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: 04/05/2009

04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 04/05/2009Close 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: 05/04/2009

05/04/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 05/04/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 04/05/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with the Right Rev David Chillingworth.

Daily prayer and reflection with the Right Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 04/05/2009

Anna Hill visits an intensive broiler farm producing 800,000 chickens.

Anna Hill visits an intensive broiler farm producing 800,000 chickens and asks what the future holds for British chicken growers.

Anna Hill visits an intensive broiler farm producing 800,000 chickens and asks what the future holds for British chicken growers.

Chicken is the UK's favourite meat and we are eating 62 per cent more than we were 20 years ago. However, UK production has only risen 42 per cent in that time so we are importing more from Europe, Brazil and Thailand. Anna visits an intensive chicken farm in Norfolk which produces 800,000 birds a year. Farmer Nigel Joice says that his five million-pound high-tech sheds have allowed him to farm efficiently, but others with older equipment have made sustained losses and cannot afford to reinvest. With new costs and legislation round the corner he says the next generation of farmers are questioning whether it is really worth farming British chicken. So where will our roast chicken come from?

Presented by Anna Hill. Producer Anne-Marie Bullock

Weather

Weather: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 04/05/2009Close menu

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: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 04/05/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With John Humphrys and Sarah Montague. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With John Humphrys and Sarah Montague.

Complaints by a cabinet minister about the government's performance have prompted renewed speculation about the leadership of Gordon Brown. 

Doctors in the United States say the swine flu virus has spread across the country with cases confirmed in 35 states.

More than 300 hotel guests in Hong Kong spent another day in quarantine after a Mexican guest was diagnosed with swine flu. Mexican correspondent Steve Gibbs discusses the official reports from Mexico and quarantined guest Eddie Sweeney describes the scene at the hotel.

Europe correspondent Jonny Dymond reports from across the EU to ask voters what issues will influence their ballot in the European elections in June 2009.

Oliver Madge of the British Pest Control Association discusses how to address the national rat issue.

Sydney correspondent Nick Bryant discusses the 'best job in the world': working on the Great Barrier Reef.

General Secretary of the National Association of Headteachers Mick Brookes, and John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, discuss the value of SATs tests and the outcome of a possible boycott.

Johannesburg correspondent Peter Biles talks to the apartheid photographers portrtayed in the new film 'The Bang Bang Club'.

Sir Hilary Synnott discusses US attempts to improve relations with Pakistan opposition leader Nawaz Sharif.

Harriet Harman denies a report that she would fight for Labour Party leadership.

Author and Mini enthusiast Christy Campbell and design consultant Stephen Bayley discuss the social importance of the Mini.

Reporter Andrew Hosken discusses the Sri Lankan army's fragile relationship with the foreign media.

Lord Maurice Saatchi discusses Margaret Thatcher's legacy 30 years after she became prime minister.

Virologist Dr John McCauley discusses the value of stock piling vaccines against swine flu.

Assistant editor of the Financial Times Gillian Tett and author Seth Freedman discuss where responsibility for the economic downturn lies.

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

Start the Week

Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday

Start the Week: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Start the Week, 04/05/2009

David Aaronovitch, Monica Ali, Christopher Caldwell and Joshua Cooper Ramo.

Andrew Marr sets the cultural agenda for the week. His guests include David Aaronovitch, Monica Ali, Christopher Caldwell and Joshua Cooper Ramo.

Journalist David Aaronovitch on the dangerous seduction of conspiracy theories, from 9/11 to swine flu. Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History is published by Jonathan Cape.

Monica Ali stirs the melting pot in her new novel set in a multi-national hotel restaurant, where a dead body is discovered in the cellar. In The Kitchen is published by Doubleday.

Journalist Christopher Caldwell argues that mass immigration across Europe post-WWII has been an expensive mistake. Reflections on the Revolution in Europe: Immigration, Islam and the West is published by Allen Lane.

According to the international strategist Joshua Cooper Ramo, our society's models are hopelessly out of date as we face an era of instability and constant change. He calls for some creative thinking - and fast. The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us and What to Do About It is published by Little, Brown.

Andrew Marr and his guests set the cultural agenda for the week.
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: From Harvey River

Book of the Week: From Harvey River: Episode 1

Episode 1

From Harvey River

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, From Harvey River, Episode 1

Lorna remembers her remarkable great-grandfathers.

Lorna remembers her great-grandfathers - Englishman William Harvey, who is shunned by his peers for marrying a black Jamaican woman; and George Wilson, an Irish sailor.

Dona Croll reads from Lorna Goodison's portrait of past generations of her unconventional family in Harvey River, Jamaica. 

