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

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 19/06/2009

19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 19/06/2009Close menu

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

News Briefing

News Briefing: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 19/06/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 19/06/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with Gopinder Kaur.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 19/06/2009

News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith.

Charlotte Smith reports on the exchanges in the House of Commons over the collapse of the co-operative Dairy Farmers of Britain. Also, the latest on the Farming Today beehive.

Farmers have lost tens of thousands of pounds each following the collapse of the co-operative Dairy Farmers of Britain, and the government has refused to offer financial support. Charlotte Smith reports on the exchanges in the House of Commons. 

Also, salmon farmers reject accusations their industry causes pollution, and the latest on the Farming Today beehive as an inspector calls.

Presented by Charlotte Smith. Producer Anne-Marie Bullock

Today

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including Thought for the Day

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including religious reflections from Thought for the Day at 0748

Today: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 19/06/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day; Yesterday in Parliament.

With John Humphrys and Evan Davis. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day; Yesterday in Parliament.

Presented by John Humphrys and Evan Davis.

Nearly 900 workers at a Lincolnshire oil refinery have been sacked following unofficial strike action at the plant. Reporter Paul Murphy reports from the Lindsey oil refinery on how the former workers have reacted.General Secretary of the union GMB Paul Kenny says Total, which owns the plant, has sought to escalate the problem by victimising workers and refusing to meet unions.

At least 2.5 million people were forced from their homes when the army of Pakistan began their military assault in the Swat valley. John Humphrys talks to Pakistani journalist and writer Ahmed Rashid about whether the refugees can soon start returning to their homes.

Iran's supreme leader is to address the nation for the first time since disputed election results sparked huge protests in the capital, Tehran. Sadeq Saba, the BBC's Iranian affairs analyst, considers what the speech might contain.

The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou - formerly known as Canton - is to introduce a one-dog policy. Correspondent Chris Hogg reports on why it is joining a long list of Chinese cities - including Beijing - which have chosen to introduce the policy.

John Humphrys examines whether the education system in Pakistan is underfunded and, if so, what this would mean for a country under threat from extremists.

Thought for the Day with the Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Harry Fletcher, of the National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO), consider new evidence which suggests probation services were actively encouraged to underspend.

How can the government of Pakistan deal with terrorists living within the country? John Humphrys reports on whether internal problems facing leaders are affecting the fight against terrorism.

Sacked worker John McEwan and Bob Emmerson, of Total UK, discuss the sacking of 900 contract workers in Lincolnshire.

Correspondent Jon Leyne and Abdel Bari Atwan, editor of the Al-Quds newspaper based in London, discuss how the media in the Middle East is reporting the situation in Iran.

A journalist does not have to hand over her notes to the police, the High Court in Belfast has ruled. The PSNI was trying to force Suzanne Breen to hand over material linked to articles she had written on the Real IRA. She discusses how important this judgement is to the protection of sources.

The song Lili Marleen was a wartime hit among both German and British troops. Now, the song is being used to help raise money for veterans, with a play being staged in Porthcawl in Wales based on the life of five women who recorded the song. Writer of the musical, Oscar Fovarge, explains why this is such a fascinating story.

Environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee reports on the work in Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset to protect the town from flooding.

It is nearly 30 years since the military ruler of Pakistan, General Zia ul Haq, decreed that the country should be an Islamic state. Writer and journalist Mohammed Hanif considers the effect on a country whose founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, dreamed of turning into a liberal democracy.

With Evan Davis and Edward Stourton. 
6.25, 7.25, 8.25 Sports News 
6.45 Yesterday in Parliament 
With Sean Curran and Robert Orchard. 
7.48 Thought for the Day 
With the Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. 
8.31  Yesterday in Parliament Editor of Today Ceri Thomas

Desert Island Discs

Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Desert Island Discs: Lord Healey

14/06/2009

Lord Healey

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Lord Healey

Kirsty Young's castaway is former Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Healey.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the Labour peer and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Denis Healey.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the Labour peer and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Denis Healey. As a politician, he was known for his sharp intellect and biting oratory and now, as he approaches his 92nd birthday, those skills are still very much in evidence. He talks of his regret that his lack of ambition meant that he did not push himself further in politics but, he says, it is better for people to wonder why he wasn't Prime Minister than to wonder why he was.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: The Cavatina from String Quartet No.13 in B flat Major by Ludwig van Beethoven
Book: The Faber book of English verse
 by John Hayward
Luxury: Very big box of chocolates including nougat.

