Schedule
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Early
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00:00
Midnight News—01/05/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
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00:30
To the Edge of the World by Tilar J Mazzeo—Episode 4
4/5 1856: At just 19 years old, Mary Ann Patten captains a merchant clipper ship.
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00:48
Shipping Forecast—01/05/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.
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01:00
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes—01/05/2026
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
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05:00
News Summary—01/05/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
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05:04
The Briefing Room—Can Europe build digital sovereignty?
Europe relies on US tech but can it find away to wean itself off it?
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05:34
Shipping Forecast—01/05/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.
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05:43
Prayer for the Day—Honeymoon from hell?
A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Furaha Mussanzi.
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05:45
Farming Today—01/05/2026 Farmers hoping for rain, English council elections, hedgerows
The farmers hoping for a wet bank holiday weekend.
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Morning
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06:00
Today—01/05/2026
News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.
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09:00
The Reunion—The Big Issue
Kirsty Wark reunites the team behind The Big Issue - a magazine to help the homeless.
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10:00
Woman's Hour—Primary school suspensions, Chess, Female birdsong
Why are primary schools reporting a big rise in child suspensions?
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11:00
The Food Programme—Food Stories of Roots and Roads
Dan Saladino hears stories from Parabere Forum, a gathering of chefs and storytellers.
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11:45
To the Edge of the World by Tilar J Mazzeo—Episode 5
5/5 1856. Mary Ann Patten becomes the first woman to captain a merchant clipper ship.
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Afternoon
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12:00
News Summary—01/05/2026
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.
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12:04
AntiSocial—Renting and discrimination
An investigation into 'Muslim-only' rentals prompts a row about religion, racism and rent.
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12:57
Weather—01/05/2026
The latest weather forecast
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13:00
World at One—The Renters' Rights Act comes into force
It's been hailed as the biggest change to renting in a generation, not everyone is happy.
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13:45
Second-Hand Stories—Cath & The Painting
5/5 James Peak buys old things for Tony's antiques stall in Enfield Town, and hears stories...
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14:00
The Archers—30/04/2026
Natasha sees an opportunity.
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14:15
Limelight—Sabine, Episode 5
5/5 It’s a race against time for Elly to find Sabine’s killer and avert further tragedy.
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14:45
The Hackers—Series 1, The Worm
2/10 Biella Coleman tells the story of the first global internet worm.
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15:00
Gardeners' Question Time—From The Archives: Summer Colour
A look back through the GQT archives on how to deliver dazzling displays of summer colour.
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15:45
Short Works—Now That Summer's Coming by Deirdre Anna Rose Kelly
On the 1st May, a classroom assistant in Belfast celebrates the beginning of the summer.
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16:00
Last Word—Xia De-hong, Lord Hunt of Chesterton, Joan Burstein, Bill Leader
Matthew Bannister on a mother, a meteorologist, a retail pioneer and a recording engineer.
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16:30
Life Changing—From gym workout to world champion
Approaching 50, Anna Bailey tried out the gym - and discovered a world-beating talent.
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17:00
PM—Leader of the Greens apologises for sharing a post criticising Golders Green police officers
Speaking to the BBC, The Prime Minister criticised Zack Polanski's judgement.
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Evening
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18:00
Six O'Clock News—Green Party leader apologises for sharing post criticising officers in Golders Green
The post condemned the officers arresting a suspect after the attack on two Jewish men
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18:30
The News Quiz—Series 120, 3. When the King came round for tea
3/8 Who’s been described as “the greatest King in my book”?
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19:00
The Archers—01/05/2026
David feels the strain.
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19:15
Screenshot—Teachers
Ellen and Mark head back to class to learn how teachers have been depicted in film and TV.
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20:00
Any Questions?—Hilary Benn MP, Robbie Moore MP, Lisa Smart MP, Gawain Towler
Alex Forsyth presents political debate from Grassington Town Hall in North Yorkshire.
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20:55
This Week in History—April 27th to May 3rd
Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.
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21:00
Free Thinking—Weapons, real and symbolic
Matthew Sweet and guests discuss tanks, guns, gaming, drones and what weaponisation means.
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22:00
The World Tonight—Trump tells Congress he does not need their approval for Iran war
President Trump has told Congress he does not need their authorisation for the conflict
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22:45
The Prisoner by Sally Carson—Episode 5
5/10 The sequel to Sally Carson’s rediscovered masterpiece Crooked Cross.
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23:00
Americast—LIVE at Castfest! How popular is Donald Trump?
And why isn't there more support for Democrats?
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23:30
Soul Music—Tiny Dancer
Elton John's slow burner of a song is now one of his most loved tracks.
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Late
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00:00
Midnight News—02/05/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
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00:30
To the Edge of the World by Tilar J Mazzeo—Episode 5
5/5 1856. Mary Ann Patten becomes the first woman to captain a merchant clipper ship.
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00:48
Shipping Forecast—02/05/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.
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01:00
Selection of BBC World Service Programmes—02/05/2026
BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
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05:30
News Summary—02/05/2026
National and international news from BBC Radio 4
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05:34
Shipping Forecast—02/05/2026
The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.
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05:43
Prayer for the Day—Stillness
Spiritual reflection with Philip Blackledge of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Melrose.
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05:45
The Hackers—Series 1, The Worm
2/10 Biella Coleman tells the story of the first global internet worm.
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