With Lewis Black

Radio 4 is making an American version of its topical News Quiz, to be fronted by Lewis Black.

A one-off episode of News Quiz USA will be recorded in New York on March 20, concentrating on the Republican primaries.

Panellists on the show, to be broadcast in Britain two days later, will be comics Kathleen Madigan and Ted Alexandro, comedy writer Andy Borowitz and one more to be announced.

If successful, the idea could be developed into a full series for the presidential election later this year.

But the BBC also has its eye on extending the News Quiz’s reach beyond the UK.

The US episodes may be made available in America as a podcast, as the British ones are here. And the Guardian reports that BBC Worldwide, the corporation's commercial arm, is looking for production partners interested in adapting the show for American audiences.

News Quiz USA will air just three days after the first episode of Just A Minute to be recorded in Mumbai, the first ever made outside the UK.

Last week, one veteran writer accused the original News Quiz of exploitation for its low-paid ‘additional material’ slot – although others were quick to defend it as a valuable stepping stone for newcomers on the way to a career as a comedy writer.

To apply for up to two free tickets, to the New York recording, email newsquizusa@bbc.co.uk with your name, address and zip code.

Published: 12 Mar 2012