Have I Got News For You? to launch video podcast

Have I Got News For You? is to launch a video podcast as part of a six-series deal with the BBC.

The three-year deal with HIGNFY producer Hat Trick, announced today, will take the BBC1 panel game up to its 38th series and 19th year. The 33rd season begins this Friday with regular team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton.

HIGNFY's podcast will feature specially produced material not seen on either BBC1 or BBC2, which broadcasts a weekly repeat of the show with 10 additional minutes.

"Have I Got News For You, as a topical comedy show, is ripe for spin-off viral programming," said Hat Trick's recently appointed head of interactive, Jonathan Davenport.

More from John Plunkett in Media Guardian (free registration required).