BBC Radio 4 LW

Crossing Continents

Series focusing on foreign affairs issues

Crossing Continents: Australia's Northern Territory

11/12/2008

Australia's Northern Territory

BBC Radio 4 - Crossing Continents, Australia's Northern Territory

The Australian government's intervention in the remote Aboriginal areas.

Lorena Allam investigates the Australian government's intervention in the remote Aboriginal areas after claims of rampant alcoholism and child abuse.

Lorena Allam investigates the Australian government's intervention in the remote Aboriginal areas after claims of rampant alcoholism and child abuse. Last year, army, police, doctors, nurses and bureaucrats were sent there in a billion-dollar state-run bid to curb violence and improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal families. But Lorena finds that their work has had mixed results, and in some cases has led to poorer diets, premature babies and even an increase in teenage suicides.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Drawn to Be Wild

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Drawn to Be Wild

Jenny Eclair explores the world of outrageous animated ladies over the years.

4 Extra debut. Jenny Eclair explores the world of outrageous animated ladies and reveals why certain creations upset the censors. From December 2008.

Jenny Eclair explores the world of outrageous animated ladies and considers why certain creations have upset censors and infuriated moralists over the years. 

Popular characters such as Betty Boop, Minnie the Minx and Wonder Woman have frequently challenged stereotypes of how 'good girls' should look and behave. Examining today's female comic book heroes, Jenny discovers how far we have come from being offended by Betty Boop's garter. 

With contributions from comic strip enthusiasts Paul Gravett and Mel Gibson.

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.

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast

News, weather and Shipping Forecast updates. 

News Headlines; Shipping Forecast: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - News Headlines; Shipping Forecast, 11/12/2008

National and international news and the shipping forecast.

The latest national and international news headlines, followed by the shipping forecast.

You and Yours

You and Yours: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 11/12/2008

Consumer news and issues with Peter White.

Presented by Peter White.

Lambeth Council in London is coming under criticism from some of its own councillors for opening - and then closing - three cultural information centres. BBC London's Marc Ashdown reports.

According to the charity advisory website Intelligent Giving, some fundraisers are living up to their nickname of 'chuggers', or charity muggers. One man who spent three months working for a street fundraising agency gives an insider's view.

The car industry has been one of the largest victims of the economic downturn. Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and Matt Sanger of What Car? magazine analyse the situation.

An increasing number of personal genetic testing companies are being set up, including some in the UK, which claim to analyse your DNA and tell you the likelihood of developing a whole range of illnesses. Ben Hammersley reports.

Brookside Close in Liverpool, home of the former long-running soap, is up for auction. Stephanie Power visits the street with local estate agent Phil Furling and TV presenter and property developer Simon O'Brien, who played original Brookside cast member Damon Grant.

Reporter Jon Douglas visits a Woolworths store as the chain holds closing down sales, and Bryan Roberts, research director at Planet Retail, gives his views.

Weather

Weather: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 11/12/2008Close menu

World at One

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

World at One: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 11/12/2008

National and international news with Martha Kearney.

Open Country

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of Britain

Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles

Open Country: 06/12/2008

06/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, 06/12/2008

Matt Baker finds out about a project to revive the hydroelectric plant in Yorkshire.

Matt Baker finds out about a new project to revive the hydroelectric plant at Grassington in Yorkshire and others like it using a 2,000-year-old invention called Archimedes' Screw.

The Archers

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

The Archers: 10/12/2008

10/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 10/12/2008

Tom and Tony are constructing Peggy's new summerhouse. Once it's finished, they come inside and Jack gets confused by the amount of people in the room. Tom takes Jack into the lounge to calm down. 

Tony comforts Peggy. The carer, Barney, seems nice and has good references. Peggy decides she will take him on. In the evening Peggy and Jack sit out in their new summerhouse and enjoy looking at the stars.

Neil needs to dash to the shop, as the bathroom suite for the flat's been delivered and left on the pavement. Just as he and Susan try to leave, Mike pops round asking to use the bathroom - the builders have turned his water off.

Later Neil visits Mike and finds him with no water, central heating or power. The building work won't be finished until Christmas, so Neil insists that Mike stays with them before he makes himself seriously ill. Mike doesn't want to impose. Susan returns from a fraught rehearsal, where Eddie and Kenton have been squabbling over who plays the Dame, so Mike starts to leave. However Susan insists he stays, and Mike agrees. Being in that house just isn't that good for his health! 

Episode written by Tim Stimpson.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: The People's Princess

The People's Princess

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, The People's Princess

Facing financial ruin, George, Prince of Wales was obliged to marry his cousin Caroline.

By Shelagh Stephenson. Facing financial ruin, George, Prince of Wales was obliged to marry his first cousin Princess Caroline of Brunswick.

By Shelagh Stephenson.

