I used get_iplayer to download radio programmes about 4 months ago but then it stopped working (couldn't find channel programme catalogue) so I've just reinstalled and find it's finding something. But save for 3 single news programmes from the last day, all it can find is stuff from CBBC. Any help?

If you have been using get_iplayer today then you are probably experiencing problems because the BBC themselves are having server trouble:

https://twitter.com/bbciplayer

There have been issues on and off most of the day so try again later and if you still have a problem then post back.