Denis Healey talks to Kirsty Young and selects eight favourite recordings to take to Radio 4's mythical island.

(Repeated from Sunday at 11.15am)

Book of the Week

Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

Book of the Week: Venus of Empire - The Life of Pauline Bonaparte

Book of the Week: Venus of Empire - The Life of Pauline Bonaparte: Episode 5

Episode 5

Venus of Empire - The Life of Pauline Bonaparte

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Venus of Empire - The Life of Pauline Bonaparte, Episode 5

Pauline re-establishes herself as a 'little queen' in Roman society.

While Napoleon's reign comes to an end, Pauline re-establishes herself as a 'little queen' in Roman society. But it is not long before she realises that she must help her brother.

Diana Quick reads from Flora Fraser's biography of Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon's favourite sister.

While Napoleon's great reign comes to an end, Pauline re-establishes herself as a 'little queen' in Roman society. But it is not long before she realises that her brother's health is poor and that she must do all in her power to help him.

A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Flora Fraser's biography tells the extraordinary life of Napoleon's favourite sister

Flora Fraser's biography tells the extraordinary life of Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon's favourite sister

Act of Worship

Book of the Week: Pauline Bonaparte: Venus of Empire

5/5. While Napoleon's great reign is coming to an end, Pauline is re-establishing herself as a "little gueen" in Roman society. But she soon realises that her brother's health is poor and that she must do all that she can to help him. By Flora Fraser. Read by Diana Quick. For details see Monday Repeated at 12.30am

Woman's Hour

Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

Woman's Hour: British surrogacy law; Winifred Nicholson; Moving house

British surrogacy law; Winifred Nicholson; Moving house

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, British surrogacy law; Winifred Nicholson; Moving house

The state of British surrogacy law examined. Plus, artist Winifred Nicholson re-evaluated.

The state of British surrogacy law examined. Plus, the life and work of painter Winifred Nicholson; and the pleasures and trauma of moving into a new home.

Diary of an On-Call Girl

5/5 The Woman's Hour drama.

(For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm)

The Horses of Spindles Farm

BBC Radio 4 - The Horses of Spindles Farm

Mike Embley follows the court case brought after the RSPCA raided a farm in Bucks in 2008.

Mike Embley follows the court case brought after the RSPCA raided a Buckinghamshire farm in 2008 and removed over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, as well as the carcasses of others.

In January 2008 the RSPCA raided a farm in Buckinghamshire and in a glare of publicity, removed more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys, as well as the carcasses of others. Mike Embley follows the ensuing court case and finds out what it reveals about the horse trade in Britain.

A White Pebble Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Mike Embley follows the court case brought against a family from 
Buckinghamshire for neglect and cruelty to horses, ponies and donkeys after the RSPCA rescued more than a hundred emaciated animals from its farm last year. The reporter examines what the case means for horse trading nationwide. Producer Philippa Goodrich

Electric Ink

Satirical comedy. Old hacks meet new media in the newspaper industry

Electric Ink: Series 1: Episode 3

Episode 3

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Electric Ink, Series 1, Episode 3

Editor Oliver wants Terry from Tottenham, as 'street boy' Freddy chases a Treasury scoop.

Editor Oliver wants Terry from Tottenham, as 'street boy' Freddy chases a Treasury scoop. Stars Robert Lindsay. From June 2009.

Editor Oliver wants Terry from Tottenham, as 'street boy' Freddy inadvertently breaks a top story in the Treasury.

Starring Robert Lindsay and Alex Jennings.

Old hacks meet new media in Alistair Beaton’s satire set in the changing world of the newspaper industry.

