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: 21/08/2009

21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 21/08/2009Close 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: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 21/08/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 21/08/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with Monsignor Tony Rogers.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 21/08/2009

How food lovers have helped a farmer from Devon who lost a major contract.

News and issues in rural Britain with Charlotte Smith. How food lovers have helped a farmer from Devon who lost a major contract for his blueberries.

One of the country's major soft fruit firms has gone into administration, leaving farmers in the lurch. Charlotte Smith hears how turning his fields over to pick-your-own has helped one blueberry grower who has lost his contract.

With Charlotte Smith. Producer Melvin Rickarby

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: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 21/08/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With John Humphrys and Edward Stourton. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by Edward Stourton and John Humphrys.

Caroline Wyatt reports on how many Afghans defied the Taliban to vote in the elections.

Correspondent Jonah Fisher examines allegations that new 800m world champion Caster Semenya is not a woman.

Sandra Horley, of Refuge, reflects on the latest step in the government's reform of the law on domestic violence.

Reporter Andrew Hosken examines whether the AA has come up with a 'credible' alternative to replace fines imposed by private enforcers.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond and lawyer Tony Kelly discuss the release of the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.

Simon Jack reports from Calais on why cheap alcohol retailers are struggling to stay afloat.

Thought for the day with The Right Reverend Tom Butler, Bishop of Southwark.

Professor Les Ebdon, of Universities UK, discusses whether there is a lack of places at university after a record year for applications.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband discusses whether it was right to release Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi. 

Film critic James Christopher and Matt Little, of the Royal Marines Museum, discuss whether the new Quentin Tarantino film, Inglourious Basterds, accurately depicts the truth of war.

Daniel Barenboim tells Edward Stourton about the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.

Former vice-president of the Lehman Brothers bank Larry McDonald - who left in the run-up to its collapse - discusses what he calls a colossal failure of common sense.

Oil analyst Dr Manouchehr Takin discusses the effect of the release of the Libyan man convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing on UK-Libya relations.

Olympic medal winner Roger Black and former 200m world record holder Michael Johnson explains how Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt is able to be so much quicker than his competitors.

With John Humphrys and Edward Stourton. 
6.25, 7.25, 8.25 Sports News 
7.48 Thought for the Day 
With the Rt Rev Tom Butler. Editor 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: Roberto Alagna

16/08/2009

Roberto Alagna

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, Roberto Alagna

Kirsty Young's castaway is opera singer Roberto Alagna.

Kirsty Young's castaway is the singer Roberto Alagna. He is one of the most celebrated tenors in the world and one half of opera's golden couple; his wife is the soprano Angela Gheorghiu. Yet, his is not a voice that was honed through early years in a conservatoire. He was brought up in Paris in a family of keen amateur musicians. He used to sing in nightclubs and in those early years, he says, the world of opera was, to him, no more than an impossible dream.

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

Favourite track: One Day from the Immortal Heights by Giuseppe Verdi
Book: The works by Victor Hugo
Luxury: Guitar.

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: My Father's Places

Book of the Week: My Father's Places: Episode 5

Episode 5

My Father's Places

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, My Father's Places, Episode 5

The cracks in Dylan and Caitlin's marriage begin to show and Aeronwy feels the effects.

Aeronwy Thomas' memoir of her childhood, growing up as the daughter of Dylan Thomas. The cracks in Dylan and Caitlin's marriage begin to show and Aeronwy feels the effects.

Sian Thomas reads from Aeronwy Thomas' memoir of her childhood in Laugharne on the south Wales coast with her father, Dylan Thomas, and mother Caitlin. 

The cracks in Dylan and Caitlin's marriage begin to show and Aeronwy feels the effects.

Abridged by Jane Marshall.

A Jane Marshall production for BBC Radio 4.

