Radio 4 Help

How do I listen to a Radio 4 programme on my computer?

You can listen to Radio 4 programmes on the Radio 4 website and on BBC iPlayer.

I'm having problems listening online

For technical questions, please visit the BBC iPlayer Help.

How long do recordings stay on the website?

Most programmes are available for seven days after broadcast. Many of these remain on the website for much longer. Find Radio 4 programmes by visiting the schedule. To listen to a few of our archive broadcasts you may be prompted to download Realplayer, which is free of charge. BBC Webwise has more information about Realplayer.

Can I download Radio 4 programmes to my ipod or mp3 player?

Many Radio 4 programmes are available as mp3 downloads, also known as podcasts. These are files which you can download onto your computer or mp3 player to keep and listen to at any time. You can find a list of Radio 4 downloads currently available on the BBC's podcast site. For more information about podcasts see podcasting help.

How can I find a programme on the Radio 4 website?

You can find a programme that has been broadcast or will be broadcast within seven days by clicking on the Programmes link at the top of every page on the site.

For programmes that are currently off-air, go to Programmes and set the filter to show "All".

If you know when a programme was broadcast, but don't know what it was called, go to the Schedule link at the top of this page and browse by date and time.

Why do I have to wait for programmes to appear online?

The system for making programmes available to 'listen again' online is automated. This automated system allows us to make all of our programmes available but there is a short period after broadcast, while the audio is encoded, before the programme appears online.

Programmes are normally available approximately 30 minutes after the end of transmission but occasionally it can take longer.

What is Radioplayer?

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.

Where can I get Flash Player?

Macromedia Flash allows you to watch and listen to audio, video and interactive content on the Internet. BBC Webwise has more information about Flash player, including instruction on how to download a free Flash player plug-in.

How can I report a fault on the Radio 4 website?

Please use the the form below if you have spotted a mistake or have found a fault on the Radio 4 website.