Comedians, Documentaries and More Music on BBC World Service

Available for over a year

Recent documentary Wall in the Head looked back on 25 years since the reunification of East and West Germany. In particular, it examined whether the cultural and mental barriers that divided the two regions for numerous years still exist – but with a twist. The documentary was presented by German comedian Henning Wehn – and it was his light-humour that intrigued many listeners. Rajan Datar discusses this approach with Henning and asks whether comedy can be a global language. And, earlier this week the World Service announced a boost to its arts and music output. Alongside a new factual documentary strand, there is a new investigative arts programme titled the Cultural Frontline. But the biggest focus has been given to the genre of music – with the addition of three new monthly programmes. The first is BBC Music presented by singer Cerys Matthews, the second is a documentary series called Music Extra and the final instalment is from BBC Introducing which brings British acts to a global audience. Senior commissioning editor Steve Titherington explains the motivation behind this new focus, while Rajan Datar asks if the programmes could have a more global sound.