Category: Radio 4
Date: 30.01.2006
Printable version
After ten years in the 91Èȱ¬ Radio 4 News Quiz hot seat, the chairman Simon Hoggart has decided to leave the programme at the end of the next series.
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The show has risen to new heights under Simon's chairmanship, making it one of the most popular programmes on Radio 4.
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Simon has, in fact, twice occupied the News Quiz chair.
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The show, which began in 1977, was the brainchild of John Lloyd - who also developed the hit show QI for 91Èȱ¬ TWO - and its first chairman was Barry Norman.
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He was succeeded by Barry Took. Barry and Simon each chaired the programme in the Eighties.
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In 1996 Simon became the resident chairman.
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Simon Hoggart says: "I've decided to stop being chairman of The News Quiz after the next series, which starts next month.
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"It's been a marvellous ten years - 12 if you count a previous incarnation in the 1980's - but I'm getting a bit clapped out and jaded, and I think that's beginning to show.
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"Better to quit while still ahead rather than have kindly broadcasting executives accompanied by soothing nurses drag me out by the heels in a few years' time."
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Mark Damazer, Controller, Radio 4, says: "Simon has made a terrific contribution to The News Quiz and we are sorry to see him go.
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"We look forward to hearing him in other programmes on Radio 4 in the future."
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The News Quiz with Simon at the helm is back on Radio 4 on Friday 10 February 2006 at 6.30pm.
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