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: 08/10/2009

08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 08/10/2009Close 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: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 08/10/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 08/10/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Mary Stallard.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 08/10/2009

Anna Hill investigates cheap horses and the use of chlorine on chickens.

Should we use chlorine on our chickens to cut down on food poisoning? Plus horses being sold off cheaply because owners can no longer afford them. With Anna Hill.

Anna Hill looks at using chlorine on our chickens to reduce food poisoning; research suggesting that there is no such thing as NIMBYs; and the surprising victim of the recession - how people can't afford to look after horses and are selling them off at cut-price.

With 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: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 08/10/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With Evan Davis and James Naughtie. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by Evan Davis and James Naughtie.

The result is to be announced of a ballot of 120,000 Royal Mail workers that could pave the way for a second national strike in two years. Billy Hayes, general secretary of the Communications Workers Union, outlines the strike ballot. 

Investigations will continue into the cause of a cyanide leak that killed thousands of fish in the River Trent in Staffordshire. Correspondent Bob Walker reports from the site of the river, and Dave Lowe of the Environment Agency discusses what may have caused the leak. 

Talks begin today to try and resolve a five-week-long strike by refuse collectors in Leeds. The dispute is over a proposed new pay and grading structure, which the unions claim will cut collectors' salaries by up to 6,000 pounds. Rubbish has been piling up in parts of the city and many residents have been complaining about rats. Correspondent Danny Savage reports from Leeds on the latest developments in the strike. 

If the Conservatives win the next election with a working majority, most of their MPs will be new to the House of Commons, because they have so few MPs at the moment. Evan Davis reports from the Tory Party conference, where he speaks to some of the new candidates, and co-editor of the Conservative Home website, Jonathan Isaby, comments on their views. 

Over the next few months, Today will be following the journey of Major Streatfeild, who leaves for Afghanistan for a six-month tour of duty today. He will command 'A-Company' of the 3rd Battalion, the Rifles, from a base in the Upper Sangin Valley, where the heaviest of the fighting has been so far. 
The first part of the series follows Major Streatfeild as he prepares to leave with the 3 Rifles, the third battalion of the Rifles regiment. 

Thought for the Day with Rev Angela Tilby, Vicar of St Bene't's Church in Cambridge. 

A report out today shows that the number of people offering organs for transplants is rising. It follows a series of recommendations to try to improve the chances for those who need life saving surgery. Dr Tony Calland, Chair of the BMA ethics committee, and the national clinical director for transplantation, Dr Chris Rudge, debate whether a system of 'presumed consent' is now off the table. 

The postal workers' union is expected to announce that Royal Mail staff have voted for a national strike. A series of regional postal strikes is already taking place in England and Scotland. Reporter Andrew Hosken speaks to a postman about his feelings on the postal service, and Paul Tolhurst, operations director of Royal Mail, describes the ongoing differences between the company and the CWU. 

The former head of the army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, will be joining the Conservatives' defence team. Political editor Nick Robinson examines the party's decision to recruit a former member of the military. 

It is National Poetry Day. To mark the occasion, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy reads her new poem, Atlas, and the director of the Poetry Society, Judith Palmer, comments on the results of a BBC online vote to find the country's favourite poet. 

The latest annual drug treatment figures are to be released by the National Treatment Agency (NTA). The agency has told the BBC that the new figures have 'given cause for concern', as they show residential rehab is not growing at the rate they expected. Home editor Mark Easton spoke to drug users and rehab workers about why rehabilitation is low, and Paul Hayes of the National Treatment Agency outlines what could be done to improve treatment. 

Irving Penn, the renowned American portrait photographer sometimes described as the grandfather of fashion photography, has died, aged 92. Mr Penn's studio portraits include famous images of Miles Davis, Spencer Tracy and Pablo Picasso. David Bailey, an admirer of Penn's work, remembers his career. 

Stalin's grandson is to go to court to defend his grandfather's reputation. In the last few years, the Russian government has attempted to highlight the former Soviet leader's 'managerial skills' rather than his record in terrorising millions of his people. Orlando Figes, Professor of History at Birkbeck College, London examines the case. 