Lorna remembers her remarkable great-grandfathers. The Englishman William Harvey, who is shunned by his peers for marrying a black Jamaican woman. Then George Wilson, an Irish sailor who jumps ship and finds himself at home among the wattle-and-daub rum shops and brothels of Jamaica - until he is bewitched by a beautfiful young Creole woman.

Dona Croll reads Lorna Goodison's portrait of past generations of her family in Jamaica

Dona Croll reads from Lorna Goodison's portrait of past generations of her unconventional family in Harvey River, Jamaica

Daily Service

Led by John Forrest. Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (St Denio). Exodus 34, 
W29-35. And the Glory of the Lord (Handel). From Glory to Glory (Sheen).

J/5. Dona Croll reads Lorna Goodison 's portrait of past generations of her family in Jamaica. She begins by recalling her greatgrandfathers, including Englishman William Harvey , shunned by his peers for marrying a black woman, and George Wilson , an Irish sailor who was bewitched by a young Creole. Abridged by Miranda Davies. Producer Justine Willett Repeated at 12.30am RT DIRECT: From Harvey River is available for £14.39 (RRP £15.99) inc p&p. Call [number removed] (national rate) quoting RT, or visit www.rtdirect.sparkledirect.com

Woman's Hour

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

Woman's Hour: Family Feuds

Family Feuds

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Family Feuds

A special programme focusing on family feuds.

A special programme focusing on family feuds. What are the reasons for family estrangement? Plus, learning to get along with the in-laws, and being candid with relatives.

Ladies of Letters Crunch Credit

1/5
The Woman's Hour drama. 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm 
Radio features: pages 118-119

A Tale of Two Emirates

A Tale of Two Emirates: Episode 2

Episode 2

BBC Radio 4 - A Tale of Two Emirates, Episode 2

With potentially disastrous timing, Abu Dhabi has embarked on a huge development programme

With potentially disastrous economic timing, Abu Dhabi has embarked on a massive cultural development programme including beach resorts, housing, art galleries and museums.

Jenny Clayton visits Dubai and Abu Dhabi to see how these two emirates are coping with the credit crisis. 

As the less well-known, wealthier neighbour of Dubai, Abu Dhabi has never sought the limelight. But, with potentially disastrous timing in the light of the global economic crisis, the emirate has embarked on a massive cultural development programme including beach resorts, housing, art galleries, museums and an opera house.

Jenny Clayton visits Dubai and Abu Dhabi to see how they are coping with the credit crisis

Jenny Clayton visits Dubai and Abu Dhabi to see how these two emirates are coping with the credit crisis

2/2. As the less well-known, wealthier neighbour of Dubai, Abu Dhabi has never sought the limelight. But, with potentially disastrous timing in the light of the global economic crisis, the emirate has embarked on a massive cultural development programme, building beach resorts, housing and museums. Jenny Clayton investigates. producer Tom Jackson

Rudy's Rare Records

Sitcom by Danny Robins, set in a Birmingham record shop

Rudy's Rare Records: Series 1: Roots Manoeuvres

Roots Manoeuvres

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Rudy's Rare Records, Series 1, Roots Manoeuvres

Now living above the shop, Grandad, father and son collide over a local exhibition.

Now living above the shop, Grandad, father and son collide over a local history exhibition. Stars Lenny Henry. From March 2008. 

Now all living crammed together over a record store in Birmingham, Grandad Rudy, father Adam and son Richie collide over a local history exhibition. 

Starring Lenny Henry, Joe Jacobs and Larrington Walker. 

Generational sitcom written by Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell.

From an original idea by Lenny Henry.

Adam Sharpe ...... Lenny Henry
Richie Sharp ...... Joe Jacobs
Rudy Sharpe ...... Larrington Walker 
Doreen ...... Claire Benedict
Jamelia/Tasha ...... Natasha Godfrey 
Clifton ...... Jeffery Kissoon 
Alison ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman
Francis ...... Michael Fenton Stevens
Customers ...... Colin Hoult/Doc Brown

Producer: Lucy Armitage.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2008.

Rudy's Rare Records: 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.

2/4. Roots Manoeuvres. Three generations collide in Danny Robins and Dan Tetsell 's comedy set in a Birmingham record shop.  
Producer Lucy Armitage

You and Yours

You and Yours: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 04/05/2009

Consumer news and issues with Julian Worricker.

You and Yours: 4 May

World at One

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

World at One: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 04/05/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The World at One

Counterpoint

Paul Gambaccini presents radio's widest-ranging music quiz.

Counterpoint: Series 23: 2009 Heat 9

2009 Heat 9

Series 23

BBC Radio 4 - Counterpoint, Series 23, 2009 Heat 9

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz.

