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: 08/04/2008

08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 08/04/2008Close 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: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 08/04/2008Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 08/04/2008

Daily prayer and reflection from Wales with Rev Craig Gardiner.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 08/04/2008

News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.

Presented by Anna Hill. Producer Chris Impey

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: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 08/04/2008

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With Evan Davis and Edward Stourton. Including Sports Desk at 6.25am, 7.25am, 8.25am; Weather at 6.05am, 6.57am, 7.57am; Thought for the Day at 7.48am.

With Evan Davis and Sarah Montague. 
6.25,7.25,8.25 Sports News 
7.48 Thought for the Day With Indarjit Singh.

On the Ropes

Exploring the lives of successful people who have weathered storms in their careers

Programme exploring the lives of successful people who have weathered storms in their careers

On the Ropes: Shy Keenan

Shy Keenan

BBC Radio 4 - On the Ropes, Shy Keenan

John Humphrys meets Shy Keenan, who recalls how she survived over a decade of child abuse.

John Humphrys meets Shy Keenan, who recalls how she survived over a decade of child abuse and now campaigns to prevent paedophiles from preying on youngsters.

John Humphrys talks to successful people who have weathered storms in their careers.

He meets Shy Keenan, who recalls how she survived over a decade of child abuse and now campaigns to prevent paedophiles from preying on youngsters.

New series 1/6. John Humphrys talks to successful people who have weathered a very public fall from grace in their careers. Producer Steve Peacock Repeated at 9.30pm

Team Spirit: Episode 4

Episode 4

Team Spirit

BBC Radio 4 - Team Spirit, Episode 4

Claudia Hammond looks at the psychology of team dynamics.

A girls' football squad in Bishop's Lydeard has learnt how to work as a unit. Presented by Claudia Hammond. From April 2008.

Claudia Hammond joins teams around the UK to investigate group psychology.

4/5. In her series on group psychology, 
Claudia Hammond meets an under-12s girls' football squad in Bishop's Lydeard, 
Somerset, to find out how they learn to worn as a unit. Producer Michelle Martin

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale: Episode 2

Episode 2

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale, Episode 2

Whicher uncovers a web of deception and makes an arrest that shocks disbelieving locals.

Mounting suspicion in a notorious Victorian murder case leads the inspector to make a shocking arrest. Read by Deborah Findlay.

Celebrated detective Jack Whicher has been called to a remote country house, Road Hill, in Wiltshire in 1860 to investigate the horrific murder of a young child. 

Most shockingly of all, perhaps, it seems the killer is among the household.

Convinced that the local police's chief suspect is innocent, Whicher begins to piece together the family history of those at Road Hill House. 

Before long, he uncovers a web of deception and concealment going back decades. Everyone seems guilty, because everyone has something to hide. But not all of them are murderers...

Finally, convinced that his instincts are correct, he makes an arrest that shocks disbelieving locals.

Kate Summerscale's gripping account of the Victorian murder case that shook the nation. 

Read by Deborah Findlay.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2008.

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.

Deborah Findlay reads from Kate Summerscale's account of a Victorian murder case

Deborah Findlay reads from Kate Summerscale's account of a Victorian murder case that gripped the nation

Book of the Week:The Suspicions of Mr Whlcher

2/5. Whicher uncovers a web of deceit going back decades. By Kate Summerscale. .. For details see yesterday Repeated at 12.30am

Daily Service

Led by Fr Philip Sumner. Brother. Sister, Let Me Serve You (Servant Song). Luke 10, vv38-42. Open Thou Mine Eyes (Rutter). 
0 Love Divine, How Sweet Thou Art! (Cornwall).

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Historian Katie Hickman; Modern motherhood

Historian Katie Hickman; Modern motherhood

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Historian Katie Hickman; Modern motherhood

Historian Katie Hickman on why she writes novels rather than academic papers.

Historian Katie Hickman on why she writes novels rather than academic papers. Plus, how the role of mothers has changed over the last generation, and boat life examined.

