| Product: |
Radio Times |
| Date: |
29/04/08 (168 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Packed with information
Disadvantages: None
The Radio Times (RT) has been around a long time and has seen many changes. It was first published in 1920 and is so called because the nation only had radio at that time. It wasn't until 1936 that we saw our first TV broadcast, which saw the first change to the Radio Times in that TV listings were included. As there was no ITV or BBC2 until much later, listings only included BB1. That said, programmes only ran from 3pm until the final programme, which was the news at 10pm. 1955 saw the launch of ITV and subsequently, the TV Times, which covered all ITV listings.
It wasn't until 1991 that both magazines saw sense and decided to print TV listings for all the current channels. For several years before this I had my own home and was buying both magazines at a cost of 50 pence each. Time to ditch one of them and I chose to keep with Radio Times. I had several reasons for this but the main one being that I found it to be of much better quality than its rival in content and quality of paper. Well I'm still buying it and here are some of the reasons why.
The Radio Times comes out weekly on a Tuesday and lists programmes from the following Saturday to Friday. The cover is always eye catching and is based on a recommended programme for that week. For the past couple of issues, characters from Doctor Who have been featured. In its history, covers have included the Beatles and Elton John and have ranged from The Simpsons to the queen. The next couple of pages are really useful and consist of RT recommendations, all seven days highlighted with between four and six choices per day by the RT panel. These usual feature one off dramas, the return of old favourites, important sporting events and documentaries not to be missed.
Apart from TV listings special features often go behind the scenes of costume dramas, special effects as in the make up of Doctor Who and any of the gore that may go with it. This week's edition had a fascinating interview with Claire Tomalin, the biographer of Jane Austen concerning the adaptation of Jane's life shown on Sunday evening. This article gave great insight to Miss Austen and is typical of the excellent material found in RT. Although RT is still associated with the BBC, it remains unbiased in its coverage of ITV programmes, The Bill, Coronation Street and Pushing Daisies all feature heavily in the current issue. Each day's listings are preceded by several reviews and unlike the RT Recommends, these include negative reports as well as highlighting the use of strong language, sex and violence. All the programmes on terrestrial channels carry a brief description as do the films on all channels including Sky, digital and cable and all special sporting events whatever the channel .The latter part of the magazine is given to radio and any unusual programmes are highlighted. It covers all BBC radio stations as well as Virgin and local radio.
The last couple of pages contain one of my favourites. The RT has a fabulous crossword puzzle. I'm a bit of a crossword fanatic and the more cryptic they are the better. I find that it really gets the old brain cells working. Here are a couple of clues for you to have a go at: -
1. Circulator, one who used to like used to like farm vehicles? 9 and 3
2. Contemporary December 25th? 7 and 3
Answers at the end of this review!
The prize for winning the competition (first correct entry out of the bag) is usually a TV or portable DVD player or similar. I probably send off around one in three and am patiently waiting a win. Other puzzles include an enigma, general knowledge quiz and a super sudoku, sudoku being another of my favourites.
Other features include "Tips of the Week" with gardener Alan Titchmarsh. I read this each week and if any tips apply to my garden, I try to carry out what I think is great advice from Mr T. This week I went through my beds and borders, cutting back dead shoots in order to get plants ready for summer growth, others may need the advice he gave on gardens ponds, something I don't have. Next week I'll be tidying up the daffodils that finished some weeks ago. The last couple of articles include a readers' letters page, the best letter printed winning a digital radio. The final page, "One Final Question" is actually around ten questions put to someone currently in the limelight.
The cost of the Radio Times is £1, which I think is excellent value for money when you consider that in 1991 I was paying the same amount for both TV magazines. I find the quality of the paper superior to most of its competitors and the print easy on the eye. Recently I left it too late to buy a copy of RT and had to make do with an alternative. I don't wear reading glasses but I struggled to read the print and the colour game off on my hands, something that has never happened with RT. The Christmas bumper issue is always something I look forward to and this contains a full-page super crossword with a prize to match. I smile when I see colleagues returning to the office with this edition. They can be spotted on their breaks, highlighter pen in hand, marking off their not to missed TV. For some people this is the only time they contemplate buying RT. I on the other hand regard RT as not just a TV magazine but A very good read, providing lots of advice and the chance to get the brain working with its super puzzles. Talking of which, here are the answers to the crossword:_
1. Extractor Fan
2. Present Day
Have Fun!
Summary: TV magazine and more
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