Radio: Saturday Club

While The Beatles were enjoying their first full day in America, back in the UK the BBC broadcast interviews and reports on the popular radio show Saturday Club, presented by Brian Matthew.

Matthew had recorded a telephone interview with the group from the Plaza Hotel, New York, the night before. A BBC radio journalist, Malcolm Davis, had been present in their suite during the interview and recorded their words. These were later sent to London allowing the BBC an improved audio copy, onto which Matthew re-recorded his part.

Davis had also recorded reports from The Beatles’ arrival at JFK Airport and the Plaza, plus interviews with New York DJ Murray the K and excited fans.

Approximately 11 million people – roughly one-fifth of the UK population – heard the edition of Saturday Club. Brian Matthew’s interview was broadcast in the first hour from 10am, while Malcolm Davis’ 10-minute report closed the two-hour show.