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: 31/12/2008

31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 31/12/2008Close 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: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 31/12/2008Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 31/12/2008

Daily prayer and reflection with Lynn Gallagher.

Pause for reflection with Lynn Gallagher.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 31/12/2008

News and issues in rural Britain with Mark Holdstock.

With Mark Holdstock. 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: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 31/12/2008

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With Evan Davis and Edward Stourton. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by Evan Davis and Edward Stourton.

With guest editor Jarvis Cocker.

Is drinking an art form? At the Frieze Art Fair in London, guest editor Jarvis Cocker came across a reconstructed bar from Reykjavik. Members of the Icelandic art collective Kling og Bang explain.
Jarvis Cocker wanted to commission an alternative thought for the day. The man he wanted to deliver it however - the philosopher and interpreter of Zen Buddhism Alan Watts - is dead. Not to be deterred, he found a recording of one of Alan Watts' speeches. 
Money (That's What I Want) by the Flying Lizards could be used as an anthem for 2008's economic turmoil. Jarvis Cocker asks the band's singer Deborah Evans-Strickland to read the weather forecast for Greenland. She obliges with the help of her husky. 
Mechia Fendel, who lives in the Israeli town of Sderot, and Professor Shai Feldman, discuss how people live in areas at risk of bombing.

Collette Hume peruses the 966 names on the New Year Honours list.

Norman Smith reports on the economist John Maynard Keynes, the economic genius with a decidedly colourful private life.

Roland Furber, chief executive of the British Paramedic Association, explains the guidance for crews on whether to resuscitate or not.

Karen Hill says it is unlikely that David and Fiona Fulton sent emails criticising the Gambian government.

Brian Eno, "the father of ambient music", explains what he is hoping for the year ahead.

Thought for the day with Brian Draper, associate lecturer at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity.

Jarvis Cocker makes the trip to the Arctic to discover why a "meltdown" could occur both environmentally and economically.

Christian Fraser, Iyad Nasr, spokesman for the Red Cross in Gaza, and Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander, discuss calls for an immediate ceasefire on the Gaza Strip.

Rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and Jarvis Cocker discuss how quantum physics combines with sport.

Bill Drummond, co-founder of the band The KLF and the K Foundation for Arts, calls on listeners to join his imaginary choir.

Victor Bulmer-Thomas and Ken Livingstone discuss the differences between Hugo Chavez and Che Guevara.

Author Terry Pratchett discusses the award of a knighthood for his services to literature in the New Year Honours list.

Music group Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip say they would like to see a more honest media in 2009.

Lord Stern discusses whether the way governments are trying to deal with our current financial crisis offers lessons for dealing with climate change.

Evan Davis - in a bid to "retain originality" - interviews a mystery guest.

Guardian columnist Marina Hyde gives her wishes for 2009.

Guest editor Jarvis Cocker explains some of the thinking behind today's programme.

Today's quest editor is Jarvis Cocker. With Evan Davis and Edward Stourton. 
6.25, 7.25, 8.25 Sports News 7-48 Thought for the Day

Midweek

Lively and diverse conversation with weekly guests

Midweek: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Midweek, 31/12/2008

Lively and diverse conversation with Libby Purves and guests.

Diverse and lively conversation with Libby Purves and her guests. 
Producer Chris Paling Shortened repeat 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: How to Get Things Really Flat

Book of the Week: How to Get Things Really Flat: Episode 3

Episode 3

How to Get Things Really Flat

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, How to Get Things Really Flat, Episode 3

By Andrew Martin. Novelist Andrew Martin decides to tackle the myths and practicalities of doing the domestic chores. He does the vacuuming.

By Andrew Martin. Working from home every day, novelist Andrew Martin decides to tackle the myths and practicalities of carrying out domestic chores. 

He does the vacuuming. Read by Shaun Dooley.

Novelist Andrew Martin tackles the myths and practicalities of domestic chores

Working from home every day, novelist Andrew Martin decides to tackle the myths and practicalities of carrying out domestic chores

3/5. "Carpets are supposed to last longer if vacuumed at least once a week." Andrew Martin 's wry guide to housework for men continues. For details see Monday 29 December Rptd at 12.30am

Daily Service

Led by Canon Chris Chivers. Amazing Grace (Trad American). Titus 3, vv3-7. God So Loved the World (Stainer). 
Hail to the Lord's Anointed (Cruger).

