Wikipedia:Today's featured article/January 16, 2012



Press Gang is a British children's television comedy-drama consisting of forty-three episodes across five series that were broadcast from 1989 to 1993. It was produced by Richmond Film & Television for Central, and screened on the ITV network in its regular weekday afternoon children's strand, CITV, typically in a 4:45 pm slot (days varied over the course of the run). The programme was aimed at older children and teenagers. It was based on the activities of a children's newspaper, the Junior Gazette, produced by pupils from a comprehensive school. In later series it was depicted as a commercial venture. The show interspersed comedic elements with the dramatic. As well as addressing interpersonal relationships, the show tackled issues such as solvent abuse, child abuse and firearms control. All episodes were written by ex-teacher Steven Moffat (pictured), and more than half were directed by noted British comedy director Bob Spiers, who had previously worked on Fawlty Towers. Critical reception was very positive, particularly for the quality of the writing, and the series attracted a cult following with a wide age range. (more...)

Recently featured: Diffuse panbronchiolitis – Privy Council of the United Kingdom – Art Ross