Expanded comedies for Radio 4 Extra

Radio 4’s topical comedy shows The Now Show and The News Quiz are to be extended into 45-minute specials from next month.

The ‘extra’ episodes will be one of the staples of the schedules when digital channel Radio 7 is rebranded Radio 4 Extra.

As well as footage cut from the original broadcasts, the programmes will feature behind-the-scenes interviews with the show's writers, producers and guests.

Other programming for the relaunched station will include a strand called Comedy First, premiering new comedy before its launch on the terrestrial station. New series of Arthur Smith's Balham Bash and Sarah Millican's Support Group are among the shows lined up for this slot.

The BBC’s director of audio and music Tim Davie said he hoped to align the digital station more closely with Radio 4 and expand its listenership by ‘exploiting the strength of existing programmes and network brands’.

Published: 1 Mar 2011