With Jenni Murray. 
10.45 Lucia's Progress 2/5 The Woman's Hour drama. 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm

World On The Move: Great Animal Migrations

Series following the movement and migration of animals across the planet

Series following the movement and migration of animals across the planet, with Philippa Forrester and Brett Westwood

World On The Move: Great Animal Migrations: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World On The Move: Great Animal Migrations, 08/04/2008

A team of wildlife specialists are joined by zoologists and conservationists.

Great Animal Migrations: Philippa Forrester and Brett Westwood present the series following the movement and migration of animals across the planet.

World on the Move: 8 April

World on the Move: Great AnimalMigrations

8/40. Wildlife experts, zoologists and conservationists report on the progress or animal journeys across the world. Presented by Philippa Forrester and Brett Westwooa. 
Series producer Julian Hector Rptd tomorrow at 9pm

The Pain of Laughter: The Last Days of Kenneth Williams

The Pain of Laughter: The Last Days of Kenneth Williams: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - The Pain of Laughter: The Last Days of Kenneth Williams, Episode 1

Kenneth's inner circle of friends offer an insight into his passions and private world.

Rob Brydon explores the complex character of Kenneth Williams, a gifted and articulate performer at odds with his public persona. Kenneth's circle of friends offer private insights.

Rob Brydon explores the complex character of Kenneth Williams, a gifted and articulate performer at odds with his public persona. Kenneth's inner circle of friends offer an insight into his passions and private world, revealing an intelligent and spiritual man grappling with his declining career and health.

Contributors include Gyles Brandreth, Michael Whittaker, Michael Anderson, Peter Cadley, Robert Chidell, Paul Richardson and Angela Chidell.

Rob Brydon explores the complex character of Kenneth Williams

Rob Brydon explores the complex character of Kenneth Williams, a gifted and articulate performer at odds with his public persona

The Pain of Laughter: the Last Daysof Kenneth Williams

1/2. Rob Brydon reveals that behind the gifted, articulate performer, 
- Kenneth Williams was a complex man at odds with his public persona. Williams inner circle of friends give an insight into his private world. Producer John Sugar Feature of the Week: pages 136-137 
RT DIRECT: To order Private World of Kenneth WIlliams 
CD for E9.00 (RRP E12.99) inc p&p, call [number removed] (landline calls cost no more than 8p a minute) quoting RTD225, or visit www.rtdirect.sparkledirect.com

Call You and Yours

Listeners air their views on consumer news and issues

Call You and Yours: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Call You and Yours, 08/04/2008

Consumer news and issues with John Waite and Peter White.

With John Waite and Peter White. 
EMAIL: [address removed], PHONE: [number removed] 
(calls from landlines cost no more than 8p per minute). Lines open from 10am

Weather

Weather: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 08/04/2008Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 08/04/2008

National and international news with Martha Kearney.

The World at One

Hip Hop China-style

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Hip Hop China-style

Beijing teenagers, hip hop music and traditional Chinese dialects and sounds

Beijing teenagers, hip hop music and traditional Chinese dialects and sounds. Stephen Armstrong investigates. From 2008.

How Chinese can hip hop be? 

As Beijing teenagers embrace hip hop style, Stephen Armstrong talks to performers employing traditional instruments and regional dialects to create their version of this urban American protest music. 

In 1998, there was one underground club to meet Chinese hip hop fans who had heard American performers on pirated CDs.  

Now hip hop style is fashionable and there are clubs and DJ competitions, but how is the fledgling recording industry trying to create a specifically Chinese version of this brand of music or is hip hop style an example  of the Westernisation of China ?   

Stephen reports on the visit to Britain of the Dragon Tongue Squad and interviews radio show hosts Doc J and Steady Eddy, DJ Lychee, promoter Li Hong Jie and  and artist Cao Fei.

Producer:  Robyn Read

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2008.

