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: 26/06/2009

26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 26/06/2009Close 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: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 26/06/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 26/06/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Dr Kevin Franz.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 26/06/2009

Charlotte Smith explores whether the panic over North Sea cod stocks is at an end.

Figures reveal a 40 per cent increase in North Sea cod stocks. Charlotte Smith investigates what impact this will have on the fishing industry and the price we pay for cod.

North Sea cod stocks are at their highest levels for nine years. New figures from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea show that the number of mature cod able to reproduce is now 40 per cent higher than at any time this century. Charlotte Smith investigates the impact this could have on the fishing industry and the price we pay for cod in the shops. 

Farmers are accused of creating rural poverty by penny pinching when it comes to paying their staff. 

The Farming Today beehive may only be a couple of months old, but already many of its occupants are considering leaving.

Presented by Charlotte Smith. Producer Anna Varle

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: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 26/06/2009

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

With James Naughtie and Sarah Montague. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day; Yesterday in Parliament.

Presented by James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.

Pop star Michael Jackson has died. Journalist Jonathan Margolis, who spent months working with Michael Jackson, explains what made the singer so special. 

At least six people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks in Iraq, just days before US troops are due to leave Iraqi cities. Jim Muir reports.

The BBC has published details of the 360,000 pounds of expenses claimed by its board members over the past five years. David Elstein, a former chief executive of television channel Five, discusses some of the more surprising claims made by the corporation's executives. 

Historian Mark Dunton explains new revelations about a possible chemical attack on Tokyo during WWII.

Correspondent Rajesh Mirchandani reflects on the life of the superstar Michael Jackson. Unauthorised biographer Chris Andersen describes the sort of person he uncovered during his research.

A journalist with dual British and Greek nationality has been arrested in Iran as he was leaving the country. Iason Athanasiadis is a freelancer working for the Washington Times. John Solomon, executive editor of the paper, explains what the journalist was doing before his arrest. 

Thought for the Day with Catherine Pepinster, editor of the Tablet. 

Dr Mary Bousted, of the ATL, and Labour MP Barry Sheerman discuss the future of the national curriculum.

Home affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford discusses the the Home Office's new Community Cashback scheme.

Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles at the age of 50. Friend Uri Gellar and Mark Ellen, editor of Word Magazine, react to the death of the pop star. 

The expenses of some top BBC executives have been published. BBC director general Mark Thompson explains why he made some of the claims, including 2,236 pounds to fly him and his family back from a holiday in Sicily to deal with the fall-out following calls made to actor Andrew Sachs by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand. 

Andrew Haldenby of the think tank Reform and Mark Serwotka of the Public and Commercial Services Union discuss the future of public spending.

A Jewish school showed racial discrimination in refusing admission to a boy who had a Jewish father but whose mother had converted to Judaism, the Court of Appeal has ruled. Rabbi Zvi Solomons, from the Reading Orthodox Hebrew congregation, and John Halford, a solicitor who represented the boy, discuss if an admission policy based on religious and not racial criteria is lawful. 

The White House has accused Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of seeking to blame the US for the unrest following Iran's disputed election. Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen reports on a condemnation from Iranian leaders of those opposing the election result, which is expected to come at Friday prayers. 

Correspondent Colin Patterson reports on how crowds at Glastonbury are reacting to the death of Michael Jackson. Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini discusses how the star will be remembered.

With Sarah Montague and James Naughtie. 
6.25,7.25,8.25 Sports News 
6.45 Yesterday in Parliament 
With Robert Orchard and David Wilby. 
7.48 Thought for the Day With Catherine Pepinster. 
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: Martin Shaw

21/06/2009

Martin Shaw

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Martin Shaw

Kirsty Young invites actor Martin Shaw to choose his Desert Island Discs.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the actor Martin Shaw. He has been one of Britain's most popular stage and television actors of the past 40 years and has taken on more than 100 different roles. Yet Martin has spent half a lifetime moving out of the shadow of one of his earliest parts: Ray Doyle in The Professionals.

