Soap trends

 BBC media release as we head to the 70th Anniversary of The Archers on Radio 4.

"Almost five million people listen to the Archers every week."

BBC official blog on 60th Anniversary of The Archers on Radio 4.

 "The drama attracts an audience of over five million in the UK"

BBC News Online report on 50th Anniversary of The Archers on Radio 4.

"The first episode of the Archers was broadcast on 1 January 1951 and it is still going strong, with a weekly audience of around four million listeners."

BBC Year Book 1990

"In radio, The Archers, made in Birmingham for Radio 4 and celebrating its 40th anniversary, held its weekly audience, its two editions and its weekend omnibus being heard by a total of 3 5 million."