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Archive on 4: When Comedy and Politics Collide

When Comedy and Politics Collide

21/12/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Archive on 4, When Comedy and Politics Collide

Is satire on radio and TV now harming rather than helping our politics?

Satire is supposed to be a cleansing force, but is comedy now harming rather than helping our politics? Matthew Flinders explores how comedy and politics have affected each other.

Satire is supposed to be a cleansing force - but is comedy now harming rather than helping our politics? In a journey through 50 years of broadcasting archives since the satire boom took off, Matthew Flinders explores how comedy and politics have affected each other - for better and for worse - in the modern broadcasting age.

The programme hears from those who have created and moulded the comedy - from Sir Antony Jay, who helped develop That Was the Week that Was and created Yes Minister, to John Lloyd, creator of Spitting Image, and performers like Rory Bremner. Presenter Matthew Flinders also hears from politicians who have been the butt of satire and who have tried to fight back.

Producer: Jonathan Brunert.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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