The head of Radio 3's speech programming, Abigail Appleton, has announced that Radio 3 will increase its broadcasting of plays, with a strong emphasis on new writing and relatively short works.

Radio 3 is still primarily thought of as a classical music station, but it is earning a reputation for jazz, and wants to publicize the fact that it is also committed to broadcasting drama.

Collaboration with the London International Festival of Theatre and with the Theatre Royal Stratford East is also planned.

Further good news for playwrights is that the Sunday Play — a staple of Radio 3 broadcasting for many years — will be adapted to feature a new play every month.

Radio drama has a long history stretching back some 70 years. The main force behind the BBC's broadcasting of plays in its early years was Val Gielgud, the brother of actor Sir John Gielgud.

—By Paul Webb Theatrenow