Facing financial ruin, George, Prince of Wales was obliged to marry his first cousin Princess Caroline of Brunswick. But if he had been expecting a docile partner with whom he could maintain appearances, George had seriously underestimated his wife-to-be.

George IV ...... Alex Jennings
Caroline of Brunswick ...... Rebecca Saire
Henry Brougham ...... Julian Rhind Tutt
Lord Sidmouth ...... Chris McHallem
Lord Liverpool ...... Richard Howard 
Sir Robert Gifford ...... Mark Lambert
Lady Jersey ...... Jill Cardo 
Mr Majoucci ...... Nial Cusack 

Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan.

Journey of a Lifetime

Following the travels of the winners of the annual BBC/RGS's dream journey competition

Following the travels of the winners of the annual BBC/Royal Geographical Society's dream journey competition

Journey of a Lifetime: 2008: Emily Ainsworth

29/08/2008

2008: Emily Ainsworth

BBC Radio 4 - Journey of a Lifetime, 2008: Emily Ainsworth

The latest winner of the BBC/Royal Geographical Society's annual competition.

The winner of the BBC/Royal Geographical Society's annual competition for travellers. Emily Ainsworth takes a dream trip to perform with a family circus in Mexico.

The latest winner of the BBC/Royal Geographical Society's annual competition for travellers who want to fulfil their dream journey to the back of beyond.

Emily Ainsworth takes a dream trip to perform with a family circus in Mexico.

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: St Martin-in-the-Fields

07/12/2008

St Martin-in-the-Fields

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Appeal, St Martin-in-the-FieldsSearch BBC

Rev Nicholas Holtam appeals on behalf of the St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal.

Rev Nicholas Holtam appeals on behalf of the St Martin-in-the-Fields Christmas Appeal, for help for homeless people in the capital and individuals in need across the United Kingdom.

Afternoon Reading

Short stories or abridged books, often from new writers

Afternoon Reading: 80 Not Out

Afternoon Reading: 80 Not Out: Episode 4: Complimentary Souls

Episode 4

Episode 4: Complimentary Souls

80 Not Out

Complimentary Souls

BBC Radio 4 - Afternoon Reading, 80 Not Out, Complimentary SoulsSearch BBC

Comic story of American excess in Europe and lost love rekindled after many years.

Series of five stories read by distinguished actors who are now in their eighties. Comic story of American excess in Europe and lost love rekindled after many years.

Series of five stories read by distinguished actors who are now in their eighties. 

Comic story of American excess in Europe and lost love rekindled after many years. By EF Benson, read by Liz Smith.

Series of five stories read by distinguished actors who are now in their eighties

Radio 4 Christmas Appeal

Donate online or call 0800 082 82 84 (free from UK landlines and mobile phones).

Radio 4 Christmas Appeal: Received with Thanks

Received with Thanks

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 Christmas Appeal, Received with Thanks

Libby Purves finds out how the 2007 BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal funds have been spent.

Libby Purves finds out how the money raised by listeners for the 2007 BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal has been spent over the past 12 months.

Libby Purves finds out how the money raised by listeners last year for the 2007 BBC Radio 4 Christmas Appeal has been spent over the past 12 months. More than 700,000 pounds was raised for St Martin-in-the-Fields's work with homeless people and those in urgent need across the UK.

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: Amitav Ghosh

Amitav Ghosh

BBC Radio 4 - Bookclub, Amitav Ghosh

James Naughtie talks to the Indian writer Amitav Ghosh.

James Naughtie talks to the Indian writer Amitav Ghosh. He joins an audience of readers to discuss his novel The Glass Palace.

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: Plague in the Great Gerbils of Kazakhstan - Eternity and the Earth After Us

Plague in the Great Gerbils of Kazakhstan - Eternity and the Earth After Us

BBC Radio 4 - Material World, Plague in the Great Gerbils of Kazakhstan - Eternity and the Earth After Us

Quentin Cooper discusses the transmission of plague through gerbil populations.

Quentin Cooper is joined by infectious diseases expert Michael Begon to discuss the transmission of plague through gerbil populations, particularly those in Kazakhstan.

Plague in the Great Gerbils of Kazakhstan
The underground world of Kazakhstan's great gerbils harbours a deadly secret: the bubonic plague. Instead of dying out with the Great Fire, the Black Death continues to thrive in groups of wild animals across Africa, Asia and the Americas. 

Clues to how it spreads come from the coffee percolator! The mathematical 'percolation' theory describes how substances move through the gaps between something like coffee grounds, and can be applied to the spread of plague through a population. With the risk of cross-transmission and the apparent rise in human deaths from the plague, scientists need to find ways of controlling it.

