The latest shipping forecast.

The latest news from BBC Radio 4.

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day, with the Most Rev George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff.

Should fishing trawlers be banned? As the EU prepare to vote on trawling, an MEP says it damages the seabed and fishermen say it's essential for their income. With Anna Hill. Show more

Chris Packham presents the gadwall. Show more

Susan Hulme reports from Westminster.

Egyptian author Tarek Osman traces characters and ideas that have shaped the modern Arab world. He begins by exploring what some call the liberal era in Egypt and Syria. Show more

An advent treat from Mary Beard, businesswoman Harriet Green, and the return of the scrunchie. Jane Garvey presents the female perspective on the world. Show more

Sam buys a pornographic book in French, but then burns it (after reading). He has also been preparing his defence of the Navy Board. Stars Kris Marshall and Katherine Jakeways. Show more

What is the effect on wildlife of tourists visiting wildlife hotspots? Monty Don explores this question through an encounter with whales and dolphins in the Azores. Show more

Frankie Valli shares memories of his hit song as do others whose lives have been touched by this widely covered tune. From 2013. Show more

Winifred Robinson looks at childhood obesity. Why do we have more overweight children in the UK than elsewhere in Western Europe, and what can we do about it?

The latest weather forecast.

National and international news. Listeners can share their views via email: wato@bbc.co.uk or on twitter: #wato.

Choral conductor Jeremy Summerly discovers how the Franciscans used the carol to make the birth of Jesus a focus. From December 2013. Show more

Jennifer and Jess begin to bond. Meanwhile Clarrie tries to keep the peace. Show more

By Timothy X Atack. Nine-year-old Harry goes on a mysterious Christmas Eve road trip with a very unusual and very dangerous Santa. Show more

Jay Rayner and the team are in Dover for this episode of the culinary panel programme. Show more

Jazzie B and Caron Wheeler answer audience questions about Soul II Soul's debut 1989 album, 'Club Classics Vol 1'. From 2013. Show more

Is today's data deluge drowning organisations and individuals in too much recorded information? Timandra Harkness explores the challenges and opportunities. Show more

Musician Ricky Ross chooses the 'Hillbilly Shakespeare', singer-songwriter Hank Williams. With Matthew Parris. From 2013. Show more

The latest shipping forecast.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

Pedantic ‘Gardener's Question Time’ and an enchanted stationery cupboard. Stars David Mitchell and Robert Webb. From 2013. Show more

Neil offers to help, and who is the mysterious visitor at Ambridge Hall? Show more

Arts news. Mark Lawson speaks to John-Henri Holmberg, editor of a new collection of Swedish crime stories, including new works by Stieg Larsson and his partner Eva Gabrielsson. Show more

Sam buys a pornographic book in French, but then burns it (after reading). He has also been preparing his defence of the Navy Board. Stars Kris Marshall and Katherine Jakeways. Show more

The US Federal Reserve, America's central bank, is 100 years old. Simon Jack tells its surprising story. Show more

Mani Djazmi is joined by Paula Page and Angus Huntley, who talk about dating when you're blind. Peter White goes to the V&A's enhanced exhibition on the Music Hall. Show more

Claudia reports on a new study to change teenagers' negative body images. She has a dance lesson with Strictly's Robin Windsor and gets tips to help her brain remember the steps. Show more

Egyptian author Tarek Osman traces characters and ideas that have shaped the modern Arab world. He begins by exploring what some call the liberal era in Egypt and Syria. Show more

The latest weather forecast.

In-depth reporting and analysis from a global perspective.

In the woods, Buddy and his elderly best friend Miss Sook search for a tree of a particular size. Read by Kerry Shale. From December 2013. Show more

Brian and Robin and guests John Lloyd, Colva Roney Dougal and Simon Singh explore the universality of mathematics, the nature of infinity and the role of numbers in everyday life. Show more

Iain Duncan Smith defends plans for the introduction of Universal Credit, but Labour says he is in denial about delays and extra costs. Susan Hulme reports from Westminster. Show more

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

Working in a law firm in Johannesburg and doing a degree, Mr Mandela becomes interested in politics and is soon involved with the ANC, the party fighting for black rights. Show more

The latest shipping forecast.

BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.