Industrial Context: Types of Comedy Programming on Radio 4

Radio 4 broadcasts a wide range of comedy programming.



Panel Games/Shows
Just a Minute: Now on its 83rd series, this panel game challenges its contestants to speak without hesitation for a full minute on whatever topic that comes up on the cards. Presented by Nicholas Parsons. Web page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006s5dp



Where's the F in News: A comedic news magazine programme with an all female panel hosted by Jo Bunting. Web page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003cpg


Sitcoms
Party: Sitcom about a group of idealist youth setting up their own political party, written by Tom Basden. Web Page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00r7l7j



Life on Egg: A prison based sitcom starring Harry Hill set in a prison called "The Egg". Web Page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09kr1pf




Sketch
What the Future: A sketch comedy mockumentary series that is presented as a series of documentaries from the future by Kirsty Wark. Web page:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0001vtp



28 Acts in 28 Minutes: A show hosted by John Humphrys in which 28 performers are given 60 seconds to improvise a sketch. Web page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b009ly1p

Radio 4 also broadcasts one-off comedy specials, stand up shows as well as radio plays and mockumentaries. Based on the available options, there is a lot for me to experiment with as well as having multiple genres, codes and conventions to learn before I write, record and edit. I am currently leaning towards a sitcom but that may change as I conduct further research.