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The Word (radio programme)

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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 submitted questions to a famous writer. Both programmes were presented by Harriett Gilbert. World Book Club continues to be broadcast once a month on Saturdays.

The Word

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The Word emerged from an earlier World Service book programme Meridian Books (which had several presenters, including Michael Rosen,[1] Verity Sharp,[2] and Rosemary Hartill,[3]) as well as a poetry request programme, Poems by Post.[1]

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.[4] It could also be heard online anytime during the week of transmission on the BBC website.[5]

In Harriett Gilbert's absences, the programme has been presented by, among others, Bidisha and Nii Ayikwei Parkes.

World Book Club

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On the last Tuesday of each month World Book Club 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.

Quote

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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 Dickens were still alive!"

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Michael Rosen website[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "Verity Sharp Radio 3 presenter biography". Archived from the original on 1 January 2008. Retrieved 14 November 2007.
  3. ^ "Rosemary Hartill". Archived from the original on 12 April 2010. Retrieved 27 December 2009.
  4. ^ World Service Schedule
  5. ^ The Word homepage