the air each day from 6.35 am (7.50 am on Sundays) and would conclude each night at the precise time of 11.48 pm.

The Third Programme became BBC Radio 3, with the Music Programme losing its separate identities (the Third, Study Session and Sports Service were retained under the banner of Network Three until 4 April 1970), and the Home Service was replaced by BBC Radio 4.

The service provided between five and seven national news bulletins a day from London – with drama, talks and informational programmes.

The service also broadcast educational programmes for schools during the day, backed with booklets and support material.