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Literary Highlights of 2008

Literary Highlights of 2008

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Literary Highlights of 2008

A special programme on some of the literary highlights of the past 12 months.

A special programme on some of the literary highlights of 2008 including Doris Lessing, PD James, AL Kennedy, Rose Tremain, Elizabeth Jane Howard and Wendy Cope.

Presented by Jenni Murray. 
10.45 Seventy-Odd 3/5 The Woman's Hour drama. 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm

Snow in Libya

Snow in Libya: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - Snow in Libya, Episode 1

Broadcaster Peter Snow returns to scenes of his post-war childhood in Libya.

Broadcaster Peter Snow returns to scenes of his post-war childhood in Libya for the first time in 50 years to discover how the country has changed from the memories of his youth.

Broadcaster Peter Snow returns to scenes of his post-war childhood in Libya for the first time in 50 years to discover more about how the modern Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya has changed from the place he remembers from his youth.

Broadcaster Peter Snow returns to scenes of his post-war childhood in Libya

Broadcaster Peter Snow returns to scenes of his post-war childhood in Libya for the first time in 50 years to discover how the country has changed from the memories of his youth

After an absence of 50 years, Peter Snow returns to the scene of his postwar childhood in Libya, to make a Personal voyage around the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - with all its inconsistencies and defiant reputation. Producer Sarah Jane Hall

A Charles Paris Mystery

Bill Nighy stars as actor cum amateur sleuth Charles Paris

Bill Nighy stars as actor-cum-amateur sleuth Charles Paris in the stories by Simon Brett, dramatised by Jeremy Front

Charles Paris Mystery: Dead Side of the Mic

A Charles Paris Mystery: Dead Side of the Mic: Episode 4

Episode 4

Dead Side of the Mic

BBC Radio 4 - A Charles Paris Mystery, Dead Side of the Mic, Episode 4

Can the actor-sleuth solve the mystery haunting the BBC, or will he end up in chains?

Can the actor-sleuth solve the deadly mystery haunting the BBC, or will he end up in chains? Stars Bill Nighy and Nicky Henson.

A Charles Paris Mystery: Dead Side of the Mic

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.

Simon Brett's thespian sleuth probes a death at the BBC.

Simon Brett's thespian sleuth probes a death at the BBC. Dramatised by Jeremy Front, starring Bill Nighy.

A Charles Paris Mystery:The Dead Side of the Mic

4/4. Charles comes face to face with the killer - in the sound-effects store. By Simon Brett dramatised by Jeremy Front.    
Producer Sally Avens

You and Yours

You and Yours: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 31/12/2008

Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.

Presented by Julian Worricker.

Winifred Robinson takes a look at how the number of repossessions grew throughout the year.

2008, the year social care became a hot topic. You and Yours launched its Care in the UK season last January across Radio 4 and other parts of the BBC. Carolyn Atkinson looks back at the impact of that season.

Simon Calder examines why 2008 has been a tough year for travellers and holiday makers.

Steve Punt on the new consumer year.

Shari Vahl reports on the behaviour of online ticket sellers.

Peter White was in Beijing for the Paralympics and shares the highlights with Julian Worricker.

Weather

Weather: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 31/12/2008Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 31/12/2008

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The World at One

News and analysis presented by Shaun Ley.

The Media Show

This is the programme about a revolution in media.

Social media, anti-social media, breaking news, faking news: this is the programme about a revolution in media.

The Media Show: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Media Show, 31/12/2008

Steve Hewlett presents a topical programme about the fast-changing media world.

Steve Hewlett presents the topical programme about media in all its forms, with key players from within the industry helping to shed light on the issues of the day. Producer Sally Spurring

The Archers

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

The Archers: 30/12/2008

30/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 30/12/2008

Lilian's trying to talk to Matt, but he's preoccupied and getting sick of Stephen Chalkman ringing. Later, Lilian overhears the end of Matt's angry phone call to Chalkman. Matt explains it's not an easy time to be a developer. It'll all be fine, but he doesn't want to go to the New Year ball at Lower Loxley - Chalky will be there.

Will phones Nic and asks if she's doing anything for New Year. She tells him she's staying in with the kids. Will asks if he can join them and Nic's delighted.

The panto's about to start and Graham Ryder appears. Lynda tells him she's passed his concerns to the technical director, and Alistair introduces himself. He tells Graham effective measures are now in place. 

