Analysis About the programme

Analysis examines the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad.

Founded in 1970, the purpose of Analysis was, according to one of its first producers, "to go beyond the bien pensant agenda". That remains one of the programme's objectives.

The current affairs issues covered by the programme are wide ranging.

In recent series we have examined the ideological currents within the green movement, political Islam and the United States' Tea Party. We have asked why the Blair government adopted a policy mass immigration and why British taxpayers, under Margaret Thatcher, began to underwrite the risks taken by investment banks. We have wondered if leaving the EU would really spell disaster for Britain and whether certainty might be a sin.

Our presenters are journalists, academics and writers. The programmes are usually in documentary format.

Analysis is broadcast 26 times a year on Mondays at 20:30 GMT/ BST, and is repeated on Sundays at 21:30 GMT/ BST.

Keep up to date with Analysis on Twitter: @R4Analysis or follow Analysis on Facebook.