Aeronwy Thomas's memoir of her childhood, growing up as the daughter of Dylan Thomas

Sian Thomas reads from Aeronwy Thomas's memoir of her childhood in Laugharne on the south Wales coast with her father, Dylan Thomas, and mother Caitlin

Act of Worship

Book of the Week:My Father's Places

5/5. The cracks in Dylan and Caitlin's marriage begin to show and Aeronwy feels the effects. By Aeronwy Thomas. 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: Richard Pankhurst; Celibacy; The West Eastern Divan Orchestra

Richard Pankhurst; Celibacy; The West Eastern Divan Orchestra

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Richard Pankhurst; Celibacy; The West Eastern Divan Orchestra

Dr Richard Pankhurst on the famous women in his family. Plus, the politics of celibacy.

Dr Richard Pankhurst on the famous women in his family. Plus, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra at 10; and why do some people choose to become celibate?

Woman's Hour  from 10.45

Test Match Special

England v Australia 
Commentary on the second day of the Fifth Test at the Oval. 
For commentators see yesterday 'approximate times Commentary also on 5 Live Sports Extra at 10.45am TV highlights of today's play are on Five at 7.15pm

Five Wedding Dresses

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

How To Write An Instruction Manual

BBC Radio 4 Extra - How To Write An Instruction Manual

Engineer Mark Miodownik explores the history of product guides - what's their future?

Engineer Mark Miodownik explores the history of product guides. Just what is their future?  With John Haynes.  From 2009.

Welcome to this instruction manual on how to write an instruction manual. 

Inside, engineer Mark Miodownik explores the history and the future of product guides and how they chart our changing relationship with technology.

Featuring: 

Mr Miodownik - Mark's father, and collector of instruction manuals
Roger Bridgeman,
Kate Layden 
Mark Hughes
John Haynes 
Rory Cellan-Jones 
Paul Ballard 
Jonty Wearing 
Hugh Dangerfield 

French instructions read by Beatrice Murail. 

Chinese instructions read by Ruhua Xianyu.

Voice of the Instruction Manual - Pat Whymark 

Producer: Michelle Martin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2009.

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.

How to Write anInstruction Manual

Welcome to this instruction manual on how to write an instruction manual. Inside, engineer Mark Miodownik explores the history and the future of product guides and how they chart our changing relationship with technology. Producer Michelle Martin

Cabin Pressure

Sitcom about an airline for whom no job is too small but many, many jobs are too difficult

Cabin Pressure: Series 2: Limerick

Limerick

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - Cabin Pressure, Series 2, Limerick

An interminable flight, a baffling cargo and persuading Arthur not to play charades.

The aircrew try to keep themselves occupied during a long, passenger-free flight. Stars Stephanie Cole. From August 2009.

An interminable flight with a very baffling cargo gives the charter airline crew the chance to pass the time by alternately opening their hearts up to each other - and persuading Arthur not to play charades... 

Starring Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam.

John Finnemore's sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.

Carolyn Knapp-Shappey …. Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson …. Roger Allam
Captain Martin Crieff …. Benedict Cumberbatch 
Arthur Knapp-Shappey …. John Finnemore 

Producer: David Tyler 

A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2009.

Cabin Pressure: Series 2

6/6. Limerick. The crew stave off boredom during an interminably long flight with a very baffling cargo by opening their hearts to one another - and persuading Arthur not to play charades. Comedy by John Finnemore.  Producer David Tyler

You and Yours

You and Yours: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 21/08/2009

Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson.

You and Yours: Abta

With Winifred Robinson. Series editor Andrew Smith

Weather

Weather: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 21/08/2009Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 21/08/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The World at One

Presented by Shaun Ley. Editor Jamie Angus

More or Less

Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life

Tim Harford explains - and sometimes debunks - the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life

More or Less: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - More or Less, 21/08/2009

Tim Harford and the team test the reliability of swine flu data.

Tim Harford tests the reliability of swine flu data and speak to one of the creators of the 'financial weapons of mass destruction' which, two years ago, led to the credit crisis.