Maddox ...... Robert Lindsay
Oliver ...... Alex Jennings
Amelia ...... Elizabeth Berrington
Tasneem ...... Zita Sattar
Masha ...... Debbie Chazen
Freddy ...... Ben Willbond
Announcer ...... Matt Addis

With additional material by Tom Mitchelson.

Director: Sally Avens

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2009.

Electric Ink: Series 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Comedy by Alistair Beaton. Old hacks meet new media in the newspaper industry

Satirical comedy by Alistair Beaton. Old hacks meet new media in the newspaper industry

3/6. Using Twitter as a source, Freddy inadvertently breaks a top story in the Treasury. Alistair Beaton 's satire set in the changing world of the newspaper industry. With additional material by Tom Mitchelson.  
Producer Sally Avens

You and Yours

You and Yours: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 19/06/2009

Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson.

With Winifred Robinson. Geoff Tansey describes the aftermath of his prostate cancer treatment. Series editor Andrew Smith

Weather

Weather: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 19/06/2009Close menu

World at One

Forty-five minutes of news, analysis and comment, with Sarah Montague.

World at One: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 19/06/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The World at One

Presented byShaun Ley. Editor Jamie Angus

Feedback

Radio 4's forum for comments, queries, criticisms and congratulations

Feedback: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Feedback, 19/06/2009

Including: events in Iran, digital switchover, Stephen Fry and The Organist Entertains.

Roger Bolton speaks to the BBC's World News Editor about coverage of the recent events in Iran, and listeners express outrage over the potential radio digital switchover in 2015.

Roger Bolton speaks to the World News Editor of the BBC about coverage of the events in Iran.

Listeners express their outrage regarding the potential radio digital switchover in 2015, announced in Lord Carter's Digital Britain Report. 

We have the initial response to Stephen Fry's first show as the host of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue.

Plus we celebrate the 40th anniversary of a Radio 2 institution, The Organist Entertains.

4/10. Roger Bolton takes listeners' comments, complaints and criticisms and redirects them to BBC radio policy and programme makers. Repeated on Sunday at 8pm

The Archers

An intense and gripping week of events unfolds in Ambridge. Listen to all the drama here.

The Archers: 18/06/2009

18/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 18/06/2009

Lilian gets a crash-course in Matt's mindset.

It's the Borchester Land board meeting. Brian knows the cropping plans are good but if things go well he's not looking forward to telling William what that means.

Adam gives a great presentation, emphasising how they can optimise returns while building a measure of sustainability. The board agrees the proposal. Now all Brian needs is a suitable story for William.

Matt doesn't appreciate Lilian's interrogation and storms off. Sick of being treated like a doormat, Lilian chases after him. If Matt won't tell her what he's up to, she'll find out for herself. She refuses to get out of the car, so Matt races off, angrily telling her that he never knows where he'll end up. There have never been any business meetings. All he knows is that speeding clears the fog. The faster he goes, the better he feels. He pushes the accelerator and heads for the motorway. Terrified Lilian screams at him to pull over. He does, skidding to a half, and insists she gets out.
 
Adam receives a hysterical call from Lilian, stranded on the hard shoulder, and needs to rush to her side. Jennifer wants to go with him but Adam promises to call as soon as he knows anything.

Episode written by Graham Harvey.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Drama: On Mardle Fen: Series 2

Drama on 4: On Mardle Fen: Series 2: Part 3: Old Boggie

Part 3 Part 3: Old Boggie

On Mardle Fen

Old Boggie

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, On Mardle Fen, Series 2, Old Boggie

Idiosyncratic chef Warwick Hedges discovers treasure guarded by a ghost-dog.

Idiosyncratic chef Warwick Hedges is invited to lunch in a remote part of the Fens and he discovers treasure guarded by a ghost-dog.

Series of four plays by Nick Warburton, set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens.

Chef Warwick Hedges is invited to lunch in a remote part of the Fens and he discovers treasure guarded by a ghost-dog. 

Warwick ...... Trevor Peacock
Jack ...... Sam Dale
Codlett ...... Malcolm Tierney
Samuel ...... John Rowe
Zofia ...... Helen Longworth
Imogen ...... Lizzy Watts

Directed by Claire Grove.

