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Radio 4
Radio 4

Radio 4

Inquisitive speech radio to make sense of your world.

Evening

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20:00 BST

Today

The Today Debate: Does British farming need rescuing?

Anna Foster chairs live debate about the future of British farming.

Anna Foster chairs live debate about the future of British farming.

20:45 BST

In Touch

Improving Access to Public Transport

We hear about audio guides to assist with the navigation of railway stations and from the charity calling for more accessible bus travel.

We hear about audio guides to assist with the navigation of railway stations and from the charity calling for more accessible bus travel.

21:00 BST

Illuminated

The Mysterious Case of Annie Elizabeth

Lois Pryce investigates a forgotten Victorian mystery after an ancient apple tree leads her to Annie Elizabeth, a child whose remarkable story still lives on in England's orchards.

Lois Pryce investigates a forgotten Victorian mystery after an ancient apple tree leads her to Annie Elizabeth, a child whose remarkable story still lives on in England's orchards.

21:30 BST

The Bottom Line

Are Subscriptions a Good Deal?

From streaming and software to food and fitness, subscriptions are everywhere. Why are companies keen to sign us up, why do we stay and when does convenience become a costly trap?

From streaming and software to food and fitness, subscriptions are everywhere. Why are companies keen to sign us up, why do we stay and when does convenience become a costly trap?

22:00 BST

The World Tonight

20/10/2026

In-depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspective.

In-depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspective.

22:45 BST

Prelude II & Toccata

The rhythms of farm life are disrupted when Livia is contacted by a figure from her past, in the new novel from Pulitzer Prize-winner Barbara Kingsolver. Read by Laurel Lefkow.

The rhythms of farm life are disrupted when Livia is contacted by a figure from her past, in the new novel from Pulitzer Prize-winner Barbara Kingsolver. Read by Laurel Lefkow.

23:00 BST

Air Eaters

How a microbe pulled from an Arctic dump could help our fight against climate change.

How a microbe pulled from an Arctic dump could help our fight against climate change.

23:30 BST

Today in Parliament

20/10/2026

News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament

News, views and features on today's stories in Parliament

00:00 BST

Midnight News

21/10/2026

National and international news from BBC Radio 4

National and international news from BBC Radio 4

00:30 BST

2. A Devil's Pact

It’s the late 1930s and the commitment of the Cambridge Five spies to communist ideology is tested when Stalin signs a pact with Hitler. Do they rethink?

It’s the late 1930s and the commitment of the Cambridge Five spies to communist ideology is tested when Stalin signs a pact with Hitler. Do they rethink?

00:48 BST

Shipping Forecast

21/10/2026

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.