The Bugle

The Bugle is a weekly podcast that was launched in 2007 by John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman, and was initially produced by The Times and Times Online. The show features news and comedy discussions, often focusing on current events and politics, with guests including Armando Iannucci, David Mitchell, and Richard Herring. The podcast was broadcast weekly, with episodes typically released on Fridays, and was available for download from The Times website, as well as from iTunes and other podcast directories, including Stitcher and SoundCloud.

History

The Bugle was first launched in 2007, with John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman as its hosts, and was produced by Chris Skinner and The Times. The show was initially broadcast on The Times website, and was later made available on iTunes and other podcast directories, including BBC Radio 4 and The Guardian. During its initial run, the show featured guests including Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, and Clive Anderson, and covered a wide range of topics, including the 2008 United States presidential election, the London Olympics, and the News of the World phone hacking scandal. The show was also praised by The Observer, The Telegraph, and The Independent, and was nominated for several awards, including the Sony Radio Academy Awards and the British Comedy Awards.

Format

The Bugle typically features John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman discussing current events and politics, often with a comedic twist, and frequently referencing The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and other satirical news programs, such as Have I Got News for You and Mock the Week. The show also features interviews with guests, including comedians, journalists, and politicians, such as Boris Johnson, Nick Clegg, and Ed Miliband, and often includes discussions of international news, including events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with references to The Economist, The Financial Times, and Al Jazeera. The show's format is similar to that of other comedy podcasts, such as The Ricky Gervais Show and The Adam Carolla Show, and has been praised by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times.

Hosts

The Bugle is hosted by John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman, both of whom are comedians and writers with a background in satire and current events. John Oliver is a former host of The Daily Show, and has also appeared on Last Week Tonight and Conan, while Andy Zaltzman is a regular contributor to The Now Show and The News Quiz, and has also appeared on QI and 8 Out of 10 Cats. The hosts are known for their witty banter and satirical take on the news, and have been praised by The Guardian, The Observer, and The Telegraph for their insightful and humorous commentary on current events.

Episodes

The Bugle has released over 200 episodes, with topics ranging from politics and current events to pop culture and social issues, including discussions of Brexit, Donald Trump, and climate change. The show has featured a wide range of guests, including Armando Iannucci, David Mitchell, and Richard Herring, and has covered events such as the 2012 Summer Olympics, the 2015 United Kingdom general election, and the 2016 United States presidential election. The show's episodes are typically around 30-40 minutes long, and are available for download from The Times website, as well as from iTunes and other podcast directories, including Stitcher and SoundCloud.

Reception

The Bugle has received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times for its witty and insightful commentary on current events. The show has also been praised by The Guardian, The Observer, and The Telegraph for its unique blend of comedy and journalism, and has been nominated for several awards, including the Sony Radio Academy Awards and the British Comedy Awards. The show has a dedicated fan base, with listeners including fans of The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and other satirical news programs, such as Have I Got News for You and Mock the Week, and has been praised by Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, and Clive Anderson for its clever writing and humorous take on the news. Category:Podcasts