The campaign by people who have suffered from the effects of Thalidomide still continues. Some compensation has been agreed with Diageo - the successor company to Distillers, who marketed the drug nearly half a century ago - but the 460 people who still live with the effects want government help. Now Sir Harold Evans, editor of the Sunday Times 40 years ago when the paper revealed the scandal, is joining the campaign. 

Political commentators Daniel Finkelstein and Michael White analyse the Conservative Party's performance during their conference in Manchester.

With Evan Davis and James Naughtie. 
6.25, 7.25, 8.25 Sports News 
7.48 Thought for the Day With the Rev Angela Tilby.

In Our Time

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

In Our Time: The Dreyfus Affair

The Dreyfus Affair

BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time, The Dreyfus Affair

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Dreyfus Affair, which tore France apart in the 1890s.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Dreyfus Affair, which tore France apart in the 1890s after a Jewish Army officer was wrongly convicted of spying and sent to Devil's Island.

Melvyn Bragg and guests Robert Gildea, Ruth Harris and Robert Tombs discuss the Dreyfus Affair, the 1890s scandal which divided opinion in France for a generation.In 1894, a high-flying Jewish staff officer in the French Army, one Alfred Dreyfus, was convicted of spying for the Prussians. He was publicly humiliated: before a large Paris crowd, he was stripped of his badges of rank and his sword was ceremonially broken. Some of those watching shouted 'Down with Judas!' Then he was dispatched to Devil's Island.  But when it emerged that Dreyfus was innocent, a scandal erupted which engulfed the Army, the Church and French society as a whole, exposing deep political rifts, and the nation's endemic anti-Semitism. It pitted Catholics against Republicans, provoked fighting in the streets, and led to the prosecution of the novelist Emile Zola, after his famous J'Accuse polemic against those protecting the real spy and so prolonging Dreyfus's suffering. The Affair became so divisive that it posed a serious threat to the French Republic itself. Finally, in 1905, it prompted the separation of Church and State.  The scandal and the anti-Semitism at the heart of it cast a very long shadow. In 1945, when the ultra-nationalist one-time 'anti-Dreyfusard' Charles Maurras was convicted of collaborating with the Nazis, he reacted by declaring that his punishment was Dreyfus's revenge. Robert Gildea is Professor of Modern History at Oxford University; Ruth Harris is Lecturer in Modern History at Oxford University; Robert Tombs is Professor of French History at Cambridge University.

Robert Gildea, professor of modern history, Ruth Harris, professor of French history, and Robert Tombs, lecturer in modern history, join Melvyn Bragg to discuss the Dreyfus Affair, the 1890s scandal that split France for a generation.
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: Lynne Truss - Get Her Off the Pitch!

Book of the Week: Lynne Truss - Get Her Off the Pitch!: Episode 4

Episode 4

Lynne Truss - Get Her Off the Pitch!

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Lynne Truss - Get Her Off the Pitch!, Episode 4

What could be better than to be paid to go to and write about world-class sporting events?

To outsiders, what could be better than to be paid to attend and write about world-class sporting events? You'd be surprised. Read by the author.

Lynne Truss reads from her account of the four years she spent as a sports reporter. 

To outsiders, what could be better than to be paid to attend and write about world-class sporting events? Well, they don't know the half of it.

A Sweet Talk 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.

Lynne Truss reads from her account of the four years she spent as a sports reporter

Daily Service

Led by John Forrest. We Plough the Fields (Wir Pflugen). Genesis 1, vv27-31a. 0 Lord of Every Shining Constellation 
(Leddington Wright ). All Creatures of Our God and King (Lasst uns Erfreuen).

Book of the Week: GetHer off the Pitch!

4/5. What could be better than to be paid to attend and write about world-class sporting events? Well, according to Lynne Truss, Plenty. Continuing Truss's memoir of her Years as a sports journalist. 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: Phyllida Law; Women and pensions

Phyllida Law; Women and pensions

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Phyllida Law; Women and pensions

Phyllida Law on her mother-in-law. Plus, closing the pension gap between men and women.

