This article is more than 8 years old

This article is more than 8 years old

The Times is to cease publishing a satirical podcast, The Bugle, that ruthlessly mocked the paper's owners over the phone hacking scandal.

It attracted a growing audience over the summer as it directed withering comedic barbs at Rupert Murdoch and his son, James, along with other senior executives at News Corporation.

Andy Zaltzman, who stars in the weekly show with John Oliver, said he was informed on Tuesday that their efforts would not be supported by the paper next year.

In a statement, The Times did not explain the reason for the cancellation but said the show's final episode would be 30 December.

"It has been a pleasure to work with John and Andy and we wish them every success for the future," the statement read.

The show's producer, Chris Skinner, said the decision had been made for financial reasons and not because the comedians had attacked the boss.

"I think the show has felt a bit of a funny fit ever since the paywall was introduced," he said.

"It's not been a great year for the company, and I'm not surprised that they are cutting costs." He said the other regular podcast the paper produces, a soccer show, would continue.

Despite attracting hundreds of thousands of weekly downloads and an increasing number of US listeners, The Bugle never gained a permanent sponsor. "Listening figures are up, but media sales in the UK are down," he said.

The cancellation, announced yesterday on Twitter (see above), was announced just as James Murdoch became embroiled still further in the scandal.

It was revealed that he had not properly read a crucial 7 June 2008 email from the News of the World's editor, Colin Myler.

The show will lose its home in a studio at The Times's Wapping offices. But Zaltzman said it would continue, adding: "No idea where we'll end up, but I think a subscription model might work," he said. "We might indeed start raiding your wallet."

Source: New York Times