BBC4 unveils new satires

BBC4 is ramping up its comedy content, with new late-night “intelligent” shows about the modern world.

The first of its new projects, Don’t Watch That Watch This manipulates topical and archive footage to satirise the news, such as imagining the idle chatter among news crews covering a real event.

The digital channel will also be broadcasting a new topical comedy from Armando Iannucci, pictured, called The Thick Of It.

He will direct an ensemble of comic actors who must improvise a political scenario, with a Minister trying to manage the news agenda.

Both this and Don’t Watch That Watch This , which was devised by Bremner, Bird And Fortune’s Geoff Anderson form part of BBC4’s newly-unveiled winter schedule for the new year.

Channel controller Janice Hadlow says she is looking for programmes that displayed the "same desire to connect with viewers" as Not the Nine O'Clock News.

"I think there's a space there for intelligent, clever comedy about the modern world. Something that's intelligent and also makes you laugh,” she told MediaGuardian."Radio 4 does this stuff really well - satirical, comedic takes on contemporary politics and the world. TV can find it harder to do."

Published: 15 Dec 2004