How can I get a tape or transcript of a programme?
Transcripts of most programmes are not available. Some programme details are kept on the web site: try going to the Programme A-Z page and selecting the programme you want.
Usually, the only way to 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 contributor to a programme please contact your production team directly.
You can often view or listen to a programme by contacting the National Sound Archive. 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.
Why can't I listen on demand to Desert Island Discs?
For copyright reasons Desert Island Discs is not currently available as a 'Listen Again' item.
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 (died in 1979), who wrote 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 uses 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?
Find out what tickets are available and how to apply by visiting BBC Audience Services.
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 who 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 can I comment on Radio 4 programmes?
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 telephone calls, letters, emails and faxes it receives from listeners. Find out how to contact the programme on the Feedback website.
You can also join in the debate with other listeners on the Radio 4 Message Boards.
To make a comment, complaint or enquiry about any BBC programme or service consult the BBC Information website.
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 accessibility standards to allow them to be read using a screen reader.
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.
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 8008 1106.
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. 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 the National Anthem at 7.00am on the birthdays of the Queen (actual and official), the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales. 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 complete the application form on the GQT website.
You can also write to the production company;
Taylor Made Productions
PO Box 100
Woodstock
OX2 1XE
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 to the programme at:
Room 6103
Broadcasting House
London
W1A 1AA
Or visit the Any Questions hosting page.
Why do presenters on the TODAY programme 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 consult the BBC Commissioning Guidelines.
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