Pick of the Pops

British radio program

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July 17, 2026

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Pick of the Pops was a British radio program that became a pop radio institution. It was first hosted by Alan Freeman on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 1961, initially as Records Around Five before moving to Pick of the Pops within months. The show was rescheduled to a Sunday afternoon slot in 1962 and Freeman hosted it for the next 10 years, known for his catchphrase, "Greetings, pop pickers." While Freeman also championed heavy metal and hosted rock shows, Pick of the Pops remained associated with chart-based music. The program was revived in 1997 on BBC Radio 2.1

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Alan Freeman
…to a new chart show, Pick of the Pops. Rescheduled in 1962 from Saturdays to a Sunday afternoon slot, Pick of the Pops became a pop radio institution, which Freeman, with his catchphrase opening, “Greetings, pop pickers,” hosted for the next 10 years. Although he continued to be associated with…
Read More
…to a new chart show, Pick of the Pops. Rescheduled in 1962 from Saturdays to a Sunday afternoon slot, Pick of the Pops became a pop radio institution, which Freeman, with his catchphrase opening, “Greetings, pop pickers,” hosted for the next 10 years. Although he continued to be associated with…
Read More