Chernenko is Soviet leader, 1984

1970s America rediscovered through lost recordings of Letter from America, on the 10th anniversary of legendary journalist Alistair Cooke's death. Paddy O'Connell and guests including historian Dominic Sandbrook, Alvin Hall, Ann Treneman and Naomi Shragai will reflect on the pers ...  Show more

Give the Communist masses what they really want - a delivery of consumerism.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC ...  Show more

New Soviet leader Chernenko described as in poor health even as he assumes office.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by th ...  Show more

Misgivings over Gorbachev's liberalisation proposals as observers fear further splits from satellite nations.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to ...  Show more

Jobs hit as strong dollar means US exports are too pricey for world markets.This archive edition of Letter from America was recorded by one of two listeners, who between them taped and labelled over 650 Letter From America programmes from 1973 to 1989. It was restored by the BBC ...  Show more

With power finally in Bolshevik hands, state terror arrives in Russia. The Soviet Union is born. But, installed in Red Square, Lenin’s health is ailing. Will his creation live on beyond his death? And which of his lieutenants, jostling for position, will take up the baton? A Nois ...  Show more