There’s something lovely about the BBC Genome project, which is archiving all of the Radio Times listings throughout the run of the magazine. It’s not as fun as getting your hands on an old copy of the actual magazine, but it’s nice enough.
While most of the listings are dry, some, like The Young Ones ones, are written in the style of the show. Here, for example, are some of the entries for The Day Today.
Radio 4’s current affairs spoof On the Hour gave the listening world sports commentator Alan Partridge, US reporter Barbara Wintergreen and a demented approach to news reporting. Now the same team tackles television, with new series The Day Today aggressively scheduled in direct opposition to the Nine O’Clock News.
Radio Times, Issue 3653, Page 76
“It’s a programme designed to knock current affairs broadcasting off its axis, then blow a hole in its spluttering head,” says editor Ross Edwards. “The Day Today embraces the ‘good news’ ethos of Martyn Lewis, but at the same time doesn’t fear the genuine thrill of natural or man-made disasters.”
Included in this evening’s programme are the “vox pop” feature Speak Your Brains, a review of the sporting year with Alan Partridge, and a selection of home video disasters in Genutainment, a “reality eyefest” captured by you, the public.
Director Andrew Gillman
Producer Armando Iannucci
A Talkback production for BBCtv
SEE THIS WEEK page 7
I find it odd that The Day Today aired on a Wednesday. Could have sworn it was on a Thursday.
The second in this new series which brings Radio 4’s current affairs spoof On the Hour to the screen. Presenter Christopher Morris brings the latest news, sometimes enhancing the events to make them more suitable for inclusion. Helping to delve behind the headlines are Doon Mackichan, Steve Coogan, Patrick Marber, Rebecca Front, David Schneider and sports editor Alan Partridge.
Radio Times, Issue 3654, Page 76
Director Andrew Gillman
A Talkback production for BBCtv
By episode three, the entires are getting a little more brief.
The third in this new series which brings Radio 4’s current affairs spoof On the Hour to the screen. Presenter Christopher Morris sets about pulling in the latest catch of events from the InfoSea. Helping him delve behind the headlines are Doon Mackichan, Steve Coogan, Patrick Marber, Rebecca Front and David Schneider. Plus, CBN’s Barbara Wintergreen reports tonight on the collapse of the “Chicago Blister”.
Radio Times, Issue 3655, Page 92
Director Andrew Gillman
Producers Armando lannucci and Christopher Moms
A Talkback production for BBCtv
I’ll let you go and find the rest for yourself.
Enjoy.