Hip-hop China-style

As Beijing teenagers embrace hip-hop, 
Stephen Armstrong talks to performers using traditional instruments and regional dialects to create their version of this urban American music. 
Producer Robyn Read Repeated on Saturday at 3.30pm

The Archers

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

The Archers: 07/04/2008

07/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 07/04/2008

It's day one of Taylor's rape trial. Kathy takes the stand while Pat and Kenton wait anxiously in the witnesses room. Kenton wishes he could be in there with Kathy - he can't bear the thought of what she's going through. Pat tries to keep Kenton calm.

Kathy copes well with the questioning from the prosecutor, who appreciates how difficult it is for Kathy to publicly admit that Taylor raped her. But the defence lawyer questions Kathy harshly, determined to prove that Kathy was a free agent who turned to Taylor and confided in him. Accusing Kathy of making up the rape, the barrister puts forward a strong case in Taylor's defence. Kathy buckles under her intense questioning, as she attempts to prove that everything Kathy says is a cover story.

The cross-examination takes it out of Kathy and she leaves the courtroom convinced she's messed up. Pat and Kenton try to assure he she hasn't blown it but Kathy feels sure she's been through all this for nothing - the defence made it sound like everything she said was untrue. Claire's got to face them tomorrow and Kathy's let her down. She only hopes that Claire can do better.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: Daybreak

26/01/2007

Daybreak

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Daybreak

By Tom Ray. A week after his wife leaves him, a man discovers an extraordinary secret.

Daybreak, by Tom Ray. A week after his wife has left him, Phil wakes up one morning to find that the sun has not risen. He is forced to reveal his extraordinary secret.

Daybreak

By Tom Ray.

A week after his wife and teenage sweetheart of fourteen years has left him, Phil wakes up one morning to find that the sun has not risen. When she comes back with a van to collect her cherished wardrobe, he is forced to reveal his extraordinary secret.

Phil ...... Marshall Lancaster
Lisa ...... Lorraine Coady

Directed by Kate Chapman.

Afternoon Play: Daybreak

A week after his wife of 14 years has left him, Phil wakes up one morning to find that the sun has not risen. When Lisa comes back with a van to collect her cherished wardrobe, Phil is forced to reveal his extraordinary secret. By Tom Ray.  Producer/Director Kate Chapman

Making History

Popular history series where the past connects with the present.

Making History: Murmansk Mutiny

Murmansk Mutiny

BBC Radio 4 - Making History, Murmansk Mutiny

Vanessa Collingridge explores the Murmansk Mutiny with Major Mark Bentinck.

The Murmansk Mutiny
Alan Wenham contacted Making History after discovering that his grandfather, Leonard, served in the Royal Marines at around the time at around the time of the Murmansk Mutiny of 1919. Could Leonard have been involved? Making History consulted Major (Retired) Mark Bentinck, the Royal Marines historian, at the Naval Historical Branch.

Vanessa Collingridge and guests answer listeners' questions about the past. Producer Nick Patrick 
ADDRESS- [address removed] email: [address removed] Phone: [number removed] (calls from landlines cost no more than 8p per minute)

Afternoon Reading

Short stories or abridged books, often from new writers

Afternoon Reading: What I Learned from the Metaphysical Poets

Afternoon Reading: What I Learned from the Metaphysical Poets: Episode 2: Get Lost

Episode 2: Get Lost

What I Learned from the Metaphysical Poets

Get Lost

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, What I Learned from the Metaphysical Poets, Get LostSearch BBC

By Michele Roberts. Grieving over her mother's death, Marie walks through London streets.

By Michele Roberts. Grieving the death of her mother, Marie finds a peaceful release by walking for miles through London's empty Sunday streets. Read by Joanna Tope.

WHAT I LEARNED FROM THE METAPHYSICAL POETS: continuing our series of short stories inspired by the lives and work of the seventeenth century poets John Donne, George Herbert and Andrew Marvell.

"GET LOST" by Michéle Roberts, read by Joanna Tope.

George Herbert's poem "Prayer" provides the inspiration for tonight's story, in which a woman - grieving the death of her mother - walks for miles through the empty Sunday streets of London, before coming to rest in All Saints Place, a peaceful public garden surrounded by a square of eighteenth century houses.  

