How can I get a tape or transcript of a programme?
Most programmes do not offer transcripts. However, increasingly, programme details and whole programmes are kept on the web site. Try going to the Programme A-Z page and selecting the programme you want. You should find up to date information there.
You can only usually get a copy of a programme if it's commercially available. Otherwise, we're sorry but we can't provide it for you. Copyright and contractual agreements only cover broadcasts - the duplication or distribution of tapes and other material has to be negotiated separately so we do this for commercial release. If you are a major contributor to a programme please contact your production team directly.
You can often view or listen to a programme by contacting National Archives. Their material is not for sale, hire or loan but you may be able to arrange viewing or listening for research or study purposes (you may have to pay a small fee).
Who is the Radio 4 Controller?
Mark Damazer is the Controller of Radio 4.
What is the name of the music played before the 00:48 Shipping Forecast on Radio 4?
The music before the late-night shipping forecast is called "Sailing By". It was composed by Ronald Binge (who died in 1979), who wrote much other light music, notably Elizabethan Serenade. He also arranged Charmaine for Mantovani's orchestra.
The music has the function of filling the airtime between the end of the late reading, at approximately 00.45am, and the shipping forecast at 00.48am, which mariners rightly expect Radio 4 to transmit precisely on schedule. Occasionally, Sailing By might not be played at all because of time constraints. The version of Sailing By that Radio 4 use is not available commercially. However, a similar recording, featuring the late Ronnie Aldrich on the piano, has been issued by Seaward Records Ltd, Strathallan Castle, Port St Mary, Isle of Man. The tune is also on a CD, The Music of Ronald Binge, from Marco Polo Records, number 8.223515.
How do I get tickets for Radio 4 programmes? And if they are not dealt with by the Ticket Unit, how do I get tickets?
Write to:
BBC Audience Services
PO Box 3000
BBC TV Centre
London
W12 7RJ
Telephone: 020 8576 1227 (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm)
E-mail for Radio Tickets: radio.ticket.unit@bbc.co.uk
E-mail for TV Tickets: tv.ticket.unit@bbc.co.uk
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/tickets
Not all tickets, particularly for shows outside London, are handled by BBC Audience Services. For details of other tickets, check Radio Times and local press.
Why is the Daily Service on Long Wave only?
Radio 4 recognises that a group of its listeners value a daily worship programme. In order to provide a daily service for those that wanted it, as well as offering an alternative for those who don't, it was decided to split the network with the Daily Service being broadcast on Long Wave. Long Wave was chosen for two reasons as the home for the Daily Service: LW is the signal which everyone can receive wherever they are in the UK, and LW usage amongst Daily Service listeners is slightly higher than among other Radio 4 listeners.
How do I request repeats?
Feedback (Friday 13:30-14:00; Sunday 20:00-20:30) is the BBC Network Radio listeners' letters programme, produced for Radio 4 by an independent production company, presented by Roger Bolton. Feedback's content is entirely directed by the letters, emails and faxes it receives from listeners. You can call 0870 0100 400 or fill in a form at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/feedback.shtml
To make a comment, complaint or enquiry about any BBC programme:
Write to:
BBC Information
BBC Television Centre
London W12 7RJ
Telephone: 0870 0100 222 (8.00 am-midnight every day)
Minicom: 0870 0100 212
E-mail: info@bbc.co.uk
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/
Ceefax page: 695
Where do I get information about the World Service?
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice
Write to:
BBC World Service
Bush House
Strand
London
WC2B 4PH
Telephone: 020 7240 3456
Fax: 020 7557 1258
How do I comment about programmes that don't give out Radio 4 numbers (0800 044 044, 08700 100 400)? For example, Today, PM, etc.
To make a comment, complaint or enquiry about any BBC programme:
Write to:
BBC Information
BBC Television Centre
London W12 7RJ
Telephone: 0870 0100 222 (8.00am-midnight every day)
Minicom: 08700100212
E-mail: info@bbc.co.uk
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/
Ceefax page: 695
Where can I find information BBC Digital Radio services?
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/digitalradio/
Write to:
Room 5661
Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London
W1A 1AA
E-mail: bbcdigitalradio@bbc.co.uk
I'm blind - how can I find out what's on TV & radio?
You can contact the Radio 4 In Touch listing service at the Radio 4 Action Line on 0800 044 044. All web pages on the BBC are compliant with Betsie, software which allows you to "hear" the text on the page being read out.