Drama on 4: On Mardle Fen

Drama on 4: On Mardle Fen: Series 2

Series 2

Series of plays by Nick Warburton, set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Fens

Afternoon Play: On Mardle Fen

3/4. OldBoggie. In the third of four plays featuring Nick Warburton 's inspirational and idiosyncratic chef Warwick Hedges , the hero is invited to lunch in a remote part of the Fens and discovers treasure guarded by a ghost-dog.  
Producer/Director Claire Grove

Gardeners' Question Time

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

Gardeners' Question Time: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, 19/06/2009

Peter Gibbs chairs. With Pippa Greenwood, Bob Flowerdew and Matthew Biggs.

Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum. Pippa Greenwood, Bob Flowerdew and Matthew Biggs answer questions posed by gardeners in Kent.

Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum. 

Pippa Greenwood, Bob Flowerdew and Matthew Biggs answer questions posed by gardeners in Kent.

Including Gardening weather forecast.

Pippa Greenwood , Bob Flowerdew and Matthew Biggs take questions from gardeners in Kent. Peter Gibbs is in the chair. Including at approximately 3.40 Gardening Weather Forecast. 
Producer Trevor Taylor Repeated on Sunday at 2pm

America, Empire of Liberty

America, Empire of Liberty: Episode 75: Watergate and the Imperial Presidency

Episode 75

Episode 75: Watergate and the Imperial Presidency

Watergate and the Imperial Presidency

BBC Radio 4 - America, Empire of Liberty, Watergate and the Imperial Presidency

Paranoia and arrogance in the White House lead to the downfall of President Nixon.

Series charting the history of America. Paranoia and arrogance in the White House lead to the downfall of President Nixon.

Series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds. 

Paranoia and arrogance in the White House lead to the downfall of President Nixon.

Series charting the history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds

75/90. Watergate and the Imperial 
Presidency. Paranoia and arrogance in the White House lead to the downfall of President Nixon. A history of America, written and presented by David Reynolds. For details see Mon

Last Word

Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

Last Word: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, 19/06/2009

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series.

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died. The programme reflects on people of distinction and interest from many walks of life, some famous and some less well known.

Last Word: Dorothy Layton

Matthew Bannister and guests reflect on the lives of notable people who have died recently. 
Producer Neil George Repeated on Sunday at 8.30pm

The Film Programme

The latest releases, the hottest stars and the leading directors, plus news and insights

The latest releases, the hottest stars and the leading directors, plus news and insights from the film world

The Film Programme: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Film Programme, 19/06/2009

Francine Stock talks to Nic Roeg and Franc Roddam about opera, cinema and Aria.

Francine Stock talks to Nic Roeg and Quadrophenia director Franc Roddam about opera, cinema and Aria, their collaboration orchestrated by producer Don Boyd.

Francine Stock talks to Nic Roeg and Quadrophenia director Franc Roddam about opera, cinema and Aria, a portmanteau of short films orchestrated by producer Don Boyd. 

Poet Clive Wilmer and Professor Jeffrey Richards cross swords over their favourite Errol Flynn swashbuckler. 

Derek Malcolm surveys the career of legendary Polish director Andrzej Wajda.

The Film Programme: Errol Flynn

Two fans mark the centenary of Errol Flynn's birth by discussing which of his films they believe to be the best, and presenter Francine Stock studies cult movie The Pool of London. Repeated on Sunday at 11pm

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines

PM: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 19/06/2009

Coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.
The PM Speaker vote closed at noon on 22 June 2009, please do not call as your vote will not count and you may be charged.

Presented by Eddie Mair. Editor Joanna Carr

World Twenty20 Cricket

Jonathan Agnew and Arlo White provide commentary on the second semi-final at tne Oval. With analysis from Phil Tufnell. 
Producer Adam Mountford 'approximate times Commentary also on 5 LiveSportsextra from 5.15pm

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 19/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 19/06/2009

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4, followed by Weather.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

19/06/2009

Genres

Brand

Diary of an On-Call Girl

Contributors

Weather

19/06/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

19/06/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

19/06/2009

Genres

Brand

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