BBC Radio 4
Intelligent speech radio from the BBC
Listen live to BBC Radio 4 online for UK news, current affairs, politics, talk, documentaries, drama, comedy, arts programming and long-running BBC favourites.
About BBC Radio 4
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Frequencies & locations:
- FM – Available across the UK on FM, generally between 92.5 and 96.1 MHz, with some areas using 103.5 to 104.9 MHz.
- DAB – Available nationally on DAB Digital Radio across the UK.
- Freeview – Available on Freeview channel 704.
- Sky – Available on Sky channel 0104 in the UK.
- Virgin Media – Available on Virgin Media channel 904.
- BBC Sounds – Available through BBC Sounds as BBC Radio 4.
- Online – Listen live online through Radio Player UK.
BBC Radio 4 is the BBC’s national speech station, built around news, current affairs, politics, documentaries, drama, comedy, arts, science, history, religion, consumer affairs and long-form conversation. It is one of the UK’s most trusted radio services because it gives serious subjects time to breathe instead of reducing everything to quick headlines.
The station’s strength is its range. Radio 4 can move from the political agenda of Today to the storytelling of The Archers, the interviews of Desert Island Discs, the daily news depth of PM and The World at One, the cultural coverage of Front Row, the consumer focus of You and Yours and the social conversation of Woman’s Hour. That variety makes it a daily habit for listeners who want speech radio with substance.
BBC Radio 4 traces its roots to the BBC Home Service and remains central to British broadcasting. Its schedule mixes live news, analysis, scripted drama, original comedy, book readings, factual series, investigations and specialist programmes, giving it a distinctive role that commercial talk radio rarely matches: calmer, broader, more curious and less shouty.
Notable shows & presenters are:
- Justin Webb: Presenter of Today, Radio 4’s flagship morning news and current affairs programme, covering politics, interviews and the day’s major stories.
- Nick Robinson: Today presenter and former BBC political editor, known for heavyweight political interviews and analysis.
- Amol Rajan: Presenter on Today and other BBC output, bringing interviews, cultural knowledge and a sharp current affairs style to Radio 4.
- Emma Barnett: Presenter associated with Today and major BBC speech programming, known for direct interviews and strong news-led broadcasting.
- Mishal Husain: Long-standing BBC broadcaster strongly associated with Radio 4 news and current affairs, including Today and major interview-led coverage.
- Evan Davis: Presenter of PM, Radio 4’s early evening news and current affairs programme, mixing interviews, analysis and the day’s developing stories.
- Nuala McGovern: Presenter of Woman’s Hour, covering interviews, culture, social issues, personal stories and topics affecting women’s lives.
- Anita Rani: Presenter of Woman’s Hour, bringing interviews, human stories, cultural discussion and listener-focused speech radio.
- Lauren Laverne: Presenter of Desert Island Discs, Radio 4’s landmark interview programme built around music choices, life stories and revealing conversation.
- The Archers: Radio 4’s long-running daily drama set in the fictional village of Ambridge, combining character-led storytelling with rural, family and community themes.
Contact Information
Official website:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4
BBC Switchboard:
+44 20 8743 8000
Postal address:
BBC Radio 4
BBC Broadcasting House
London
W1A 1AA
United Kingdom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBCRadio4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcradio4/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/BBCRadio4
BBC Radio 4 FAQ
What is BBC Radio 4?
BBC Radio 4 is a national BBC speech radio station focused on news, current affairs, politics, documentaries, drama, comedy, arts, science, history, religion and long-form talk programming.
Can I listen to BBC Radio 4 live online?
Yes. You can listen to BBC Radio 4 live online through Radio Player UK using the player on this page.
What programmes are on BBC Radio 4?
BBC Radio 4 programmes include Today, The World at One, PM, Woman’s Hour, You and Yours, Front Row, The Archers, Desert Island Discs, documentaries, comedy and drama.
Is BBC Radio 4 available on FM and DAB?
Yes. BBC Radio 4 is available nationally on DAB Digital Radio and on FM across the UK, generally between 92.5 and 96.1 MHz, with some areas using 103.5 to 104.9 MHz.
Who are some BBC Radio 4 presenters?
BBC Radio 4 presenters and programme voices include Justin Webb, Nick Robinson, Amol Rajan, Emma Barnett, Evan Davis, Nuala McGovern, Anita Rani and Lauren Laverne.