After the panto, Graham comes backstage. He congratulates Alistair, but how did he do it? Alistair says surely he noticed the new pulley system? Graham says yes, he thinks he did. He's pleased Alistair's taken his concerns seriously. 

Graham goes, and Lynda praises Alistair's performance. Clarrie's confused - you mean there weren't any pulleys? Lynda explains Alistair has convinced Graham he'd seen something he hadn't, just like the in the Emperor's New Clothes.

Episode written by Caroline Harrington.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven

Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven

By John Mortimer. Jeremy Irons stars as Lewis Luby.

By John Mortimer. Jeremy Irons stars as Lewis Luby, the mild-mannered Englishman who falls off an Italian balcony and wakes up to find himself under God's watchful eye.

Mr. Luby's Fear of Heaven
By John Mortimer

When Lewis Luby comes to late at night in an Italian hospital he finds himself lying under the monstrous big toe of God. Surely some mistake: Luby, who has never for one moment believed in the immortality of the soul, cannot possibly be in heaven !

Lewis Luby................... Jeremy Irons
Tommy Fletcher.............Stephen Critchlow
Sophie Luby..................Marsha Fitzalan
Doctor..........................Chris Pavlo
Miss Waterlow................Donnla Hughes
English Guide................Dan Starkey
Italian Guide/Nun............Flaminia Cinque
Directed by Jeremy Mortimer 

This production was first broadcast on the 31st December 2008.

John Mortimer had the idea for Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven when he first visited the Santa Maria della Scala hospital in Siena and saw patients lying in beds under ceilings decorated with 15th century frescoes depicting Heaven and Hell. 

Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven was first produced for BBC Radio 3 in 1976, with John Gielgud in the title role. Later that year it was presented on stage as part of a double bill 'Heaven and Hell', with Denholm Elliot as Luby.

John Mortimer wrote for BBC Radio for more than 50 years. His first radio play, The Dock Brief, was broadcast on the Third Programme in May 1957. His best known stage play 'A Voyage Round My Father' was originally written for radio. He is the creator of Horace Rumpole, and his most recent radio Rumpole 'The Anti-social behaviour of Horace Rumpole' was broadcast on Radio 4 in May 2008. John Mortimer died in January 2009.

Jeremy Irons and John Mortimer first worked together on the Granada Television adaptation of Brideshead Revisited (1981) in which Jeremy Irons played Charles Ryder.

Afternoon Play: Mr Luby's Fear of Heaven

By John Mortimer.
When Lewis Luby wakes up in an Italian hospital, he finds himself lying under the monstrous big toe of God. Surely some mistake: Luby, who has never for one moment believed in the immortality of the soul, cannot possibly be in Heaven!
Starring Jeremy Irons.
Producer/Director Jeremy Mortimer

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: 28/12/2008

28/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, 28/12/2008

Eric Robson chairs. With Bob Flowerdew and Pippa Greenwood.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. Bob Flowerdew and Pippa Greenwood are guests of Hassocks Horticultural Society, West Sussex.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. 

Bob Flowerdew and Pippa Greenwood are guests of Hassocks Horticultural Society, West Sussex. 

Including the Gardeners' Question Time gardening weather forecast.

John Cushnie , Pippa Greenwood and Bob Flowerdew are guests of Hassocks 
Horticultural Society, West Sussex. Chaired by Eric Robson. At 3.25 Gardening Weather Forecast. Shortened rpt from 28 Dec Sunday at 2pm

Afternoon Reading

Short stories or abridged books, often from new writers

Afternoon Reading: Big Charlie

Afternoon Reading: Big Charlie: Episode 3

Big Charlie

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, Big Charlie, Episode 3

The five and a half ton elephant is reluctant to enter its crate.

The true story of the transportation of an elephant between two Butlins camps in the 1950s. The five and a half ton elephant is reluctant to enter its crate.

Colonel Williams' amazing story of how in the summer of 1957 the largest elephant in captivity, Big Charlie, was moved from Butlin's in Scotland to Butlin's, Yorkshire.

The Colonel faces an obstacle as the 5-and-a-half ton elephant is reluctant to enter his crate.

Abridged and read by Tony Lidington.

