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But First, This...

Normally, we only hear them in the short gaps between the programmes, but, as it’s Christmas, the Radio 4 continuity announcers have been given a whole hour to play with.

Continuity announcers' voices are at the heart of Radio 4 - they introduce the programmes and bring us the news. But who are they? What does it take to do their job - from introducing The Archers to reading the Shipping Forecast? And what happens on those, hopefully rare, occasions when things don't go according to plan?

Jane Steel, Viji Alles, Amanda Litherland and Alan Smith take a special look behind the scenes at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4, with contributions from more announcers than ever previously spotted in one place. Tim Harford from More or Less crunches the 'numbers of continuity'; and there's a special musical performance.

Featuring the voices of Neil Nunes, Charles Carroll, Caroline Nicholls, Chris Aldridge, Tom Sandars, Arlene Fleming, John Hammond, Neil Nunes, Lisa Costello, Mark Forrest, Andrew Peach, Tina Ritchie, Jim Lee, Andrew Crawford, Danielle Jalowiecka, Ron Brown and Al Ryan.

Producer and sound designer - Jack Soper
Executive producer - Katy Hubbard
Song - composed by Jake Yapp, pianist - Harry The Piano

Available now

57 minutes

On radio

Boxing Day 2024 06:00

Broadcasts

  • Sun 31 Dec 2023 23:00
  • Boxing Day 2024 06:00
  • Sat 4 Jan 2025 21:00