How To Listen - Radio 4
- Listening To Radio 4
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For information on the new iPlayer Radio launch and an opportunity to give feedback visit the iPlayer Radio Welcome page.
In the UK you can listen to Radio 4 in many ways: on a digital (DAB) or FM radio; on digital television; online through a computer; on a mobile phone; on an MP3 player.
Radio 4 can be found on the following channels, frequencies and websites:
- DAB Listed as "BBC Radio 4", "BBC R4", or "Radio 4"
- FM 92 - 95 FM, 103-105 FM
- LW 198 Long Wave
- MW Medium Wave is only available in some locations: London 720; Plymouth 774; Hayle (Cornwall) 756; Newcastle 603; Carlisle 1495; Aberdeen 1449; Enniskillen 774; Derry 720; Glasgow 720
- Freeview Channel 704 (FM schedule only - the LW schedule is not broadcast on Freeview) (more info)
- Freesat Channel 704 (FM schedule) and 710 (LW schedule)
- SkyTV Channel 0104 (FM schedule) and 0143 (LW schedule)
- Virgin Channel 904 (FM schedule) and 911 (LW schedule)
How can I listen online?
Listen live, and listen to programmes broadcast in the past seven days at Radio 4's website.
Listen live online, and listen to programmes broadcast in the past seven days at Radio 4's website (listen live by accessing the link in the top banner; catch up on a past programme by finding a programme in the schedule) or in the A-Z listing.
LW listen live is available here:
LW listen again - Windows Media Player only - is available from this page:
You may have noticed the appearance of the console that pops up when you click a 'listen' link has changed. This is because Radioplayer has launched. Radioplayer is a partnership between the BBC and UK Commercial Radio. Together we've developed a player that gives audiences a simple and consistent online listening experience. Radioplayer allows you to discover and listen to live and on demand radio from Ofcom licensed UK radio stations.
The Radioplayer console will pop up to play audio when you click to listen live or play listen again content on BBC Radio websites. It's similar in appearance to the previous BBC console with some new features including the ability to search for live and on demand radio from stations across the UK.
Find more information about Radioplayer here.
Q. How can I listen on the move?
Mobile Phones
If your mobile phone has an FM receiver, you can listen to Radio 4 on 92-95FM. If it has an MP3 player you can listen to podcasts of Radio 4 programmes (more info about podcasts).MP3 Players (iPods and other manufacturers)
Many Radio 4 programmes are available as podcasts or downloads, which you can listen to on any MP3 player (more info about podcasts). Downloads can be kept on your computer to listen to whenever you like.Radio 4 podcasts can be found here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/podcasts/
For technical questions about Listening online please see the iPlayer help pages.
Please note: Streaming radio is a data intensive service. Whilst the BBC does not charge for its mobile content, your operator's charges for using the internet over 3G may apply. Connecting via WiFi is recommended where possible.
Listen Live and Listen Again on the Internet
With BBC Radio Player you can:
- Listen live to BBC radio programmes as they are broadcast
- Listen again to BBC radio programmes for up to seven days after broadcast
To use Radio Player, go to the Radio Player homepage http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio or to any BBC radio station website.
For help with installing the iPlayer Download Manager, or any other queries about iPlayer, go to iPlayer Help.
Q. Why can't I listen to a programme as soon as it finishes?
Once a programme has finished broadcasting, there can be a few hours' delay before the programme is available to listen to online.
Q. Why isn't the programme I want to listen to isn't available
You can listen to Radio 4 programmes on programme pages on the Radio 4 website. Find links to the programme pages via the Programmes or Schedule link at the top of the page.
If the audio is not available, it may be for the following reasons: programmes can take up to a few hours to be available to listen to; many programmes, such as drama or comedy are only available, for rights reasons, for 7 days after broadcast. Sometimes audio is unavailable due to high demand causing network congestion. In this case if you try again later you will often find that the programme is available.
The BBC does not control the technology that runs the internet. We cannot help with problems relating to audio, browsers, interruptions to audio streams etc.
Q. I'm having problems listening to a Radio 4 programme on my computer
You can listen to Radio 4 programmes on programme pages on the Radio 4 website. Find links to the programme pages via the Programmes or Schedule link at the top of the page.
The BBC does not control the technology that runs the internet. We cannot help with problems relating to audio, browsers, interruptions to audio streams etc.
Q. How long are programmes available to listen to online?
Programmes are usually available for seven days after broadcast.
If a download, or podcast, is available for a programme, you can save this to your computer or mp3 player and keep forever, to listen to whenever and wherever you like.
Q. What is a podcast and how can I podcast, or download, a Radio 4 programme?
A number of Radio 4 programmes are available to download. A download or podcast is an audio file that you can save to your computer or mp3 player. Many mobile phones also have this functionality. You can keep any programme you download on your device, to play whenever you like. You can keep these programmes permanently.
You can use iTunes or any other podcast software to manage your podcasts, or simply download individual programmes directly from the Radio 4 Website. Find details of how to download on the Radio 4 Podcasts page.
Q. Can I listen from outside the UK?
You can listen to Radio 4 online anywhere in the world, but you will not be able to pick up BBC stations broadcasting on FM, MW and DAB very far from UK shores. They are funded by the UK licence fee and the BBC is not permitted to re-broadcast them from other countries.
However, in some areas close to the UK (such as Ireland, France, Denmark, Belgium and Holland) it is possible to receive Radio 4 on 198 kHz long wave.
For more information please see the BBC Reception website.
Q. I'm having problems with my Radio Reception, can you help?
Visit the BBC's Reception website for comprehensive information on both radio and TV reception. Persistent problems are likely to need help from an aerial specialist.
