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: 24/04/2008

24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 24/04/2008Close 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: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 24/04/2008Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 24/04/2008

Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Roger Hutchings.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 24/04/2008

News and issues in rural Britain with Anna Hill.

Presented by Anna Hill. Producer Alasdair Cross

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: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 24/04/2008

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

With John Humphrys and Evan Davis. Sports Desk at 6.25am, 7.25am, 8.25am; Yesterday in Parliament at 6.45am; Weather at 6.05am, 6.57am, 7.57am; Thought for the Day at 7.48am.

With Evan Davis and John Humphrys. 
6.25,7.25,8.25 Sports News 
6.45 Yesterday in Parliament 
With Alicia McCarthy and David Wilby. 
7.48 Thought for the Day With Oliver McTernan. 
8.31  Yesterday in Parliament

In Our Time

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.

In Our Time: Materialism

Materialism

BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time, Materialism

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Materialism in Philosophy.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Materialism– the philosophical idea that matter constitutes all that exists.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Materialism in Philosophy – the idea that matter and the interactions between matter account for all that exists and all that happens. We trace the descent of materialism from the ancient Greek philosophers Democritus and Epicurus, to its powerful and controversial flowering in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries as an attack on religion. It’s provocative stuff even today and certainly was in 1770 when Baron D’Holbach published his book The System of Nature. He wrote: "If we go back to the beginning we shall find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that fancy, enthusiasm, or deceit adorned or disfigured them; that weakness worships them; that credulity preserves them, and that custom, respect and tyranny support them."Materialism was considered so dangerous that every copy of the Baron’s book was condemned to be burnt. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, materialism dominates much of our understanding of the world today. Associated with science and atheism, Materialism has influenced many forms of contemporary human thought from the process of history to the diagnosis of disease and boasts a cast list of devotees including Pierre Gassandi, Thomas Hobbes, the Marquis de Sade and Karl Marx. But what does materialism really mean, how has it developed over time and can we still have free will if we are living in a materialist world? With Anthony Grayling, Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London; Caroline Warman, Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford;  Anthony O’Hear, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Buckingham

Melvyn Bragg and and his guests Anthony O'Hear, Caroline Warman and AC Grayling discuss materialism. This philosophical argument - that matter constitutes everything that exists - has been espoused from the ancient Greek Democritus to Karl Marx and beyond.
Shortened repeated at 9.30pm

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: Isabella de' Medici

Book of the Week: Isabella de' Medici: Episode 4

Episode 4

Isabella de' Medici

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Isabella de' Medici, Episode 4

Cosimo causes outrage within the family by secretly marrying his mistress.

Isabella de' Medici: Caroline P Murphy's biography of the most celebrated woman of Renaissance Florence. 4/5: Cosimo causes outrage in the family by secretly marrying his mistress.

Caroline P Murphy's biography of the most celebrated woman of Renaissance Florence

Caroline P Murphy's biography of the most brilliant and celebrated woman of Renaissance Florence. Read by Fenella Woolgar

Daily Service

Led by Canon Chris Chivers. Rejoice, the Lord is King (Gopsal). Philippians 4, vv4-8. 
Rejoice in the Lord (Anon). Now Thank We All Our God (Nun Danket).

Book of the Week:Isabella de' Medici

4/5. Isabella befriends Leonora, her brother Pietro's fiancee, and Cosimo causes outrage by secretly marrying his mistress. Read by Fenella Woolgar. By Caroline P Murphy. 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: Jane Austen's love life; Workaholics

Jane Austen's love life; Workaholics

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Jane Austen's love life; Workaholics

Gwyneth Hughes on why Jane Austen never married. Plus, women in peacekeeping forces.

Gwyneth Hughes on why Jane Austen never married. Plus, women in peacekeeping forces, the popularity of dolls, and the effect of workaholics on the family.

With Jenni Murray. 
10.45 An Expert in Murder 4/10 The Woman's Hour drama 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm

Crossing Continents

Series focusing on foreign affairs issues

Crossing Continents: Israel Football

Israel Football

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Israel Football

David Goldblatt reports on the changing fortunes of football club Beitar Jerusalem.

David Goldblatt reports from Jerusalem, where the fortunes of local football club Beitar Jerusalem have changed following a takeover by Russian billionaire Arkadi Gaydamak.

David Goldblatt reports from Jerusalem, where the fortunes of local football club Beitar Jerusalem have changed following a takeover by Russian billionaire Arkadi Gaydamak. The club is top of the Israeli league, but the behaviour of its hardcore fans continues to cause trouble.