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

Favourite track: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs by George Frideric Handel
Book: Post Captain in the Aubrey/Maturin series  by Patrick O'Brien
Luxury: A synthesiser to make up my own music.

Actor Martin Shaw talks to Kirsty Young.

(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: The Junior Officer's Reading Club

Book of the Week: The Junior Officer's Reading Club: Episode 5: The Road to Sangin

Episode 5

Episode 5: The Road to Sangin

The Junior Officer's Reading Club

The Road to Sangin

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, The Junior Officer's Reading Club, The Road to Sangin

Battle contact, so long anticipated, proves satisfying and Operation Silicon is a success.

From Iraq to Helmand Province and the road to Sangin. Battle contact, so long anticipated, proves satisfying for Hennessey and Operation Silicon is a success.

Patrick Hennessey reads his soldier's tale for the 21st century; an account of his experiences at Sandhurst and then on deployment in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

From Iraq to Helmand Province and the road to Sangin. Battle contact, so long anticipated, proves satisfying for Hennessey and Operation Silicon is a success. But they must now fight their way up to Sangin, as the casualties mount.

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.

Patrick Hennessey reads his account of his experiences in the British army

Patrick Hennessey reads his soldier's tale for the 21st century; an account of his experiences at Sandhurst and then on deployment in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan's Helmand Province

Act of Worship

From Cardiff. Led by the Rev Roy Jenkins.

Book of the Week: The Junior Officers' Reading Club

5/5. The Road to Sangin. From Iraq to Helmand Province and the road to Sangin. Battle contact, so long anticipated, proves satisfying for Hennessey, and Operation Silicon is a success. But they must now fight their way up to Sangin as the casualties mount. Patrick Hennessey 's memoir. 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: Women in the RAF; School discipline

Women in the RAF; School discipline

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Women in the RAF; School discipline

Life of women in the RAF, then and now. Plus, instilling discipline in schools.

The life of women in the RAF, then and now. Plus, instilling discipline in schools; one family's fight to adopt an HIV positive baby; and control freaks.

Woman's Hour: Women in the RAF

The Art of Deception

5/5
The Woman's Hour drama. 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm Editor Jill Burridge

Three Rivers

Three Rivers: Episode 1: The Clyde

Episode 1

Episode 1: The Clyde

The Clyde

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Three Rivers, The Clyde

Beginning at a Lanarkshire stream, the Clyde swells to divide Glasgow into north and south

4 Extra Debut. Hardeep Singh Kohli explores the mighty River Clyde, which divides Glasgow but begins as a stream in Lanarkshire. From June 2009.

Hardeep Singh Kohli travels from source to sea of three major rivers that are being regenerated after years of neglect and industrial use. 

Hardeep begins beside a stream in Lanarkshire which swells to become the mighty Clyde, dividing Glasgow into north and south and defining the city's industry, heritage and character.

A Ladbroke Radio production for BBC Radio 4.

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.

Hardeep Singh Kohli travels from source to sea of three major rivers

Hardeep Singh Kohli travels from source to sea of three major rivers that are being regenerated after years of neglect and industrial use

New series. 1/3. The Clyde. As major rivers are being regenerated for the 21st century, Hardeep Singh Kohli traces three UK rivers, from their source to the sea. He begins beside a stream in Lanarkshire, which swells to become the mighty Clyde, dividing his hometown of Glasgow and defining the city s industry, heritage and character. Producer Richard Bannerman

Electric Ink

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

Electric Ink: Series 1: Episode 4

Episode 4

Series 1

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

A new reality star columnist means Maddox must rewrite her copy without causing upset.

A new reality star columnist means Maddox must rewrite her copy without causing upset. Stars Robert Lindsay. From June 2009.

The paper hires a reality star as a columnist so Maddox must find a way of rewriting her copy without upsetting her.

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
Debbie ...... Lizzy Watts

With additional material by Tom Mitchelson.

Director: Sally Avens

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2009.

