In the last episode of the series, Andrea Catherwood reveals the Feedback Interview of the Year and discusses the art of the interview with Mishal Husain, Justin Webb and Adrian Edmondson. And do we need a new national anthem? That was the question posed on a recent edition of Radio 4’s Antisocial which prompted a passionate response from Feedback listeners. Andrea talks to the programme's presenter Adam Fleming about how to shed light on hot topics.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Will YatesA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

How often do you think about the Romans? Historian Dr Mary Beard speaks with Andrea Catherwood on her new series for BBC Radio 4 ‘Being Roman’BBC Radio 4 recently released the latest series of The Lovecraft Investigations – based on the occult writer HPLovecraft’s stories. Many Listeners told us how unsettling they were. Feedback’s Special Correspondent Rob Crossan investigates the enduring appeal of audio horror.And we're almost at the end of year of cuts and changes to BBC Local Radio in England, which has left some listeners worried that the spirit of Christmas won't sound the same this year, and there'll be a lack of local companionship. We hear some of your comments.Producer: Gerry Cassidy Presenter: Andrea Catherwood A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Great thinkers, Gangsters, and Love and Money - it’s all on this week’s Feedback.Andrea Catherwood talks themes and locations of The Reith Lecturers 2023 with this year's Lecturer Professor Ben Ansell and BBC Radio 4 Commissioning editor Hugh Levinson.We delve into the murky depths of love and inheritance with the presenter of the podcast series Intrigue: Million Dollar Lover.And listener Jay Smith from Birmingham is in the Vox Box to unpick a Radio 5 Live series exploring gangland violence in the city - Gangster: Burger Bar Boys.And this is your last chance to nominate your Feedback Interview of the Year - your choice for the stand out interview from 2023 from anywhere on BBC Radio or Sounds.A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Feedback this week has a distinctly Middle Eastern feel. The BBC’s International editor, Jeremy Bowen, talks to Andrea Catherwood about the challenges of accuracy and impartiality on the frontline of the Israel/Hamas War.Also, was The Food Programme right to devote an episode to “Food Under Siege in Gaza”? The programme presenter Sheila Dillon responds to listener comments.And Bloodlines is a new 7-part podcast from the BBC Asian Network. Reporter Poonam Taneja travels to the detention camps of northern Syria where thousands of woman and children who lived under Islamic State are still being held. She describes the reality of being in the region searching for Sulmann, the young grandson of a British man who is desperate for answers.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Gerry Cassidy A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Can True Crime podcasts ever do more than just tell a rollicking good story? Andrea Catherwood talks to the presenter of the BBC’s Fairy Meadow Podcast, Jon Kay about the challenges and responsibilities of delving into personal family traumas after uncovering a potential new lead in a 50 year old case of a missing child. Also, the BBC Audio’s Head of Drama, Art and Classical Music, Emma Harding discusses how to pick ‘A Good Read’. And find out why an interview with a charity boss on Woman’s Hour provoked a furious debate among listeners. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Gerry Cassidy A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The programme that holds the BBC to account on behalf of the radio audience

The Today Programme has re-entered the crowded market of news podcasts - so how do they hope to make the new offer stand out? Andrea Catherwood discusses The Today Podcast with presenter, Nick Robinson. Long time breakfast TV presenter and journalist Sian Williams decided a few years ago to leave the newsroom and study psychology. Now Dr Sian Willians is both an NHS counselling psychologist and presenter of Radio 4’s series Life Changing which each week focuses on one person who's been through an extraordinary event that altered the course of their life. Find out more about the programme and how listeners are reacting to the series. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Gerry Cassidy A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC Sounds app launched five years ago. Andrea Catherwood discusses its original aims with a member of its founding team, and asks current Director of Sounds, Jonathan Wall, how far its meeting its targets and about ambitions for the future. Also have you been listening to The Lovecraft Investigations ? Writer and Director Julian Simpson answers listeners questions on the new BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds series. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Gerry Cassidy A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The programme that holds the BBC to account on behalf of the radio audience