7/8. Israel Football. Once the underdog, 
Beitar Jerusalem is now the wealthiest and most successful football club in the Israeli league. Yet its hard-core supporters revel in their poor, right-wing, anti-establishment history. David Goldblatt meets fans, players and critics, and explores the way the club's changing fortunes mirror those of the city. 
Producer Anna Raphael Repeated on Monday at 8.30pm

Nigel Balchin: The Small Back Room Boy

BBC Radio 4 - Nigel Balchin: The Small Back Room BoySearch BBC

DBC Pierre reassesses the work of writer and scientist Nigel Balchin.

DBC Pierre reassesses the work of Nigel Balchin. In addition to writing thillers such as The Small Back Room, Balchin was a scientist and a pioneering industrial psychologist.

Nigel Balchin: the SmallBack-Room Boy

C Nigel Balchin was a popular novelist, psychologist, scientist, Hollywood screenwriter and the inventor of the brand name for KitKat, and of the concept of bubbles in a chocolate bar. DBC Pierre looks back at his remarkable life. Producer Bob Dickinson 
Sweet taste, sour words: page 121

You and Yours

You and Yours: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 24/04/2008

Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson and John Waite.

Weather

Weather: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 24/04/2008Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 24/04/2008

National and international news with Martha Kearney.

The World at One

Open Country

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

Open Country: Camel Valley Vineyard

19/04/2008

Camel Valley Vineyard

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, Camel Valley Vineyard

Helen Mark investigates the UK's increasing share of the wine market.

Camel Valley Vineyard: Helen Mark investigates the UK's increasing share of the wine market for consumption at home and abroad.

Helen Mark visits the Camel Valley vineyard to investigate the UK's increasing share of the wine market for consumption at home and abroad. Repeated from Saturday at 6.07am

The Archers

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

The Archers: 23/04/2008

23/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 23/04/2008

Kathy prepares for a change in direction.

Kathy has an interview on Friday at the golf club. Pat expects to be cycling round Stroud tomorrow when she goes to find out about their energy-saving efforts. She intends to come back with plenty of ideas.

Phil's 80 today. The four children are all due round for a meal but first Jill opens the doors for Phil to hear the quarter peal that Neil's arranged in his honour.

Shula remarks on how odd it feels to see all four siblings sitting round the table. Phil jokes that there was a time when they thought they'd never get rid of any of them. Apart from one awkward moment when Elizabeth asks Kenton why Kathy wants to leave work early on Friday, the evening is a fantastic family occasion. They enjoy reminiscing but it's soon clear that Phil just wants to get outside in the dark.

Phil's overjoyed with his telescope. Kenton takes a look but can only make out a vague, whitish blur - the Whirlpool galaxy, apparently. David assures Phil he doesn't need to apologise for marvelling at the stars. Phil believes there's no age limit for looking up and being amazed and remarks on the insignificance of everyone's everyday concerns in comparison to the vast universe.

Episode written by Adrian Flynn.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Lover

Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Lover

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Lover

Comedy by Carolyn Scott-Jeffs about a couple who can neither live together nor apart.

Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Lover: Comedy by Carolyn Scott-Jeffs, following the fortunes of a couple who can't live together and can't survive apart.

Afternoon Play: Fifteen Ways toLeave Your Lover

A comedy of manners from Carolyn Scott-Jeffs , following the fortunes of Rob and Sam who first dated as teenagers and have been netting together and splitting up ever since. 
  producer/Director Pete- Leslie Wild

Questions, Questions

Problem-solving programme addressing listeners' questions

Problem-solving programme which addresses the intriguing and seemingly imponderable questions posed by everday life

Questions, Questions: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Questions, Questions, 24/04/2008

Stewart Henderson answers those niggling questions from everyday life.

Stewart Henderson presents the problem-solving programme providing answers to life's niggling dilemmas. Producer Kevin Dawson 
PHONE: [number removed] (calls from landlines cost no more than 8p per minute) or email: [address removed]

Radio 4 Appeal

Highlighting a charity and appealing for donations. The presenters donate their time.

A weekly programme highlighting the work of a charity and appealing for donations. The presenters give their time without payment.

Radio 4 Appeal: 20/04/2008

20/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, 20/04/2008Search BBC

David Moorcroft appeals on behalf of the Spinal Injuries Association.

David Moorcroft appeals on behalf of the Spinal Injuries Association. Donations: Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144.

Repeated from Sunday at 9.26pm and 7.55am

Afternoon Reading

Short stories or abridged books, often from new writers

Afternoon Reading: Follow the Instructions

Afternoon Reading: Follow the Instructions: Episode 4: Sorry?

Episode 4: Sorry?

Follow the Instructions

Sorry?

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, Follow the Instructions, Sorry?Search BBC

By Helen Simpson. Patrick has a new hearing aid and can't quite believe his ears.

Stories exploring the ways in which we interact with technology. 4: Sorry? by Helen Simpson. Patrick has a new hearing aid and can't quite believe his ears.

