BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Americana

Factual

An insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today

From coast to coast, an insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today

Americana: 31/10/2010

31/10/2010

BBC Radio 4 - Americana, 31/10/2010

Matt Frei explores the defining and redefining of the United States.

Gerrymandering snakes through the political history of the USA, Matt Frei examines what efforts this election season may keep American politicians from redistricting corruptly.

Americana examines the defining and redefining of a nation. 

Once every ten years, when U.S. Census figures are updated, American politicians have the opportunity to draw crooked lines to map out districts of political supporters to their advantage. The abuse of power is called gerrymandering. The honest practice is called redistricting. Americana talks with the filmmaker Jeff Reichert about his new film on the history of gerrymandering and about the debate unfolding about how best to keep the system of redistricting honest. 

Matt Frei talks to former poet laureate Rita Dove about how to define the culture of a nation through poetry.

And Garry Wills discusses his new book "Outside Looking In: Adventures of an Observer," a memoir that grapples with how to define oneself.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Americana

31/10/2010

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4