BBC unveils its comedy station

The BBC has revealed details of its latest digital radio network, with a heavy emphasis on comedy.

BBC7 will launch on Sunday 15 December, broadcasting from 7am to 1am. Six hours will be dedicated to comedy every day.

Knowing Me, Knowing You, Tony Hancock, The Goons and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue will all form part of the opening day's line-up, which will be simultaneously broadcast on Radio 4 from 8pm to 10pm.

Other comedy shows in the station's schedules include Round The Horne and ust A Minute plus stand-up recordings from the likes of Greg Proops, Jo Brand, Rory Bremner, Graham Fellows and Sean Hughes.

Recent radio comedy hits such as The Boosh and Little Britain get another airing as well as shows that have successfully transferred to television: Room 101, They Think It's All Over, Goodness Gracious Me, and The League Of Gentlemen.

BBC7 will also feature drama and children's programming.

The station's editor, Mary Kalemkerian, said: "Nothing beats being asked to create a brand new network from the biggest broadcasting archive in the world.

"The underlying theme throughout the schedule is quality. BBC7 offers a treasure trove of treats for people who love good radio."

As part of the launch, BBC7 is asking people to vote for who they think is the funniest person or group they have ever heard.

Votes can be registered on the website from tomorrow (Wednesday).

The station will also have occasional theme nights, the first on Sunday January 5 will be dedicated to Spike Milligan.

Published: 12 Nov 2002