Infectious disease expert Mike Begon from the University of Liverpool joins Quentin Cooper to discuss the unique transmission of the disease through gerbil populations, and how work on an early warning system could help prevent future outbreaks in both wildlife and humans. 

To look at the wider implications of wildlife disease, animal epidemiologist Andrew Cunningham from the Zoological Society of London explains how plague and other illnesses can drive species to extinction.  He also discusses how controlling global trade and crates of bananas could help stop wildlife diseases in their tracks. 


Eternity and the Earth After Us
When it comes to global change and the future of the Human species, we’re getting used to tales of gloom and doom. Time to cheer up, says science writer Michael Hanlon. In his new book ‘Eternity our next billion years’ he argues that, though the road ahead may be rocky, our descendents will survive and even flourish for many millennia. He's not suggesting that everything will go smoothly.

There may be famines and epidemics, earthquakes and volcanoes, floods and wars. But, he argues, though millions may die, our species will come through. He certainly doesn't agree that this could be our final century.

We may even learn to deflect asteroids of the sort that may have killed the dinosaurs. Other cosmological cataclysms such as a nearby exploding star or a passing black hole have not affected Earth in its 4.5 billion year history so are unlikely now, he suggests.

As a geologist at Leicester University, Jan Zalasiewicz also takes a long perspective. But he has seen many species come and go in the fossil record and imagines a similar fate for humans. In his own book, ‘The Earth After Us’ he describes the legacy that will be left in the rocks by human civilisation, as it might be revealed by alien geologists after a hundred million years. 

Both guests speculate on the even longer term: if our descendants still survive, what will they have evolved into? Will they be masters of the Galaxy? What will happen to Earth when the sun finally runs out of fuel and swells into a red giant? What will be our physical legacy in trillions of years time when even the protons of normal atoms have decayed?

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

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

PM: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 11/12/2008

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

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

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 11/12/2008Close menu

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 11/12/2008

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

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

Act Your Age

Host Simon Mayo pits the comic generations against each other

Simon Mayo hosts a comedy show that pits three comic generations against each other to find out which is the funniest

Act Your Age: Series 1: Episode 3

Episode 3

Series 1

BBC Radio 4 - Act Your Age, Series 1, Episode 3

Simon Mayo discovers which generation is the funniest.

Simon Mayo discovers which generation is the funniest. With Ed Byrne and Lucy Porter.  From December 2008.

Simon Mayo hosts a three-way play-off to establish which generation of comedians is the funniest.

Captains Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Roy Walker are joined by guests Josie Long, Justin Edwards and Mick Miller and Ed Byrne.  

Producers: Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.

Act Your Age: Series 1

Simon Mayo hosts a comedy show that pits the comic generations against each other to find out which is the funniest. With captains Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter and Roy Walker

The Archers: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 11/12/2008

It's Advent Lunch at Glebe Cottage. Jennifer and Alan discuss picking up Amy from university. Jennifer admits that Chris is collecting Alice. Alan thinks they must be keen on each other for it to have lasted through the term. Shula arrives with homemade mince pies and Jill worries there will be food left over. Alan wishes he could take it to The Elms homeless shelter. Pip has helped by asking her schoolmates to donate food.

Alan has Mabel coming to stay - it's a big step towards Mabel accepting his marriage to Usha. Shula is pleased to hear that Mabel is visiting but things are still awkward between her and Alan. Once he's left, Shula tells Jill that she'll never have the same relationship with Alan or the church.

Ryan calls in on Alistair to return some gloves which were left in his car and stays for a cuppa. Ryan admits he knew Alistair didn't want to introduce him to Shula but understands why. Alistair is grateful and shows Ryan out of the back door just as Shula arrives through the front. She asks if he was talking to someone and Alistair tells her he must have been talking to himself.

Episode written by Tim Stimpson.

Front Row

Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music

Front Row: 11/12/2008

BBC Radio 4 - Front Row, 11/12/2008

With Kirsty Lang, including a review of a new staging of Twelfth Night.

With Kirsty Lang, including a review of a new staging of Twelfth Night, with Derek Jacobi as Malvolio.

Kirsty Lang and writer & academic Jerry Brotton review Michael Grandage's new production of Twelfth Night, which stars Derek Jacobi as Malvolio, with Victoria Hamilton as cross-dressing Viola.

Simon Tofield is a hand-drawn animator, who has worked with BAFTA and Oscar award-winning teams for 11 years. Recently he shot to online fame through three short films about his charismatic and beloved cat. Following over 18 million hits on his "Simon's Cat" YouTube channel, the RSPCA commissioned a film to promote their Pet Obesity campaign over the Christmas period. Simon still uses elements from his flip book days in his work, and talks about how his celebrated pet cats contribute when he’s at work.

Writer and journalist Christina Hardyment selects this year’s audio books for Christmas.