Tim Harford and the team test the reliability of swine flu data and speak to one of the creators of the 'financial weapons of mass destruction' which, two years ago, led to the credit crisis.

An Open University co-production for BBC Radio 4.

More or Less: Swine Flu Data

3/6 Tim Harford looks at numbers in the news. Producer Richard Knight Repeated on Sunday at 8pm

The Archers

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

The Archers: 20/08/2009

20/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 20/08/2009

It's early. Elizabeth feels like a naughty schoolgirl, weeding the memorial garden without permission, but as a member of the parish council Lynda 'grants' them both permission. Alan sees them but Lynda asks him to keep their little secret to himself. As all their clearing has left some gaps, Elizabeth suggests they use some cuttings from Lower Loxley. Lynda can't wait to get planting but won't be able to start until next week. Elizabeth wonders if anyone will even notice. Lynda agrees that most people walk around with their eyes closed.

Alan tells Jennifer that he doesn't think Peggy can manage with Jack. Jennifer's worried but she knows Peggy won't consider residential care. 

Ed nervously tells Brian about Mike's idea for expanding their business. Brian thinks it's ambitious. Ed explains that Vicky's putting up the money but wonders if Borchester Land would rent them fifty acres. Brian tells Ed to put a formal proposal together. He'll table it for the board but is making no promises. 

Jennifer doesn't think BL would be interested but Brian thinks it's a great advertisement for local enterprise and would win them brownie points in the community. BL could use a bit of good PR at the moment. So... who knows?  

Episode written by Caroline Harrington.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Drama: Higher - Series 2

Drama on 4: Higher - Series 2: Episode 2: Higher - Inspection

Episode 2

Episode 2: Higher - Inspection

Higher - Series 2

Higher - Inspection

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Higher - Series 2, Higher - Inspection

David Poll is earmarked for disciplinary measures leading to possible dismissal.

It is no coincidence that when David Poll is earmarked for disciplinary measures leading to possible dismissal, the Quality Assurance Inspectorate should turn up.

The second comedy about the Geography department at Hayborough University. Where if you have a pulse you can have a degree. In these straightened times there have to be cuts. So it does seem a bit of a coincidence that when David Poll is earmarked for disciplinary measures leading to possible dismissal the Quality Assurance Inspectorate turns up.

Karen.............Sophie Thompson
David..............Robert Daws
Jim..............Jonathan Keeble
Maura..............Maggie Fox
Sadie..............Fiona Clarke
Dick...............Malcolm Raeburn


Produced by Gary Brown.

Drama on 4: Higher - Series 2

Comic adventures from the university ranked 132nd in the country. By Joyce Bryant

Joyce Bryant's satire on higher education, chronicling the chaos of the departments at fictional Hayborough University

Afternoon Play: Higher -Inspection

212. A new American lecturer is hired, but her appointment means there win have to be cuts elsewhere - making David's disciplinary hearing convenient. Comedy by Joyce Bryant.  producer Gary Brown

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: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, 21/08/2009

Peter Gibbs chairs. With Pippa Greenwood, Bob Flowerdew and Bunny Guinness.

Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum. Pippa Greenwood, Bob Flowerdew and Bunny Guinness answer questions posed by members of Much Marcle in Herefordshire.

Peter Gibbs chairs the popular horticultural forum. 

Pippa Greenwood, Bob Flowerdew and Bunny Guinness answer questions posed by members of Much Marcle, near Ledbury in Herefordshire. 

Bunny draws inspiration from a medieval knot garden, adapting forgotten gardening techniques to the modern kitchen garden, and Bob wanders the ancient woodland of Hallwood, investigating the wealth of native British trees. Also, Peter gives his definitive guide to micro-climates, with examples from the Hereford area. 

Including Gardening weather forecast.