Paul Gambaccini hosts the wide-ranging music quiz, as remaining contestants battle for a place in the semi-finals. From 2009.

Paul Gambaccini chairs the general knowledge music quiz. 

The questions cover every aspect of music - from the classical repertoire to world music, show tunes, film scores, jazz, rock and pop.

Three contestants battle it out: 

Ian Bayley from Headington, Oxford
David Saxon from Northwood, Middlesex
Gary Williams from Weston-super-Mare

Producer: Paul Bajoria

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2009.

Counterpoint: Series 23

9/13. Paul Gambaccini chairs the final heat of the eclectic music quiz, in which contestants from Oxford, Middlesex and Somerset compete. Producer Paul Bajoria Repeated on Saturday at 11pm

The Archers

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

The Archers: 03/05/2009

03/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 03/05/2009

Nic's disappointed that Annette's working in the shop - it would have been perfect for her.

Adam reckons David's silaging will be easy with the new paddock system. David feels frantic though and Adam worries he won't make it to the cricket practice. David's OK today but can't promise to turn up every week. Adam's pleased when Will arrives with Nic. He suggests she signs up for the single wicket but Nic prefers David's idea of helping Shula with the teas.

Matt's desperate to know what Chalkman said when he handed himself in to the SFO, so decides to go and have it out with him. Lilian begs Matt not to - it won't help if he's charged with GBH as well.  Lilian persuades him to take his anger out on the golf course. 

Before they even start, Will appears and suggests that Matt arranges for the board to look round the shoot. Matt snaps and tells Will that's the last thing on his mind. Shoving the clubs back into the car, Matt rants off to Lilian, who reminds him he's still on the board so he can protect his interests. Matt's bad company, so goes off for a walk, telling Lilian he's better on his own.

Episode written by Joanna Toye.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Drama

Drama on 4: Annapurna

19/10/2007

Annapurna

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Annapurna

By Jod Mitchell. A couple on a Himalayan mountain trek realise they are being stalked.

By Jod Mitchell. Tension mounts as a young English couple trek their way across a treacherous Himalayan mountain range and realise a mysterious Nepali is stalking them.

By Jod Mitchell. Tension mounts as a young English couple trek their way across a treacherous Himalayan mountain range and realise that a mysterious Nepali is stalking them, getting closer by the day.

Tim ...... Ben Crowe
Emma ...... Clare Corbett
Sher; Krishna ...... Padam Chhetri

Director Conor Lennon.

Afternoon Play: Annapurna

Tension mounts as an English couple make their way across a treacherous Himalayan mountain range. Meanwhile, a mysterious 
Nepali is stalking them, getting closer by the day. Psychological drama by Jod Mitchell.  
Producer/Director Conor Lennon

Pete Seeger in Word and Song

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Pete Seeger in Word and Song

A celebration of the life and music of the late folk singer and activist Pete Seeger

4 Extra Debut. The life and work of the late folksinger-cum-activist Pete Seeger, who was invited to perform at Obama's inauguration. From 2009.

The folk-singer and activist Pete Seeger was often known as "America's Tuning Fork".
 
His appearance at Barack Obama's first inauguration concert brought him to public attention once more.
 
Drawing on the BBC's extensive archive and on two recent new interviews with him, BBC World Service Arts Correspondent Vincent Dowd celebrates Seeger's life and examines his belief in the power of song.
 
Lucid and lively as ever, Pete spoke to Vincent as much about environmental and urban issues as about his lifelong commitment to disarmament and civil rights. Even at his grand old age, there was nothing predictable in his words - with refreshingly positive views about city life as the model of the future.
 
Above all, Seeger spoke about performing the Woody Guthrie song, This Land Is Your Land, with Bruce Springsteen outside the Lincoln Memorial for Barack Obama's inauguration. He also treated Vincent to an impromptu, unplugged version of This Land is Your Land.
 
Pete Seeger in Word and Song explores the continuing role of folk music in American political life while also celebrating the artist who brought the world songs such as Where Have All the Flowers Gone, If I Had a Hammer, Turn, Turn, Turn and new versions of spirituals such as We Shall Overcome.

Pete Seeger died in 2014 aged 94.  
 
Producer:  Beaty Rubens

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.

Archive on 4: Pete Seeger at 90

Drawing on the BBC's extensive archive and new interviews, Vincent Dowd celebrates the folk singer and activist's life. 
Shortened repeat from Saturday at 8pm

Sacrifices

Sacrifices: Episode 1: Josh

Episode 1: Josh

Josh

BBC Radio 4 - Sacrifices, Josh

Josh wants to dance, but his parents have to dig deep to ensure that his dream comes true.

