Radio 4 launches new comedy podcast feed
BBC Radio 4 has launched Jokes, a new comedy podcast feed that brings together top picks from the station's original comedy in one place.
Available to subscribe on BBC Sounds and RSS, Jokes will combine brand new series with highlights from the archive, "providing comedy fans with an easy way to find the latest content from their favourite comedians".
To start the feed off, the full series of Nora Meadows' Week Of Wellness - the new comedy series starring Katy Wix as a therapist - has been uploaded.
Also available is the four episodes of stand-up show Jessica Fostekew: Sturdy Girls Club, and the 2019 comedy special Phil Wang: Wangsplaining.
Jokes will also soon showcase Icklewick FM, written by and starring Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill of The Delightful Sausage. Set in a fictional Yorkshire radio station, the show follows the residents of Icklewick as they discuss the big issues of the day, settle old scores and indulge in libellous gossip.
Both Nora Meadows' Week Of Wellness and Icklewick FM have been developed with the TV commissioning teams, as potential pilots for television.
Friday Night Comedy, which delivers The Now Show and The News Quiz, and Comedy of the Week, which offers up a different comedy each Monday, will both continue.
Julia McKenzie, Comedy and Entertainment Commissioner, at BBC Radio 4 says: "I am so excited to be launching this podcast strand that will complement our current offering of two other popular podcast feeds - Friday Night Comedy and Comedy of the Week. Jokes is the place where I can curate a selection of premium comedy content so that it's easier for people to locate past and current gems. Thrilled to kick it off with a brand new collaboration with my TV comedy colleagues. Nora Meadows is brilliantly observed and very funny."
Jon Petrie, Director Comedy Commissioning at the BBC, adds: "Some of the UK's most cherished characters conquered audio before successfully transferring to TV. We're looking forward to working with Julia and the podcast team to unearth some comedy gems."