The programme that holds the BBC to account on behalf of the radio audience

The BBC has been criticised for avoiding use of the word "terrorist" in its coverage of events in Israel and Gaza. Andrea Catherwood discusses this, and the BBC's coverage of the conflict, with Richard Burgess, the BBC's Director of News Content. Also, we have more on the ongoing controversy surrounding the BBC's decision to cut Local Radio output. And two journalism students at Cardiff University run the rule over the Today podcast's new, chattier feel. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Gerry Cassidy A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Call Jonathan Pie has been one of the most popular new BBC comedy podcasts, with over a million plays on BBC Sounds. It pulls no punches and next week makes its debut on Radio 4. Jonathan Pie creator, comedian Tom Walker, and Radio 4’s Comedy Commissioner Julia McKenzie join Andrea Catherwood to discuss the satirical phone-in show and respond to listeners’ comments. Did BBC Audio play a blinder with their coverage of the Women's World Cup? Sports Reporter Heather Dewar joins Andrea to hear what you have to say. And the Shiny Bob podcast from BBC Scotland/BBC Sounds explores a scandal that shook the Scottish legal establishment In the early 90s. Karin Goodwin, Investigative Journalist at The Ferret, and Andrew Tickell, Senior Law Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, give their evidence on the podcast in the Vox Box. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gerry Cassidy A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Today presenter, Justin Webb, and Senior News Editor for BBC News Podcasts, Jonathan Aspinwall, join Andrea Catherwood to discuss the trials and tribulations of American politics and answer your comments on BBC Sounds and Radio 4’s Americast. In response to last week’s programme, we hear what more listeners have to say about the BBC’s plans for the future of Long Wave. 6 Music listeners share their thoughts on the changes to the station’s evening schedule and in the Vox Box, Steven Jones and his son Elliott tell us why they’re tuned into 6 Music. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Musician and 6 Music presenter Tom Robinson has been a passionate advocate for BBC Introducing shows on Local Radio through his BBC Introducing Mixtape on 6 Music. Tom joins Andrea Catherwood to voice his concern about the reduction in shows and to respond to your comments. Glasgow graffiti artists Conzo and Ciaran, who gained notoriety with their ‘fake Banksy’, are in the Vox Box to review a series about the rise of the real deal - Radio 4’s The Banksy Story. And listeners lament the demise of broadcasts on Long Wave. Gareth Mitchell, former BBC Engineer and now lecturer at London’s Imperial College, hears what they have to say. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Is the BBC getting climate change right? Andrea Catherwood is joined by the BBC's Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt to answer your comments. Radio 3’s Katie Derham takes Andrea on a backstage tour of the Royal Albert Hall and hears what listeners have to say about this year’s Proms. The latest listening figures came out this week and it’s not good news for the BBC. Matt Deegan, Creative Director of Radio Consultancy firm Folder Media, unpicks the statistics. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Radio 4’s Fever: The Hunt for Covid’s Origin is under the Feedback microscope this week. John Sudworth was the BBC’s China Correspondent during the virus outbreak. He joins Andrea Catherwood to answer your comments on his series investigating where Covid came from. Two young listeners are in the Vox Box to review the World Service’s The Forum on The Evolution of Teenagers. The Forum’s Producer Jo Impey responds to what they have to say. And we hear your take on the Today programme’s coverage of the Nigel Farage versus Coutts Bank saga. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC’s Annual Report is bigger than usual but are the results any better? Andrea Catherwood is joined by Professor Simon McKerrell, Head of the Department of Media and Music at Glasgow Caledonian University, to unpick the figures and answer your comments. 6 Music DJ Stuart Maconie responds to listeners' feedback on the Northern Soul Prom that had the audience singing, dancing and raising the roof of the Royal Albert Hall. And in the week the Women’s Football World Cup begins, footballers Rose and Amaka pass judgement on comedian Maisie Adam’s Beautiful Game series on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

How effective is the BBC at reporting on itself? Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster, joins Andrea Catherwood to respond to your comments on how the BBC handled the Huw Edwards story. Glaswegian comedian Janey Godley reveals why she’s telling all the jokes in her Radio 4 series, Janey Godley: The C Bomb, and hears the views of the audience. Dr Kevin Fong answers listener comments on the BBC’s portrayal of the NHS, and discusses his new Radio 4 series The NHS: Who Cares? which explores the challenges it faces today from the perspective of the people who deliver the care. Presented by Andrea Catherwood
 Produced by Gill Davies 
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood is back with a new series of Feedback. BBC Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent Marianna Spring joins Andrea to discuss her latest series Marianna in Conspiracyland, in which she investigates the legacy left by the rise in conspiracy movements in the UK and the media machine at its heart.  Do Radio 3’s mood music programmes make listeners turn on, tune in or drop out? Radio 3's Head of Music, Edward Blakeman, responds to audience views. And in the latest on changes to Local Radio, we hear comments from listeners, Director General Tim Davie, MPs and presenters as they sign off on their final shows. A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