Electric Ink: Series 1

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

4/6. The paper hires a reality star as a columnist and Maddox must find a way of rewriting her copy without upsetting her. Satire on the newspaper industry by Alistair Beaton with additional material by Tom Mitchelson.  
Producer Sally Avens

You and Yours

You and Yours: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 26/06/2009

With Peter White. Including: Refunds for Michael Jackson O2 tickets. BBC expenses.

Consumer news and issues with Peter White. Including: Refunds for Michael Jackson O2 tickets. BBC expenses.

Consumer news and issues with Peter White.

Including:

Michael Jackson at the O2: Will fans who bought their tickets on the secondary market be able to get refunds? Our reporter Shari Vahl has been investigating.

Itâs been revealed that Mark Thompson paid Â£99.99 for a bottle of Krug Grand Cuvee to mark the 80th birthday of Bruce Forsyth. Leaving aside whether he should have claimed the money back on expenses , was it a good choice for the money? Jasper Corbett says it was.

You and Yours: Michael Jackson at the O2

Consumer issues, presented by Peter White. Series editor Andrew Smith

Weather

Weather: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 26/06/2009Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 26/06/2009

With reports on Michael Jackson's final performance and way literacy & numeracy in schools

National and international news with Brian Hanrahan. Following the news that Michael Jackson has died, the programme speaks to Patrick Woodruffe, the lighting director on his tour.

National and international news with Brian Hanrahan.

Following the news that Michael Jackson has died, the programme speaks to Patrick Woodruffe, the lighting director on his tour. He was with Michael Jackson just 24 hours ago, and witnessed his final performance. He tells us it was an electrifying performance and the team is mourning the fact that the wider world will never get a chance to see it. 

We also hear from the secretary of state for education about changes to the way literacy and numeracy education is delivered in schools.

The World at One

Feedback

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

Feedback: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Feedback, 26/06/2009

Roger Bolton airs listeners' views on BBC radio programmes and policy.

Roger Bolton takes listeners' comments, criticisms and praise for the week's BBC radio and redirects them to the programme-and policy-makers. 
Producer Brian McCluskey Repeated on Sunday at 8pm ADDRESS: Feedback, PO Box 2100, London W1A 10T phone: [number removed] email: feedback®bbc.co.uk

The Archers

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

The Archers: 25/06/2009

25/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 25/06/2009

Jazzer and Annette are selling strawberries in a lay-by. Jazzer moans about having to look for Susan's fruit bowl. Annette offers to help. Jazzer decides to reveal his views about marriage - why chain yourself together for life? That's why he and Annette work so well. They're good mates. If they end up in bed together occasionally then that's great, isn't it.

At the shop, Neil tells Susan that Mike's asked him to be his witness. Susan reckons he should have told Mike to think again. Neil goes off to the bank, as Jennifer appears. Susan asks after Lilian. Jennifer tells her Matt disappearing was a wicked thing to do.

Neil returns from the bank. They've refused his overdraft. Tom "planning to expand" wasn't assurance enough. So he's extended their mortgage. Susan isn't happy but Neil says he had no choice.

Jennifer cooks anxious Lilian some dinner and tries reassure her. Jennifer and Lilian reminisce about their youth. Lilian tells Jennifer she always looked up to her, as she was so glamorous. Lilian suddenly receives a text. From Matt. It says "back tomorrow". She's furious he's fobbing her off with a text. But if he's coming back, she'll be there, waiting for him.

Episode written by Adrian Flynn.

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 4: Silver Ribbon

Part 4 Part 4: Silver Ribbon

On Mardle Fen

Silver Ribbon

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, On Mardle Fen, Series 2, Silver Ribbon

Eccentric chef Warwick Hedges challenges his son Jack to a race.

Warwick Hedges challenges his son Jack to a race, with Jack to go on his bike by road, Warwick on his skates by waterway, and the first man to arrive at the cathedral door wins.

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

Eccentric chef Warwick Hedges challenges his son Jack to a race, with Jack to go on his bike by road, Warwick on his skates by waterway, and the first man to arrive at the cathedral door wins.