If I have trouble tuning to Radio 4 on my radio, where can I get help?
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/
Write to:
BBC Reception Advice
BBC Television Centre
London W12 7RJ
Telephone: 0870 0100 123 (Mon-Fri 8.00 am - 7.00pm)
Minicom: 0870 0100 212
E-mail: reception@bbc.co.uk
Ceefax Pages: 695 and 698
Why are the weather forecasts on Radio 4 so short?
Some years ago, many listeners felt Radio 4 was sometimes not moving swiftly enough from one programme to another. Consequently, we decided to shorten some of the forecasts, whilst keeping them long enough to provide the weather information that most of our audience need. We recognise that some listeners have a specialist interest in meteorology, but most people want concise, non-technical forecasts, and that is what we are now providing.
The forecasts now consistently indicate temperatures. They often identify regions by reference to their main population centres - an aid to easy understanding which listeners had requested.
When did The Archers begin?
The first edition of The Archers was broadcast on 1 January 1951.
How do I promote a charity on the Radio 4 Appeal?
Charities wishing to feature on the Radio 4 Appeal should contact the BBC Appeals unit on 020 7765 0769.
Why do you disrupt Radio 4 LW for cricket coverage?
Radio frequencies are allocated by the Government and Radio 4 is uniquely privileged in having two frequencies - FM and Long Wave. All other BBC radio networks have only one. We have to use these frequencies to provide the best service to the greatest number of listeners.
Our research tells us that about two million people tune in to each match. It was therefore decided by the BBC's Board of Governors that the best option was to utilise Radio 4's Long Wave, with all the mainstream programming on FM. Most Radio 4 listeners choose to use the FM frequency rather than Long Wave when it is available, so this seemed to be the best use of our resources. Also, FM carries stereo, which is not necessary for cricket, but is, for example, for dramas. We can only apologise to those listeners who do not receive FM.
Which royal birthdays does Radio 4 mark by playing the National Anthem?
Radio 4 will broadcast it at 7.00am on the birthdays of the Queen (actual and official), the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales, as well as when Princes William and Harry attain their majorities. Radio 4 will continue to play the anthem nightly at closedown. Decisions over the number of times the National Anthem is played have been made in consultation with Buckingham Palace.
How do we apply to host Gardeners' Question Time?
Anyone wanting to host the programe should write in the first instance to the production company:
Taylor Made Productions
PO Box 100
Woodstock
OX2 1XE
(for the attention of Jo King)
They will be sent a form and, if successful, will be put onto a waiting list. Be warned - the waiting list is anything from 2 years upwards.
How do we apply to host Any Questions?
To apply to host the show write in to the programme at:
Room 6103
Broadcasting House
London
W1A 1AA
They will then send out an information pack explaining what has to be done
How do I get tickets for a Radio 4 show?
Write to:
BBC Audience Services
PO Box 3000
BBC TV Centre
London
W12 7RJ
Telephone: 020 8576 1227 (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 6.00pm)
E-mail for Radio Tickets: radio.ticket.unit@bbc.co.uk
E-mail for TV Tickets: tv.ticket.unit@bbc.co.uk
BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/tickets
Not all tickets, particularly for shows outside London, are handled by BBC Audience Services. For details of other tickets, check Radio Times and local press.
Why do presenters on TODAY treat their guests so harshly?
In dealing with any controversial matter the BBC is required to give a fair and balanced report. Presenters seek to provide the information which will enable our audiences to make up their own minds and we are confident that our presenters do give a full opportunity for all viewpoints to be heard.
Additionally, the Today programme needs to be business-like in its approach because the time available for interviews is very limited. The Board of Management and the Board of Governors keep a close watch on programmes to ensure that standards of impartiality are maintained.
If I have an idea for a Radio 4 programme, how do I find out more about the Radio 4 Commissioning Process?
Generally, if it is an idea for an existing programme (such as Woman's Hour) you can email or write to the programme. If it is an idea for a new programme (e.g. comedy or drama), you can see the BBC Commissioning Guidelines in this area:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/structure/
Please note:
BBC neither endorses nor provides technical support for any software applications. You must abide by the licensing provisions of each application, and seek technical assistance from the software provider.
If you are having trouble with any of these applications, you may find the answer in our Troubleshooting Guide.
If you haven't been able to find the plug-in you were looking for here, visit our WebWise downloads page.
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