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)

The Politics of Ambridge

The Politics of Ambridge: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - The Politics of Ambridge, Episode 1

Author Michael Dobbs explores 60 years of politics in the fictional world of The Archers.

Author Michael Dobbs explores 60 years of politics in the fictional world of The Archers with contributions from fans including Glenys Kinnock, Michael Howard and David Blunkett.

Two programmes in which the author Michael Dobbs explores the sixty-year relationship between the fictional world of The Archers and real-life politics.

The first programme traces the political history of the series from its roots in post-war austerity through the polarised party-politics of the seventies and eighties, and meets a number of heavyweight political fans - including Glenys Kinnock and two former home secretaries, Michael Howard and David Blunkett.

The second programme considers how The Archers has tried to reflect changing social attitudes over the decades, tackling issues such as racism, snobbery, and the role of contentious country sports like fox-hunting.

Along the way we revisit memorable clips from the archives, and hear contributions from the cast, the editor of The Archers, Vanessa Whitburn, and two of her predecessors, William Smethurst and Liz Rigbey. 

Producer: John Beesley.

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

Drama: Soaps

Factual: Politics

Michael Dobbs explores the relationship between The Archers and real-life politics

Author Michael Dobbs explores the sixty-year relationship between the fictional world of The Archers and real-life politics

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Politics of Ambridge

Episode 1

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4