Actor Phyllida Law on her mother-in-law. Plus, closing the pension gap between men and women; and Julie Welch on the long distance walk.

With Jenni Murray. 
10.45 Twilight Baby.com 4/5 The Woman's Hour drama. for details see drama repeat at 7.45pm

From Our Own Correspondent

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents and writers.

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories from around the world.

From Our Own Correspondent: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - From Our Own Correspondent, 08/10/2009

Kate Adie introduces BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the headlines.

BBC foreign correspondents with the stories behind the world's headlines. Introduced by Kate Adie.

From Our Own Correspondent: 8 October

4/9. The stories behind global headlines, presented by Kate Adie.

The Negro Tragedian

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Negro Tragedian

The story of Ira Aldridge, a 19th-century actor who defied racial prejudice.

Kwame Kwei-Armah tells the story of Ira Aldridge, a 19th-century actor who defied racial prejudice to become one of Britain's finest Shakespearean actors. With Lenny Henry.

Kwame Kwei-Armah traces the life and work of Ira Aldridge, a black actor who defied racial prejudice to become one of Britain's finest Shakespearean actors. 

When Aldridge first appeared on the London stage in 1825, he was enthusiastically received by the public but the critics hated him, The Times going so far as to say that he could not pronounce English properly, 'owing to the shape of his lips'. Here was a black man daring to break into the heartland of the British 'classics', which had hitherto been the exclusive domain of white actors. 

But, undeterred by the racial hostility of the press, Aldridge became a perpetually touring player, an exotic 'star', honing his skills in the provinces and across Europe. In a career spanning 30 years, he became one of Britain's finest Shakespearean players, and had more honours showered upon him than any other actor of his time.

Kwame Kwei-Armah traces the life and work of Ira Aldridge , a black actor who defied racial prejudice in the 19th century to become one of Britain's finest 
Shakespearean actors. In a 30-year career that began in 1825, he was showered with innumerable honours. Producer cecile Wright

You and Yours

You and Yours: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 08/10/2009

Consumer news and issues with Winifred Robinson.

You and Yours: Personal injuries lawyers

Weather

Weather: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 08/10/2009Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 08/10/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The World at One

Costing the Earth

Fresh ideas from the sharpest minds working toward a cleaner, greener planet

Costing the Earth: The Three Peaks Challenge

05/10/2009

The Three Peaks Challenge

BBC Radio 4 - Costing the Earth, The Three Peaks Challenge

Are charity mountaineers damaging our highest peaks? Alice Roberts reports.

Alice Roberts asks if the 60,000 walkers who annually take part in the Three Peaks Challenge are damaging the environment.

Every year around 60,000 people set out on the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. Most do it to raise money for charity but there are increasing worries that the challenge is putting too much pressure on the environment, destroying some of our most beautiful places. 

Alice Roberts sets out with a group of enthusiastic trekkers to find out if the environment is suffering as charities prosper.

The Challenge used to be centred around the longest day in June, giving trekkers the chance to climb Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike in daylight. More recently, however, it has become such a charity money-spinnner that groups tackle the peaks from April to October. At the height of the season as many as 1,000 people can be trekking up each mountain, often in the dark. The Challenge speeds up the erosion of paths, damages fragile Alpine plant systems and adds to the pressure on the areas' toilets and litter bins.

Banning the Challenge would destroy an important income source for hundreds of charities and breach the principle of open access to these iconic mountains. Can Alice find a solution? Can people enjoy the physical challenge of the mountain environment and continue to raise money for charity without destroying some of Britain's wildest and most beautiful places?

6/9. The Three Peaks Challenge. Climbing the highest peaks in England, Scotland ana 
Wales is a tough way to spend the weekend. 
Alice Roberts asks if the pressure of these 60,000 walkers is even tougher on the environment. Repeated from Monday at 9pm

The Archers

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

The Archers: 07/10/2009

07/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 07/10/2009

Brian meets Bryce at Grey Gables. Brian tells Bryce Peggy's no fool, but Bryce agrees clients of her generation are a canny lot. 