THIS PROGRAMME HAS BEEN EDITED SINCE FIRST BROADCAST. Andrea Catherwood hears what former BBC Managing Editor, Dr Liam McCarthy has to say about the changes at Local Radio. Jason Horton, Director of Production BBC Local, responds. Listeners give their verdict on Vernon Kay's first week at Radio 2. And Feedback's Special Correspondent Rob Crossan reminisces about Radio 4 shows that have been put out to pasture. A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood is joined by Jonathan Munro, BBC's Director of Journalism, to answer listeners’ comments on BBC Radio coverage of the coronation of King Charles III. Jamie Bartlett discusses how he went about telling the extraordinary story in the BBC Sounds podcast Believe in Magic. And listeners respond to the new evening schedule at 6 Music that brings changes to the Gideon Coe and Marc Riley shows. Presented by Andrea Catherwood 
Produced by Gill Davies 
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The programme that holds the BBC to account on behalf of the radio audience

Andrea Catherwood is joined by Colin Paterson, Head of Audio, BBC Wales and the West of England. Colin explains why Saturday Live and other Radio 4 programmes have moved to Cardiff and responds to listeners’ comments. Writer Al Smith gives an insight into how he writes the storylines for the award-winning Radio 4 drama Life Lines, set in an ambulance control room. And in our Vox Box this week, a monarchist and a republican discuss The Today Debate: Do we need a Monarchy? Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood is joined by Julia McKenzie, Radio 4 Commissioner for Comedy and Entertainment. Julia lifts the lid on how she commissions comedy, reveals new shows coming up on Radio 4 and responds to listeners' comments. Also listeners give their views on the BBC's coverage of the monarchy in the lead up to the coronation of King Charles III. Presented by Andrea Catherwood
 Produced by Gill Davies 
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The chilling investigative BBC podcast A Very British Cult is top of the podcast charts for the second week running, Andrea Catherwood is joined by presenter Catrin Nye to explore its success and and we hear what listeners have to say. Glaswegian Bhangra aficionados Hardeep Singh and Bobby B pay homage to Archive on 4’s The British Bhangra Explosion in the Vox Box. And BBC Ireland correspondent Chris Page discusses reporting from his home turf in a week when Northern Ireland has been in the news with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and the visit of President Joe Biden. A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood is joined by Michael Blastland and Sir Andrew Dilnot, authors of a review commissioned by the BBC to investigate if its coverage on government spending was prone to bias. They discuss the results and we hear listeners' views. As the jazz programme disappears from BBC Radio Scotland and new programmes for classical and piping feature fewer live sessions, we hear what musicians and listeners have to say. Professor Simon McKerrell, head of Media and Music at Glasgow Caledonian University, tells Andrea about the impact on the wider music community. One thing that annoys Lord Blunkett is the sound quality or lack of it on BBC Radio News programmes. Radio 4 Controller Mohit Bakaya responds to his and listeners' concerns. A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio

The programme that holds the BBC to account on behalf of the radio audience

Presenter Josh Baker and Senior News Editor Jonathan Aspinwall join Andrea Catherwood to respond to listeners’ comments on I’m Not a Monster: The Shamima Begum Story podcast. Jeff Smith, Head of Music at Radio 2, answers audience concerns and gives an insight into the station’s music policy. And Jeremy Bowen, International Editor BBC News, discusses his report for the Today programme on the 20th anniversary of the Iraq war. Presented by Andrea Catherwood
 Produced by Gill Davies 
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood and Chief Executive of UK Music Jamie Njoku-Goodwin discuss how the audience will be affected by BBC plans to axe the BBC Singers and reduce staff posts in BBC orchestras in England. Radio 4’s Antisocial presenter Adam Fleming and producer Lucy Proctor talk about the programme and respond to listeners’ comments. Refugees Andriy and Olga are in the Vox Box to give us their take on how the Today programme covers the war in Ukraine. And we hear a selection of listeners. comments on the issues of impartiality and independence at the BBC. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood is back with a new series of the programme that holds the BBC to account on behalf of the radio audience. Matt Deegan, Creative Director at Folder Media, gives the lowdown on Ken Bruce’s departure from Radio 2. And Feedback Special Correspondent Rob Crossan takes a look at how Ken’s parting shots compare with DJs of the past. Simon Webb, BBC Head of Orchestras and Choirs, responds to listeners' comments on plans to scrap the BBC Singers and reduce staff posts with English orchestras. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Listeners get the chance to speak directly to the Radio 4 Controller, Mohit Bakaya, as he joins Andrea Catherwood to answer questions and comments from the audience. We hear about your highlights and lowlights over the past year and we get a sneak peak at Mohit's plans for Radio 4 in 2023. Presented by Andrea Catherwood
 Produced by Gill Davies 
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