Josh wants to dance, but when he gets a coveted place at Elmhurst dance school his parents have to dig deep to ensure that his dream comes true.

Families with a talented child talk about the sacrifices they make to help them fulfil their potential.

Josh wants to dance, but when he gets a coveted place at Elmhurst dance school, associated with Birmingham Royal Ballet, his parents have to dig deep to ensure that his dream comes true.

Families with a talented child talk about the sacrifices they make for them

Families with a talented child talk about the sacrifices they make to help them fulfil their potential

1/5. Josh. Families with talented children talk about the decisions they make to help them fulfil their potential. Josh has won a coveted place at Elmhurst dance school, associated with Birmingham Royal Ballet, but his parents have to dig deep to make sure his dream comes true. Producer Sara Conkey

The Food Programme

Investigating every aspect of the food we eat

Food Programme

The Food Programme: Brogdale

Brogdale

BBC Radio 4 - The Food Programme, Brogdale

Sheila Dillon explores Brogdale in Kent, home of the National Fruit Collection.

Sheila Dillon explores Brogdale in Kent, home of the National Fruit Collection, as it branches out to create its own food hub.

Sheila Dillon explores Brogdale in Kent, home of the National Fruit Collection, updating a story covered by the programme in the early 1990s and in 2007 when one of the greatest of our living food plant collections was under threat. They are to remain there following a reversal of a government decision two years ago to move over 4,000 trees and plants to another site. Since then Brogdale has flourished in many different ways. Sheila revisits the site and explores some of the new food-related businesses that have developed in the 'Market Place' with new investment and refurbishment. 

In addition to the food businesses, there are educational tours and a laboratory that can analyse the nutrient value of different soils and diagnose plant problems. The Plant Centre, which can identify different varieties for Brogdale, boasts over 2,000 different varieties of apples, including 60 different varieties of cooking apples. It remains of global as well as national significance. 

Sheila meets Joan Morgan of the Friends of Brogdale, who campaigned to save Brogdale, and talks to Tony Hillier of Hillreed Land and landscape architect Tom le Dell. She drops in on food businesses including the Tiddly Pomme, selling ciders, wines and fruit juices, and events caterers, Scott Anderson.

Traveller's Tree

Travel programme consisting of tips and advice for travellers submitted by the public

In Africa and South America, people often pin tips and advice for travellers to trees. This programme brings the concept to radio, with a travel magazine consisting of items submitted by the public

Traveller's Tree: Series 5

Traveller's Tree: Series 5: Episode 3: Raising the Iron Curtain

Episode 3

Episode 3: Raising the Iron Curtain

Series 5

Raising the Iron Curtain

BBC Radio 4 - Traveller's Tree, Series 5, Raising the Iron Curtain

Katie Derham looks at our curiosity to travel and experience Eastern Europe.

Katie Derham presents the holiday magazine. She looks at how our curiosity to travel and experience Eastern Europe has affected the former Soviet bloc countries.

Katie Derham presents the programme which examines our holiday and travel trends.

As the countries of the former Soviet bloc prepare to celebrate 20 years of democracy, Katie and the team look at how our curiosity to travel and experience Eastern Europe has affected those countries. Former tour leader and travel writer Neil Taylor reflects on the momentous changes that were precipitated by the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. 

Plus a report from 20-year-old Mike Copus, who visits Berlin as a cold war tourist.

A Just Radio/Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Katie Derham presents the holiday magazine with tips from listeners and travel experts

Katie Derham presents the holiday magazine with insider tips from listeners and travel experts

Traveller's Tree: Raising the Iron Curtain

3/6. As the countries of the former Soviet bloc prepare to mark 20 years of democracy, Katie Derham and the team look at how our curiosity to travel and experience Eastern Europe has affected those destinations. Producer David Prest

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 04/05/2009

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

News and analysis presented by Eddie Mair.

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 04/05/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 04/05/2009

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: 4 May

The Museum of Curiosity

Panel show in which guests donate fascinating exhibits to a vast imaginary museum

Panel show in which three distinguished guests donate fascinating exhibits to a vast imaginary museum

The Museum of Curiosity: Series 2

The Museum of Curiosity: Series 2: Episode 1

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - The Museum of Curiosity, Series 2, Episode 1

John Lloyd and Sean Lock's guests are Brian Eno, Chris Donald and Dave Gorman.

Chairman John Lloyd and curator Sean Lock invite Brian Eno, Chris Donald and Dave Gorman to suggest exhibits. From May 2009.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

04/05/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

04/05/2009

Genres

Brand

Ladies of Letters Crunch Credit

Weather

04/05/2009

Genres

Formats

Brand

Weather

04/05/2009

Genres

Formats

Brand

Shipping Forecast

05/05/2009

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

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