Producer: David Blount
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

The true story of the transportation of an elephant between two Butlins camps in the 1950s

By JH Williams. The true story of the transportation of an elephant between two Butlins camps in the 1950s, abridged and read by Tony Lidington

3/5 The five-and-a-half ton elephant is reluctant to enter his crate. By JH Williams. For details see Monday December 29

Pilots That Never Flew

Pilots That Never Flew: Episode 3: Actors and Presenters

Episode 3: Actors and Presenters

Actors and Presenters

BBC Radio 4 - Pilots That Never Flew, Actors and Presenters

Paul considers the people tasked with bringing a show to life: the actors and performers.

Paul Roseby examines the laborious process of creating successful pilot programmes. Paul considers those who are tasked with bringing a show to life: the actors and performers.

Series in which Director of the National Youth Theatre Paul Roseby examines the laborious process of creating successful pilot programmes. 

Paul considers those who are tasked with bringing a show to life: the actors and performers. He talks to Megan Dodds, Lucy Briers, Neil McCaul, Annabel Giles and Beverley Turner.

Paul Roseby examines the laborious process of creating successful pilot programmes

Series of five programmes in which Director of the National Youth Theatre Paul Roseby examines the laborious process of creating successful pilot programmes

3/5 Actors and Presenters. Joining 
Paul Roseby are Megan Dodds , Lucy Briers , Neil McCaul , Annabel Giles and Beverley Turner. For details see Monday December 29

Thinking Allowed

Thinking Allowed: Gang Culture

Gang Culture

BBC Radio 4 - Thinking Allowed, Gang Culture

Laurie Taylor explores whether the past can reveal the causes and cures for gang violence?

Laurie Taylor is joined by Andrew Davies, Geoffrey Pearson and Tara Young to explore whether the past can reveal the causes and cures for gang violence?

GANG CULTURE 
Stories of gang conflict often hit the headlines.  Commentators hark back to a golden age in which British streets were safe. But did such an age ever exist?  Andrew Davies is the author of a new book which describes the gangs who waged turf war in Victorian Manchester.  The Scuttlers emerged from the squalid slums of the Industrial Revolution, fighting for fun, with belts and knives. In response, some called for the Lash and others for lads clubs. 

Laurie Taylor is joined by Andrew Davies, Senior Lecturer in history and author of The Gangs of Manchester, Geoffrey Pearson, Professor of Criminology and Tara Young, a Senior Research Fellow who is currently carrying out research into the nature of gang membership.  They explore the historical hoodie and discuss what the past can reveal about the causes and cures for gang violence?

Laurie Taylor talks to key thinkers as he explores new research on how society works. producer Charlie Taylor

Case Notes

Medical programme exploring a different topic each week

Medical programme exploring a different topic each week, with reports and input from experts

Case Notes: Taste

Taste

BBC Radio 4 - Case Notes, Taste

Dr Mark Porter investigates the relationship between smell and taste.

Dr Mark Porter explores health issues of the day. He investigates the relationship between smell and taste, with tips on how to avoid children becoming fussy eaters.

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 31/12/2008

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.

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 31/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 31/12/2008

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

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

Six o'Clock News

Alistair Cooke's Seasonal Letters from America

Alistair Cooke's Seasonal Letters from America: Episode 6

Episode 6

BBC Radio 4 - Alistair Cooke's Seasonal Letters from America, Episode 6

Justin Webb introduces eight of Alistair Cooke's seasonal Letters from America.

The BBC's North America editor Justin Webb introduces eight of Alistair Cooke's seasonal Letters from America, broadcast in December and January over the five decades of his career.

The BBC's North America editor Justin Webb introduces eight of Alistair Cooke's seasonal Letters from America, broadcast in December and January over the five decades of his career and covering topics ranging from Christmas in Vermont to presidential inaugurations.

Justin Webb introduces eight of Alistair Cooke's seasonal Letters from America

Justin Webb introduces eight of Alistair Cooke's seasonal Letters from America, broadcast in December and January over the five decades of his career and covering a range of festive topics

Alistair Cooke's Seasonal Lettersfrom America

6/8 The BBC's North America editor Justin Webb introduces one of Alistair Cooke 's seasonal Letters from America, originally broadcast in December and January during his 50-year career. Continues tomorrow.

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Shipping Forecast

31/12/2008

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Brand

You and Yours

31/12/2008

Genres

Brand

You and Yours

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Weather

31/12/2008

Genres

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Weather

31/12/2008

Genres

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Shipping Forecast

01/01/2009

Genres

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