It's no laughing matter! BBC Radio 4 chiefs urge programme makers to come up with more comedy shows led by women

But Radio 4 programme analysis shows women are well-represented in comedy

Radio 4 chiefs have told programme makers they need to come up with more comedy shows led by women – instead of offering too many ‘male-skewing’ ideas.

The commissioning editor for comedy and entertainment, Julia McKenzie, has urged producers to ‘consider the gender balance’ and aim for a ‘mixed slate’.

Her comments echo previous concerns that BBC comedy has been dominated by men. In 2014, its TV boss pledged to end all-male comedy panel shows.

But analysis of Radio 4’s programming in the past week suggests that women are already well-represented in comedy, appearing to front or host more shows.

Just A Minute is presented by Sue Perkins and The Ultimate Choice with Steph McGovern.

Radio 4 chiefs have told programme makers they need to come up with more comedy shows led by women, like Just A Minute which is presented by Sue Perkins (pictured)

Analysis of Radio 4’s programming in the past week suggests that women are already well-represented in comedy, appearing to front or host more shows, including The Ultimate Choice with Steph McGovern (pictured)

However, new shows reflect women performers being heavily outnumbered by men, including Ian Hislop’s Oldest Jokes and Evil Genius with Russell Kane.

Ms McKenzie told producers: ‘You are reflecting the makeup of the comic landscape on stage and online [and] the offers are notably male skewing.

‘So please consider the gender balance of who you offer and seek to have a mixed slate.’