BBC News International Editor Jeremy Bowen joins Andrea Catherwood to talk about his experiences reporting in Ukraine and respond to listener comments on how the BBC is covering the conflict. Listeners give us their views on Mishal Husain’s interview with RMT leader Mick Lynch on the Today programme. We hear from Sebastian Baczkiewicz and Paul Cornell, writers of the new Radio 4 drama Splinter Cell: Firewall, set in the world of a best-selling video game. And Mohit Bakaya, Controller of Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra, responds to listeners’ questions and comments on the schedule changes at Radio 4 Extra. Presented by Andrea Catherwood
 Produced by Gill Davies
 A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood is joined by novelist Claire Allan who has been adding her voice to the protests about the proposed cuts to Radio Foyle in Northern Ireland. And Three Counties Local Radio presenter Edward Adoo shares his concerns that the reorganisation of Local Radio in England is going to affect programmes aimed at African, Caribbean and Asian audiences. As the competition in Qatar pushes towards a conclusion, football fan Rob Crossan tells us why the 5 Live radio commentary has been a winner for him at the World Cup. We hear what listeners have to say about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Reith Lecture, the first in this year’s series. And making an impact on our inbox this week was Justin Webb’s interview with RMT leader Mick Lynch on the Today programme. Andrea hears what listeners had to say. Presented by Andrea Catherwood
 Produced by Gill Davies 
A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The Welsh national football team has made the World Cup for the first time in 64 years. Graham Davies, Managing Editor, Sport at BBC Wales joins Andrea Catherwood to answer listeners’ comments and discuss the challenges of reporting on football and the issues surrounding it at the World Cup in Qatar. The Radio 4 drama Dear Harry Kane by writer James Fritz highlighted the plight of the migrant workers who built the stadiums in Qatar. The play centres around Nisal, played by Hiran Abeysekera, a life-long Spurs fan from Sri Lanka. He travels to Qatar to work on the construction of the stadiums where his hero, Harry Kane, will one day play. But nothing can prepare Nisal for the working conditions he faces. It struck a chord with many of you. Salford flatmates Gabe Brindle and Yonna Rogers are our listeners in the Vox Box. With local radio facing new cuts to programmes, they review BBC Radio Lancashire’s Garry Scott. And comedian turned copper Alfie Moore from Radio 4 comedy It’s a Fair Cop faces a listener interrogation. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Radio 4 series Disaster Trolls investigates how victims of the Manchester Arena bombing and other UK terror attacks have been targeted by conspiracy theorists. Andrea Catherwood puts listeners' comments to BBC Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent Marianna Spring and recovering conspiracist Brent Lee. Assistant Editor, BBC Monitoring, Olga Robinson joins Andrea to talk about her work helping News teams report on disinformation and conspiracy theories. Also, the BBC has been receiving letters from listeners since it started broadcasting 100 years ago. Former BBC Producer Colin Shindler has collected classics for his book “I am Sure I Speak for Many Others" and he shares them with Andrea. And we hear what listeners have had to say about BBC Radio coverage of the recent Just Stop Oil protests on the M25. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Fi Glover joins Andrea Catherwood for a chat about the end of the Fortunately podcast, and life at and beyond the BBC. In the week of the US mid-term elections, Jonathan Aspinwall, Senior News Editor, and Marianna Spring, the BBC's Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent join Andrea to discuss listeners views on the new series of the Americast podcast. We have more comments from the audience on the planned cuts to BBC Local Radio programmes and, as a former local radio presenter, Fi Glover also gives her view on the matter, And Feedback listeners Eirene Houston and Lesley Atkins are in the Vox Box this week to listen to the Radio 4 drama documentary Exit Game which explores the ultra-competitive world of the professional men’s football youth system. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood puts listeners’ comments on the proposed BBC Local Radio cuts to Jason Horton, Acting Director BBC England. Jeremy Howe, Editor of The Archers, and actor Maddie Leslay, who plays Chelsea Horrobin, answer listeners’ comments on the big storyline in recent weeks - Chelsea’s pregnancy. We hear audience views on former leader of UKIP, Nigel Farage’s appearance on The World at One to discuss immigration. And Radio 3’s Soundscape of a Century, celebrating the BBC’s 100th anniversary, featured music and audio from the BBC Archive. Listeners tell us what they thought of the marathon eight-hour broadcast. A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood explores what it’s like to report on an unprecedented week in politics with Deputy Political Editor of BBC News, Vicki Young, who responds to audience comments on the news coverage. Alexei Sayle joins Andrea to discuss impartiality in comedy and listeners give us their views on his Imaginary Sandwich Bar, back for a fourth series on Radio 4. 
Toby Jones and his brother Rupert are in the Vox Box this week to listen to their dad, actor Freddy Jones’s Desert Island Discs, recently uncovered in a haul of more than 90 lost editions of the programme. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood explores True Crime on Radio 4 in discussion with Winifred Robinson, the presenter of The Boy in The Woods, and commissioning editor Dan Clarke. As celebrations continue for the BBC's 100th anniversary, licence fee payers air their views on its future. Also, listeners react to that Miriam Margolyes moment on the Today programme and our Vox Box reviewers Cushla and Lee give their thoughts on the World Service Outlook series, Hip-hop, lies and the ultimate prize. It tells the extraordinary story of two Scottish rappers Silibil n' Brains who made it in the music business by living a lie. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

