The papers relate to the work of the radio 'Entertainment Division' (later the 'Light Entertainment Department') and cover the creation and broadcast of radio programmes that fall under the very broad heading of entertainment (or light entertainment). In the period when most of the material in the series was created, entertainment programmes were classed as anything that was not a Talk (a factual programme that often took the form of a lecture or speech), a musical performance or a news bulletin. Radio entertainment output included variety acts, musical revues, comedies, plays, quizzes, travelogues, features, satires, poetry, interviews and long-running serials such as The Archers and Mrs Dale's Diary .
Several programming strands within the Entertainment Division, such as Outside Broadcasts, Gramophone Records, Music and Children's Hour, had separate departments. See Related Units of Descriptions for series containing the papers for these programmes.
The files cover all stages of the production process, including initial proposals, casting and recording, technical arrangements and audience feedback. The series contains files for specific programmes, alongside files covering more general topics such as entertainment policy, scheduling and proposals for new programmes.
Material can include correspondence, budget documents, scripts, pamphlets, audience research reports, Programmes-as-Broadcast, cast sheets, newspaper clippings, plans and minutes. The amount of detailed correspondence varies depending on the nature of the programme.
The papers include correspondence and official paperwork from the following sources: producers; writers; script editors; Features Organiser; Head of Drama; Drama Booking Manager; Head of Features; Head of Children's Hour; Head of General Overseas Service; Overseas Programme Planner; Director of Variety; Variety Booking Manager; Controller, Light Programme; Controller of Third Programme; Assistant Director of Sound Broadcasting and contributors to programmes.