Warwick ...... Trevor Peacock
Jack ...... Sam Dale
Marcia ...... Kate Buffery
Samuel ...... John Rowe
Zofia ...... Helen Longworth
Bernard ...... Paul Rider

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

4/4. Silver Ribbon. By Nick Warburton.
Warwick challenges Jack to a race. While the father travels by water, the son is to take his bicycle - with the winner the first man to reach the cathedral.
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: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, 26/06/2009

Eric Robson chairs. With Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew and Chris Beardshaw.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew and Chris Beardshaw answer questions posed by gardeners in Wiltshire.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. 

Anne Swithinbank, Bob Flowerdew and Chris Beardshaw answer questions posed by gardeners in Wiltshire.

Including Gardening weather forecast.

Anne Swithinbank , Bob Flowerdew and Chris Beardshaw answer questions from gardeners in Wiltshire. Eric Robson is in the chair. Including at approximately

Gardening Weather Forecast.

Producer Trevor Taylor Repeated on Sunday at 2pm

America, Empire of Liberty

America, Empire of Liberty: Episode 80: Keeping Faith

Episode 80

Episode 80: Keeping Faith

Keeping Faith

BBC Radio 4 - America, Empire of Liberty, Keeping Faith

Evangelical Christian Jimmy Carter is elected president.

Evangelical Christian and Washington outsider Jimmy Carter is elected president, but his liberal values doom him in the face of the right-wing surge of the Reagan revolution.

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

Evangelical Christian and Washington outsider Jimmy Carter is elected president, but his liberal values doom his administration in the face of the right-wing surge of the Reagan revolution.

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

80/90. Keeping Faith. Jimmy Carter is elected US President in 1976, but his liberal values doom his administration in the face of the right-wing surge of the Reagan revolution. Written and presented by David Reynolds.

Last Word

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

Last Word: Michael Jackson; Farrah Fawcett; Douglas Bunn; Steve Race

Michael Jackson; Farrah Fawcett; Douglas Bunn; Steve Race

BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, Michael Jackson; Farrah Fawcett; Douglas Bunn; Steve Race

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, including a look at Michael Jackson's life

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, with guests talking about singer Michael Jackson, actress Farrah Fawcett, showjumping's Douglas Bunn and broadcaster Steve Race.

Matthew Bannister talks to BBC radio DJ Trevor Nelson and Jonathan Morrish about the life of the self-styled King of Pop Michael Jackson.

He also talks about the founder of the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead Douglas Bunn, to his son Edward, show jumper Harvey Smith and BBC commentator Nick Brooks Ward.

The producer of 'My Music' Richard Edis and panellists Denis Norden and Ian Wallace reflect on musician and broadcaster Steve Race.

Finally journalist Stephen Armstrong chats about actress Farrah Fawcett.

Last Word: Michael Jackson

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: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Film Programme, 26/06/2009

Francine Stock dips into The Pool of London and talks to 91-year-old actor Earl Cameron.

Francine Stock dips into The Pool Of London, a classic British noir made in 1951, and talks to its star, 91-year-old Caribbean actor Earl Cameron.

Francine Stock dips into The Pool Of London and talks to its star, 91-year-old actor Earl Cameron. The dockland crime drama was one of the first films to tackle the subject of interracial relationships, and Earl discusses the prejudice he faced during the war. 

Iain Sinclair and Matthew Sweet chart the history of the postwar crime movie, with help from another star of The Pool Of London, Leslie Phillips.

The Film Programme: The Pool of London

Francine Stock dips into The Pool of London, a classic British noir made in 1951 and released on DVD for the first time. She talks to its star Earl Cameron about his screen debut and subsequent career. 
Producer Stephen Hughes 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: 26/06/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 26/06/2009

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.

Presented by Eddie Mair. Editor Joanna Carr

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

26/06/2009

Genres

Brand

The Art of Deception

Contributors

Weather

26/06/2009

Genres

Brand

Gardening Weather Forecast.

Contributors

Weather

26/06/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

26/06/2009

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4

Appears in

About this data

About this data