Until the 1980s and deregulation, the Radio Times only carried listings for BBC channels and its ITV-published rival, the TV Times, only carried ITV and Channel Four listings. Today both carry listings for all major terrestrial (analogue and digital), cable and satellite television channels in the United Kingdom. A number of similar magazines, from independent publishers, also exist. However, the magazine still lives up to its name by being the most comprehensive source of UK radio listings in print.
The Radio Times is currently published on Tuesdays and carries listings for the following Saturday through to Friday. There are several regional editions. A double issue is published each Christmas, in common with most other listing magazines.
The Radio Times was once edited by the British lyricist and entertainer Eric Maschwitz, and is currently edited by Gill Hudson.