Michéle Roberts is the author of twelve highly acclaimed novels, including DAUGHTERS OF THE HOUSE which won the WHSmith Literary Award and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize (1992).   Half-English and Half-French, she is an acclaimed poet and short story writer with several collections of both in print.

Produced by Kirsteen Cameron.

Short stories inspired by the poetry of John Donne, George Herbert and Andrew Marvell

What I Learned from theMetaphysical Poets

2/5 Get Lost. By Michele Roberts , inspired by George Herbert 's Prayer. Grieving for her dead mother, Marie finds release by walking through the empty streets of London. 
Read by Joanna Tope. For details see yesterday

Inheritance

Inheritance: Episode 2: Byron's Gondolier

Episode 2: Byron's Gondolier

Byron's Gondolier

BBC Radio 4 - Inheritance, Byron's GondolierSearch BBC

Claudia's ring belonged to a distant ancestor who was Lord Byron's manservant.

James Maw presents a series on life-changing inheritances. 2/5: Byron's Gondolier. Claudia discovered that a ring belonged to a distant ancestor who was Lord Byron's manservant.

James Maw presents a series on life-changing inheritances

2/5 Byron's Gondolier. James Maw tells the story of Claudia's life-changing inheritance - a ring she discovered had once belonged to her ancestor who was formerly a gondolier and then Lord Byron's manservant. For details see yesterday

Word of Mouth

Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them

Word of Mouth: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Word of Mouth, 08/04/2008

Michael investigates why we sometimes find it hard to say what we mean or mean what we say

Michael Rosen presents the series that takes a close look at the words we use. He investigates why we sometimes find it hard to say what we mean or mean what we say.

Michael Rosen presents the series that takes a close look at the words we use, where they come from and how we play with them. He investigates why we sometimes find it hard to say what we mean or mean what we say.

2/8 Michael Rosen plunges into the thickets of euphemism, malapropism and aphasia to investigate why we sometimes find it hard to say what we mean, or mean what we say. Producer Jolyon Jenkins

Great Lives

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

Great Lives: Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Charles Bukowski

Comedian Rhona Cameron chooses the German-American writer and poet, Charles Bukowski.

Comedian Rhona Cameron chooses the German-American writer and poet, Charles Bukowski. With Matthew Parris.  From 2008. 

Comedian Rhona Cameron chooses the German-American writer and poet, Charles Bukowski. 

Rhona tells Matthew Parris about the enormous influence Bukowski's writing had on her adolescence. 

He belongs to an earlier generation, that of the Beats in early 60s America. 

The expert witness is his biographer, Barry Miles, who discusses how far Bukowski's life can be understood from his poetry and prose.

Producer: Christine Hall

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2008.

2/9 Charles Bukowski. Comedian Rhona Cameron discusses the great influence US novelist and poet Charles Bukowski had on her adolescence. Her expert witness is Bukowski's biographer, Barry Miles. Adjudicated by Matthew Parris. 
Producer Christine Hall Repeated on Friday at 11pm

1968: Day-by-Day

Hanoi and Washington DC begin talks, and a Boeing 707 crashes at Heathrow. For details see Saturday

1968 Day by Day

A look back at the events making the news 40 years ago

1968: Day by Day

1968 Day by Day: 8th April 1968

8th April 1968

BBC Radio 4 - 1968 Day by Day, 8th April 1968

Hanoi and Washington enter into talks. A Boeing 707 plane crashes at Heathrow.

John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. Hanoi and Washington enter into talks. A Boeing 707 plane crashes at Heathrow.

John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago.

Hanoi and Washington enter into talks, a Boeing 707 plane crashes at Heathrow and archaeological excavations at Silbury Hill commence.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 08/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 08/04/2008

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

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Including at 5.57pm Weather.

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

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Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

08/04/2008

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Brand

Weather

08/04/2008

Genres

Brand

1968: Day-by-Day

1968 Day by Day

8th April 1968

Genres

Brand

Weather

08/04/2008

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

08/04/2008

Genres

Brand

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