BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station which broadcasts a wide variety of programmes including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It is broadcast on 92 - 95 MHz FM and 198 kHz AM; and via DAB, satellite and the Internet.
Radio 4 came into existence on September 30, 1967, when the BBC re-launched all its domestic radio stations under new names. It had previously been known as the "Home Service" (to distinguish it from the World Service); these networks were originally called the National Programme and the General Overseas Service respectively. Radio 4 is the second most popular British domestic radio station after Radio 2.
Music and sport are the only two fields that generally fall outside the station's remit. There are occasional concerts, however, and ball-by-ball commentaries of most test matches played by the England cricket team are broadcast on long wave only.
Because the long wave service can be received clearly at sea in the vicinity of the British Isles, Radio 4 also carries regular weather forecasts for shipping and, when necessary, gale warnings.
Regular programmes include:
Other programmes that have featured on Radio 4:
Many shows from the Radio 4 archives can now be heard on BBC 7.