Adam brings some venison to Grey Gables for Friday. Caroline tells him things are quiet, but they agree at least she's got Friday's event. 

Jack interrupts Peggy's meeting with Bryce, so Brian looks after him. Bryce asks if Peggy's aware the village shop is making a regular loss? Has she considered letting it go, or converting it into a flat? Peggy's shocked - the village relies on it. Bryce says he wishes they did. He advises her to think about it.
 
Adam tells Brian he's phoned Peggy and everything's quiet there. They discuss the footpath. Adam thinks Lynda's been mobilising her troops, and that he's underestimated her. Brian says he might have an idea.

Peggy's asleep and Jack calls for Valerie, suggesting a walk. He goes outside, and walks to Grey Gables. At Grey Gables, Jack is confused. Caroline suggests that they phone Peggy. Caroline's phone call wakes Peggy who is horrified at the situation. Jack could have gone anywhere. Caroline says he's fine and she'll bring him home. Peggy says she's so sorry. 

Episode written by Nawal Gadalla.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: Septimus Greabe

13/06/2008

Septimus Greabe

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Septimus Greabe

Mike Harris' story about 19th century Society for the Suppression of Vice.

By Mike Harris. In the early 19th century, the Society for the Suppression of Vice, inspired by William Wilberforce, would stop at nothing in their efforts to stamp out sin.

By Mike Harris.

In the early 19th century, the Society for the Suppression of Vice, inspired by William Wilberforce, would stop at nothing in their efforts to stamp out sin and corruption - even if this meant employing the most unscrupulous of characters to carry out their good work.

Septimus Greabe ...... David Troughton
Thomas Buxton ...... Will Keen
Hannah ...... Kellie Shirley
John Bowles ...... Paul Jesson
Joseph Merceron ...... Nigel Cooke 
Eva Bowles ...... Perdita Avery

Directed by Clive Brill.

A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4.

Afternoon Play: Septimus Greabe

In the early 19th century, the Society for the Suppression of Vice, inspired by William Wilberforce , would stop at nothing to stamp out corruption and sin. Even if it meant employing the most unscrupulous of characters to carry out their good work. Enter one Septimus Greabe - upholder of morals - especially if you pay for them! By Mike Harris.

Ramblings

Clare Balding joins notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside

Ramblings: Series 13

Ramblings: Series 13: Episode 3: Northumberland - St Oswald's Way: Alnmouth

Episode 3

Episode 3: Northumberland - St Oswald's Way: Alnmouth

Series 13

Northumberland - St Oswald's Way: Alnmouth

BBC Radio 4 - Ramblings, Series 13, Northumberland - St Oswald's Way: Alnmouth

Clare walks the third stretch of the route, from Alnmouth to Warkworth.

Clare walks the third stretch of the route, from Alnmouth to Warkworth, in the company of local artisit Sue Fenlon and photographer Barbara Aitchison.

Clare Balding walks the length of St Oswald's Way in Northumberland. 

Clare walks the third stretch of the route, from Alnmouth to Warkworth, in the company of local artisit Sue Fenlon and photographer Barbara Aitchison. They explain why they find this part of the Northumberland coast so inspiring. 

St Oswald's Way is a 97-mile route, running from Holy Island in the north, along the stunning Northumberland coast before heading inland to Heavensfield and Hadrian's Wall. The path links some of the places associated with St Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early-seventh century, who played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people.

Clare Balding walks the length of St Oswald's Way in Northumberland

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: The Disabled Living Foundation

04/10/2009

The Disabled Living Foundation

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, The Disabled Living FoundationSearch BBC

Miriam Margolyes appeals on behalf of the Disabled Living Foundation.

Miriam Margolyes appeals on behalf of the Disabled Living Foundation.

Donations to the Disabled Living Foundation should be sent to FREEPOST BBC Radio 4 Appeal, please mark the back of your envelope the Disabled Living Foundation. Credit cards: Freephone 0800 404 8144. If you are a UK tax payer, please provide the Disabled Living Foundation with your full name and address so they can claim the Gift Aid on your donation. The online and phone donation facilities are not currently available to listeners without a UK postcode. 