Stories exploring the ways in which we interact with technology and machines

Specially commissioned stories exploring the ways in which we interact with technology and machines

4/5 Sorry? By Helen Simpson. Patrick can't quite believe what he's hearing through his new hearing aid. Read by Julian Glover. For details see Monday

Hunting the Beagle

Hunting the Beagle: Episode 4

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Hunting the Beagle, Episode 4

Prescott and his team drill down deep into the Essex mud to take samples.

Dr Robert Prescott searches for the final resting place of the Charles Darwin's ship. 4/5: Prescott and his team drill down deep into the Essex mud to take samples.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Dr Robert Prescott searches for the final resting place of Charles Darwin's ship.

Dr Robert Prescott searches for the final resting place of the ship aboard which Charles Darwin began to formulate the ideas which would eventually become his theory of evolution.

Hunting the Beagle : 4/5

Dr Robert Prescott is digging down into the Essex mud for the remains of HMS Beagle, and Professor Colin Pillinger, who led the Beagle Mars lander team, considers the correlation between the work of the two vessels.
For details see Monday

Open Book

Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books

Programme looking at new fiction and non-fiction books, talking to authors and publishers and unearthing lost classics

Open Book: Will Self, Dumas's Lost Masterpiece, and Philip Hensher on Naipaul 

Will Self, Dumas's Lost Masterpiece, and Philip Hensher on Naipaul 

BBC Radio 4 - Open Book, Will Self, Dumas's Lost Masterpiece, and Philip Hensher on Naipaul

Mariella Frostrup talks to Will Self about his new novel Butt.

Mariella Frostrup presents the books programme. She talks to Will Self about his new novel Butt, a fable about smoking, moral dilemmas and the intrusive nature of authority.

Will Self
Mariella talks to the novelist Will Self. His latest book, The Butt, is a dark satire set in an unnamed country ravaged by war and resembling a nightmare version of Australia. He explains this bleak vision, reveals why he's thrown away his laptop, and tells Mariella about the tontine, the only financial product which causes its investors to kill each other. 


Dumas's Lost Masterpiece 
Next month sees the publication of a previously unknown novel by Alexandre Dumas, the writer best known for The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. Mariella is joined by the book's UK editor, Robin Harvie, who explains how it was discovered in a French archive, and how it fits in with the rest of his swashbuckling output. 


Hensher on Naipaul 
This week's longlist for the Samuel Johnson Prize for non-fiction includes Patrick French's The World Is What It Is, a revealing biography of the novelist and Nobel Laureate VS Naipaul. Mariella talks to one of Naipaul's most passionate fans, the novelist Philip Hensher, who picks some of his favourite works and explains why he admires them so much.

Will Self talks to Mariella Frostrup about his new book Butt, a fable about smoking, moral dilemmas and the intrusive nature Of authority. Repeated from Sunday at 4pm

Material World

Science programme reporting on developments across the disciplines

Science programme reporting on developments across the disciplines. Each week, scientists describe their work, conveying the excitement they feel for their research projects

Material World: Designer Soils - Stealth Warships

Designer Soils - Stealth Warships

BBC Radio 4 - Material World, Designer Soils - Stealth Warships

Quentin Cooper explores new research into keeping warships and aircraft undetected.

The military are always looking for new ways to keep their ships, vehicles and aircraft undetected. Quentin Cooper investigates.

Designer Soils
Could the earth beneath your feet be used to help tackle climate change? Quentin finds out how soil could be the key to trapping carbon and keeping it firmly below ground. He’s joined by Professor David Manning, School of Civil Engineering & Geosciences, University of Newcastle and Professor Karl Ritz, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University.


Stealth Warships
The military are always on the look out for new ways to keep their ships, vehicles and aircraft undetected. Quentin Cooper finds out how state of the art physics and the use of meta materials could create 'invisibility cloaks' for ships at sea. Quentin is joined by Chris Lavers, Senior Lecture in Sensing and Sensors Technology, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

Material World: Designer Soils

The Material World

The military are always looking for new ways to keep their ships, vehicles and aircraft undetected. Quentin Cooper finds out how state-of-the-art physics and the use of me a-materials are helping in this quest for visibility and how stealth warships could soon be using "invisibility cloaks" to keep themselves invisible from microwave detectors and radar.

1968* Day-by-Day

Chancellor Roy Jenkins lays it on the line. 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: 24th April 1968

24th April 1968

BBC Radio 4 - 1968 Day by Day, 24th April 1968

The International Olympic Committee withdraws South Africa's invitation to Mexico City.

John Tusa looks back at the events making the news 40 years ago. The International Olympic Committee withdraws South Africa's invitation to the forthcoming Mexico City games.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 24/04/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 24/04/2008

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 Weather at 5.57pm.

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Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

24/04/2008

Genres

Brand

Weather

24/04/2008

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1968* Day-by-Day

Contributors

1968 Day by Day

24th April 1968

Genres

Brand

Weather

24/04/2008

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

24/04/2008

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

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