The Word (radio)
Encyclopedia
The Word was a weekly half-hour radio programme on the BBC World Service
about books and writers. Its final edition was in October 2008. Once a month its slot was taken over by World Book Club in which listeners sent in questions to a famous writer. Both programmes were presented by Harriett Gilbert
. World Book Club
continues to be broadcast once a month on Saturdays.
, Verity Sharp
, and Rosemary Hartill) as well as a poetry request programme, Poems by Post.
Each week the programme would typically feature an author interview and a report on a topic such as 'new Malaysian writing'.
Each edition was broadcast on the BBC World Service several times during the week. It could also be heard online anytime during the week of transmission on the BBC website.
In Harriett Gilbert's absences, the programme has been presented by, amongst others, Bidisha and Nii Ayikwei Parkes.
took over the slot of The Word. In October 2008, it became an hour long programme under the umbrella of the arts show The Strand
and is broadcast on the first Saturday in the month.
BBC World Service
The BBC World Service is the world's largest international broadcaster, broadcasting in 27 languages to many parts of the world via analogue and digital shortwave, internet streaming and podcasting, satellite, FM and MW relays...
about books and writers. Its final edition was in October 2008. Once a month its slot was taken over by World Book Club in which listeners sent in questions to a famous writer. Both programmes were presented by Harriett Gilbert
Harriett Gilbert
Harriett Sarah Gilbert is an English writer, academic and broadcaster, particularly of arts and book programmes on the BBC World Service. She is the daughter of the writer Michael Gilbert...
. World Book Club
World Book Club
World Book Club is a radio programme on the BBC World Service. Each edition of the programme, which is broadcast on the first Saturday of the month with repeats into the following Monday, features a famous author discussing one of his or her books, often the most well-known one, with the public...
continues to be broadcast once a month on Saturdays.
The Word
The Word emerged from an earlier World Service book programme Meridian Books (which had several presenters including Michael RosenMichael Rosen
Michael Wayne Rosen is a broadcaster, children's novelist and poet and the author of 140 books. He was appointed as the fifth Children's Laureate in June 2007, succeeding Jacqueline Wilson, and held this honour until 2009....
, Verity Sharp
Verity Sharp
Verity Sharp is a Radio Three presenter and co-presenter from England.-Early life:Verity Sharp grew up in Somerset. After studying at Dartington College of Arts, she read music at the University of York and studied composition...
, and Rosemary Hartill) as well as a poetry request programme, Poems by Post.
Each week the programme would typically feature an author interview and a report on a topic such as 'new Malaysian writing'.
Each edition was broadcast on the BBC World Service several times during the week. It could also be heard online anytime during the week of transmission on the BBC website.
In Harriett Gilbert's absences, the programme has been presented by, amongst others, Bidisha and Nii Ayikwei Parkes.
World Book Club
On the last Tuesday of each month World Book ClubWorld Book Club
World Book Club is a radio programme on the BBC World Service. Each edition of the programme, which is broadcast on the first Saturday of the month with repeats into the following Monday, features a famous author discussing one of his or her books, often the most well-known one, with the public...
took over the slot of The Word. In October 2008, it became an hour long programme under the umbrella of the arts show The Strand
The Strand (radio)
The Strand is the BBC World Service's daily arts show. It was launched on Monday 27 October 2008. It is regularly hosted by Harriett Gilbert, Mark Coles, Anna McNamee, and Bidisha.-Format:...
and is broadcast on the first Saturday in the month.
Quote
Harriett Gilbert has said about the programmes,"For a book addict, I have the dream job. On The Word, I get to talk about their work with writers I admire and enjoy. On World Book Club, I introduce those writers to their readers, all around the world and sit back while they enjoy themselves. If only Charles DickensCharles DickensCharles John Huffam Dickens was an English novelist, generally considered the greatest of the Victorian period. Dickens enjoyed a wider popularity and fame than had any previous author during his lifetime, and he remains popular, having been responsible for some of English literature's most iconic...
were still alive!"