Registered Charity No: 290069.

Afternoon Reading

Short stories or abridged books, often from new writers

Afternoon Reading: 1989: Writing on the Wall

Afternoon Reading: 1989: Writing on the Wall: Episode 3: Place of Birth: Berlin

Episode 3: Place of Birth: Berlin

1989: Writing on the Wall

Place of Birth: Berlin

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, 1989: Writing on the Wall, Place of Birth: BerlinSearch BBC

A love song to the city of her youth, by Monika Maron.

Monika Maron's love song to the city of her youth, which reflects on what it was like to grow up and live in a divided city. Read by Eleanor Bron.

Anne McElvoy introduces extracts from the work of three writers associated with East Germany's literary scene.

By Monika Maron, who grew up in East Berlin where her stepfather was a minister. In this piece, which is a love song to the city of her youth, Maron reflects on what it was like to grow up and live in a divided city. 

Read by Eleanor Bron.

Translated by Lyn Marven.

Anne McElvoy introduces extracts from the work of writers associated with East Germany

Anne McElvoy introduces extracts from the work of three writers associated with East Germany's literary scene

3/3. Place of Birth: Berlin.  Anne McElvoy introduces this piece by Monika Maron who grew up in East Berlin. Her early books were unpublished in East Germany but were well received in the West. Read by Eleanor Bron. For details see Tuesday

Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life

Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life: Episode 9: Ornamenting the Home

Episode 9

Episode 9: Ornamenting the Home

Ornamenting the Home

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Amanda Vickery - A History of Private Life, Ornamenting the Home

Sewing was a housewife's duty and also acted as valuable therapy.

Exploring life at home in the past, historian Amanda Vickery reveals sewing was a housewife's duty and also acted as valuable therapy.

Historian Amanda Vickery reveals the hidden history of home over 400 years

Historian Amanda Vickery presents a series which reveals the hidden history of home over 400 years, drawing on first-hand accounts from letters and diaries

A History of Private Life

9/30. Ornamenting the Home. Sewing was believed to be part of a wife's essential duties in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was also a way to keep women at home, safely occupied - if you were sewing, you couldn't be gadding about or reading novels! But it could also be valuable therapy. Historian Amanda Vickery continues her history of home life. For details see Monday

Bookclub

Led by James Naughtie, readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

Bookclub: Gillian Slovo

Gillian Slovo

BBC Radio 4 - Bookclub, Gillian Slovo

James Naughtie and readers talk to Gillian Slovo about her novel Red Dust.

James Naughtie and readers talk to Gillian Slovo about her novel Red Dust, a courtroom drama set in post-apartheid South Africa.

James Naughtie and readers talk to Gillian Slovo about her novel Red Dust, a courtroom drama set in post-apartheid South Africa. 

Gillian is the daughter of Joe Slovo, one of the founding members of the African National Congress, and Ruth First, an anti-apartheid campaigner murdered by security forces in the early 1980s. The novel draws heavily on Gillian's own experience of coming face to face with her mother's killer during the Truth and Reconciliation hearings of the new South Africa.

Bookciub

Gillian Slovo , daughter of Joe Slovo , one of the founding members of the African 
National Congress, discusses her novel Red Dust with an audience of her readers and James Naughtie. 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: 08/10/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Material World, 08/10/2009

Quentin Cooper and guests assess the latest batch of Nobel Science Prizes.

With the announcement of a new batch of Nobel Prizes in Medicine, Chemistry and Physics, Quentin Cooper assesses the new Laureates' impact on science.

Material World: Nobel Prizes

The Material World

With Nobel Prizes in medicine, chemistry and physics announced this week, Quentin Cooper and guests assess the new laureates' impact on science.

1989: Day-by-Day

Eyewitnesses in East Berlin describe a police crackdown on protesters. For details see Monday

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Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

08/10/2009

Genres

Brand

Weather

08/10/2009

Genres

Brand

1989: Day-by-Day

1989: Day by Day

Episode 4: 8th October 1989

Genres

Series

Weather

08/10/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

08/10/2009

Genres

Brand

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