What The Papers say set for radio revival

Journalist Simon Hoggart chaired the TV programme a number of times

Newspaper review show What The Papers Say is being revived for BBC Radio 4, it has been announced.

The station is planning a 12-show run for the general election and will make the comeback a permanent one if it proves a success.

The programme, which ran for 52 years on television, was eventually dropped in 2008.

It featured journalists reviewing the press with actors reading extracts from the papers in over-the-top voices.

The programme was originally made by Granada for ITV, then moved to Channel 4 when the broadcaster launched in 1982.

It went to BBC Two in 1989, and was the second longest-running TV show only to Panorama when it came off air.

Radio 4 controller Mark Damazer said that the format would remain largely untouched.

He said that a roster of presenters had yet to be determined but added he was keen to find a permanent slot for the show after the election.

The date of the first programme will depend on the timing of the general election.