In the course of my researches in to Cumbrian folk music I've found there was a BBC TV programme called 'Barn Dance' which went out regularly in the early 1960s. The Spinners, Jacqui & Bridie, Wally Whyton et all appeared on this as well as local acts, with presenters including Brian Redhead and Frank Bough. Not sure without checking whether this just went out in NW region or nationally.

There were also programmes broadcast in the 1950s and early 1960s on the BBC Northern Service (earlier version of regional radio, pre-dating local radio stations)across the NE and Cumberland. I only know about the Cumbrian programmes, Merry Neet and Barn Dance, but I think there were NE versions too.

If you're doing serious research then I suggest you contact the BBC Written Archives Centre in Reading, which is open to anyone doing serious research(academic, researching a book for publication or a programme for broadcast).

PM me if you want to know any more about these.