BREAKING the News, the topical comedy news quiz, celebrates a major milestone this week with the broadcast of its 150th episode.
The BBC Scotland show, which takes a satirical swipe at the week’s news in Scotland and beyond, has delivered laughs galore for audiences since it first aired in 2015.
Des Clarke has been the host from its debut on BBC Radio Scotland, testing the wit of the UK’s top comedians, opinion formers and up-and-coming local stand-up talent as they dissect the biggest stories of the last seven days.
Over 15 series, the show’s live recordings at venues up and down the country have become a must-have ticket. Among the panellists who’ve taken part are Rory Bremner, Karen Dunbar, Fred MacAulay, Jo Caulfield, Raymond Mearns and Janey Godley.
Since October last year, Des has had the constant company of another of the country’s top comedians, Jim Smith, as a weekly panellist.
In the 150th episode, which will be broadcast on Friday 10 April at 1.30 pm on BBC Radio Scotland, Des will scrutinise the stories behind the headlines with Susie McCabe, Jay Lafferty, Jamie MacDonald and Jim Smith.
Des said: “Breaking the News has lasted three General Elections, 27 Brexit votes, a global pandemic and we’re still here. People want comedy, through good news and bad, and what we’re doing provides and outlet for that. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Gareth Hydes, commissioning editor, Radio and Events, BBC Scotland, said: “Breaking the News has become a mainstay of our schedules and has built a passionate and loyal audience. Each week, the array of comedy talent is fantastic, bringing the sharpest and wittiest analysis of news and current affairs.
“Even in these toughest of times, the programme is still able to bring some light relief to our audiences.”
The show has won numerous awards including Best Radio Show for four years running at the Scottish Comedy Awards and Best Radio Comedian for Des Clarke for two consecutive years.
It is consistently one of the most requested programmes on BBC Radio Scotland’s digital platforms and standalone content has reached over one million views on social media.
Its success on radio and online led to a move on to television with Breaking the News becoming one of BBC Scotland’s first truly multi-platform productions, with different versions of recordings being broadcast on both the BBC Scotland TV channel and on BBC Radio Scotland.
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