The first presenter was Laurie Macmillan,[1] the last John Marsh;[2] other presenters included Peter Donaldson, Harriet Cass, Peter Jefferson and future television newsreader Moira Stuart.
The original theme tune was Tambourin by François Joseph Gossec, performed by James Galway.
[3] In 1977 the then-controller of Radio 4, Ian McIntyre, cut the length of a number of news and current affairs programmes, in the belief that this would improve their overall quality.
[4] The gaps created were filled by Up to the Hour, which consisted of lighter items such as music, sport and trailers for upcoming programmes.
The new format was unpopular with BBC staff, including Peter Donaldson who on at least one occasion openly ridiculed the programme on air.