Gardeners' Question Time: Much Marcle

Pippa Greenwood , Bob Flowerdew and Bunny Guinness are guests of Much Marcle Gardening Club, Hellen's Manor,  Herefordshire. Peter Gibbs is in the chair.  At 3.40 Gardening Weather Forecast.  Producer Howard Shannon Rptd on Sunday at 2pm

Tea and Biscuits

Tea and Biscuits: Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Tea and Biscuits, Episode 5

Hardeep Singh Kohli joins the patients, staff and volunteers at the Peace Hospice.

Hardeep Singh Kohli joins the patients, staff and volunteers at Watford's Peace Hospice palliative care centre over a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Hardeep Singh Kohli joins people as they meet and indulge in that very British ritual, a cup of tea and a biscuit. 

Specialist palliative care is offered at the Peace Hospice, and on the social side that includes the chance to chat over a cup of tea and a biscuit. Hardeep joins the patients, staff and volunteers.

A Ladbroke production for BBC Radio 4.

Hardeep Singh Kohli joins people as they meet over a cup of tea and a biscuit

Hardeep Singh Kohli joins people as they meet and indulge in that very British ritual, a cup of tea and a biscuit

515. Specialist palliative care at the.Peace  Hospice includes the chance for pat.ents staff and volunteers to chat over a cup of tea  and biscuits. Hardeep Singh Kohli joins them.  For details see Monday

Last Word

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

Last Word: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, 21/08/2009

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series.

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series.

Matthew Bannister talks to former Ambassador Warwick Morris and journalist Donald Kirk about Former President of South Korea, Kim Dae Jung.

He also talks to musician and friend of Mike Seeger, Ry Cooder, and hears from fellow folk musician Martin Carthy.

Former football managers Terry Venables and Tommy Docherty, and Chelsea Football Club historian, Rick Glanville discuss the former Chelsea chairman, Brian Mears.

Last Word hears from miller and friend of Heritage architect Kenneth Major, Mildred Cookson.

Hildegard Behrens was a German soprano who was widely regarded as one of the greatest Wagnerians of her generation and who dominated the role of Brunnhilde throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Last Word: Kim Dae Jung

Matthew Bannister and guests reflect on the  lives of notable people who have recently died.  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: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Film Programme, 21/08/2009

Pedro Almodovar explains why he remade Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown.

Pedro Almodovar explains why he remade Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown as part of his new film, Broken Embraces.

Pedro Almodovar explains why he remade Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown as part of his new film, Broken Embraces. The outlandish comedy was Pedro's breakthrough hit in the 1980s and the director describes the profound effects of turning the clock back 20 years.

97-year-old cinematographer Wolfgang Suschitzky looks back at a career that took him from mining documentaries to Get Carter.

Mark Gatiss buffs up another neglected gem of British cinema. 

Critic Jane Graham struts her stuff on the subject of dance in the movies.

The Film Programme: Pedro Almodovar

Director Pedro Almodovar talks to Matthew Sweet about his new movie Broken Embraces, which stars Penelope Cruz. 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: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 21/08/2009

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

Six O'Clock News: 21/08/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 21/08/2009

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

Six O'Clock News: 21 August

I Guess That's Why They Call It The News

I Guess That's Why They Call It The News: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - I Guess That's Why They Call It The News, Episode 1

Fred MacAulay chairs a topical panel show inspired by the week's headlines.

Fred MacAulay chairs a topical panel show in which two teams play games inspired by the week's headlines.

Fred MacAulay chairs a topical panel show in which two teams play games inspired by the week's headlines. The show asks both the big and the little questions, and provides thoroughly silly answers to both.

Fred MacAulay chairs a topical panel show inspired by the week's headlines

Fred MacAulay chairs a topical panel show in which two teams play games inspired by the week's headlines

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

21/08/2009

Genres

Brand

You and Yours

21/08/2009

Genres

Brand

You and Yours

Contributors

Weather

21/08/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

21/08/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

21/08/2009

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

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