Radio choice Charlotte Runcie

The Art of the Radio Times

RADIO 4 EXTRA, 6.30AM

The Radio Times turns a sprightly 95 years old this week, and a very happy birthday to them, even though we can’t think why you’d want to get your radio listings from anywhere other than The

Telegraph. A good way to celebrate, though, is this chance to hear the story of their distinctive and memorable adventures in graphic design, particularly their regularly beautiful covers for the annual bumper Christmas edition and work by artists including Eric Fraser, Edward Ardizzone, Val Biro and Victor Reinganum.

The Eternal Life of the Instant Noodle

RADIO 4, 11.00AM

Here’s a surprising fact: the most traded legal item in US prisons is the instant noodle. They’re not just popular with prisoners, of course, but students and anyone in need of a threeminute meal the world over.