William Burroughs was one of the more infamous figures to emerge from the beat generation of writers and artists. His novels have had a lasting influence on popular culture, with much of his work characterised by the 'cut up' technique first pioneered by Brion Gysin. The Royal Academy's GSK Contemporary season includes an exhibition of Burroughs' art work and work inspired by him, including a short film by Malcolm McLaren. Kirsty Lang discusses Burroughs' life and work with McLaren, his close friend José Ferez and Royal Academy curator David Thorp.

15 Minute Drama

Classic and contemporary original drama and book dramatisations

Woman's Hour Drama: To The North

15 Minute Drama: To The North: Episode 4: Altered Timetable

Episode 4: Altered Timetable

To The North

Altered Timetable

BBC Radio 4 - 15 Minute Drama, To The North, Altered Timetable

Emmeline feels the strain of keeping her relationship with Markie secret.

Elizabeth Bowen's romantic novel, set in London in the inter-war years. Emmeline feels the strain of keeping her relationship with Markie secret.

Deborah Paige's dramatisation of Elizabeth Bowen's romantic novel, set in London and Paris in the inter-war years.

Emmeline feels the strain of keeping her relationship with Markie secret and, although Cecilia and Julian continue to see each other, the possibility of their falling in love seems as remote as ever.

Narrator ...... Margaret Tyzack
Cecilia Summers ...... Catherine McCormack
Mark Linkwater ...... Julian Rhid-Tutt
Emmeline Summers ...... Zoe Waites
Julian Towers ...... Adrian Scarborough

Directed by Deborah Paige.

15 Minute Drama: To The North

Deborah Paige's dramatisation of Elizabeth Bowen's romantic novel

Deborah Paige's dramatisation of Elizabeth Bowen's romantic novel, set in London and Paris in the inter-war years

A Social Selection

A Social Selection: Episode 1

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - A Social Selection, Episode 1Search BBC

Andrew follows a group of ten-year-olds as they prepare to sit their 11-plus exams.

Reporter Andrew Bomford examines the grammar school selection system in parts of England. Andrew follows a group of ten-year-olds as they prepare to sit their 11-plus exams.

Reporter Andrew Bomford examines the grammar school selection system in parts of England. 

He follows a group of ten-year-olds as they prepare to sit their 11-plus exams. Many of the children he meets have been professionally coached and have spent long hours during their summer holidays working on practice papers. Will all the hard work pay off on results day?

Reporter Andrew Bomford examines the grammar school selection system in parts of England

Analysis

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad.

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.

Analysis: My DNA

My DNA

BBC Radio 4 - Analysis, My DNA

Ben Hammersley investigates the predictive genetics industry.

Ben Hammersley investigates the predictive genetics industry, which advocates claim could extend a person's lifespan by 20 years.

Ben Hammersley investigates the predictive genetics industry, which advocates claim could extend a person's lifespan by 20 years. Online companies can claim to tell people their chances of contracting a whole host of diseases and, with costs falling, such information is becoming much more accessible. Ben examines the concerns of sceptics and asks whether this is information we really want to have and what the consequences might be for the medical world.

Leading Edge

Geoff Watts explores the world of science and the people, passions and policies behind it

Leading Edge: Anamorphic Art and Genes That Make You Eat More

Anamorphic Art and Genes That Make You Eat More

BBC Radio 4 - Leading Edge, Anamorphic Art and Genes That Make You Eat More

Geoff Watts discusses art and maths of anamorphosis.

Geoff Watts with the latest stories from the world of science. Geoff Watts discusses art and maths of anamorphosis.

Anamorphic Art 
The National Gallery is holding a conference on the art and maths of anamorphosis, where the laws of perspective are taken to the extreme. Geoff meets Jim Hunt, Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada and artist Patrick Hughes in front of the best known anamorphic painting, Holbein’s The Ambassadors.

Genes That Make You Eat More
Professor Colin Palmer of the University of Dundee has discovered a gene that makes children eat more. The gene effects how much of a certain type of food they eat and those who have the gene seem to eat more of the highest calorie foods.

Melting Ice May Cool the Planet
Professor Rob Raiswell of the University of Leeds has discovered that as ice bergs and glaciers melt in the Southern Oceans they increase the amount of plankton in the sea. The plankton absorb carbon dioxide which could help counteract climate change.

The future of the Orang-utan
Conservationists estimate there are abut 50,000 orangutans in the forests of Borneo, and another 7,000 in Sumatra. In protected areas they’re doing well, but elsewhere deforestation driven by mining and the creation of palm oil plantations is posing a threat to their survival.

In Our Time

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Crossing Continents

Australia's Northern Territory

Genres

Brand

Weather

11/12/2008

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

11/12/2008

Genres

Brand

Weather

11/12/2008

Genres

Brand

Weather

11/12/2008

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

12/12/2008

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4

About this data