In the first programme of a new series, Andrea Catherwood discusses BBC coverage of the Queen’s funeral with Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond and the BBC’s Director of Journalism, Jonathan Munro. Kate Bush’s musical renaissance featured in a recent Archive on 4. We put two young listeners in our Vox Box to review Kate Bush: The Power of Strange Things. And a panel of listeners from across the UK give us their take on the future of the BBC. Presented by Andrea Catherwood Produced by Gill Davies A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

There are 1.4 billion people in China, and one BBC correspondent in Feedback this week, Stephen McDonell, explains how he tries to find out what is really going on in that vast country. Lewis MacLeod of Radio 4’s Dead Ringers explains how he manages to morph seamlessly from Boris Johnson to Donald Trump mid-sentence. And, as he presents the programme for the last time, a listener puts questions from the audience to Roger Bolton on his 23 years at the helm. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

A BBC correspondent recently returned from Afghanistan, Yogita Limaye, tells Roger Bolton what it's like to report from the country, and what restrictions are placed on her by the Taliban. The former government minister Rory Stewart explains what he is hoping to achieve in his Radio 4 series The History of Argument. And two listeners are up with the lark to listen to Farming Today on Radio 4. Was it worth it? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Radio 4 Drama Commissioner Alison Hindell answers comments from listeners, discusses the changing nature of audio drama and responds to criticism of a drama about David Cameron written by his former director of communications. There has been strong reaction to comments made on the Today programme about the Hillsborough disaster, which were not robustly challenged by the presenter. And a husband and wife critique the World Service programme and podcast, Dear Daughter. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Can you believe BBC weather forecasters when they link extreme temperatures with climate change? BBC Meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker discusses reporting of the recent heatwave and the linking of it to climate change, as well as answering comments from a listener comparing it to the summer of ‘76. The BBC Scotland Editor James Cook explains how he manages to remain impartial, as the independence issue heats up again north of the border. And Jeffrey Boakye tells us whether he has added to his own playlist as a result of co-presenting that eclectic show, Add To Playlist, with Cerys Matthews. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Do the Culture wars have to be fought to the death? Can either side be persuaded to listen calmly to the other’s point of view? That's what Radio 4 is trying to achieve through its new series AntiSocial. The Editor Emma Rippon explains why, and how. Is lunchtime an appropriate time to discuss menstruation on Radio 4? The Presenter of 28ish Days Later, India Rakusen, tells Roger Bolton why she thinks it is. And is there anything to laugh at in community social media? Two listeners give their views on Radio 4’s Welcome to the Neighbourhood. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC’s Environment Analyst tells Roger Bolton he is scared about what is happening to the climate. Roger Harrabin, who is shortly to leave the Corporation, gives Feedback a frank and revealing interview about climate change, the way politicians are dealing with it, and the way the BBC covers it. Adam Fleming talks about his new eight part podcast and series on Radio 4 about the origins and downfall of Boris Johnson. Is it too much and too late? And listeners compare live theatre and radio drama. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Are BBC journalists enjoying the Conservative party leadership crisis a little too much? Even delighting in the demise of Boris Johnson? That is the suspicion of some Feedback listeners. Roger Bolton puts this accusation to the Today Programme’s Justin Webb, who also discusses impartiality and what it is like to be in the middle of a political maelstrom. Roger Mosey the former Editorial Director of the BBC gives his thoughts on the proposed move of Radio 4 Extra to online only. And why remake T S Eliot’s The Waste Land as a drama, 100 years on? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Why did Emily Maitlis, the former Newsnight presenter, want to make eight programmes about an American official who died 50 years ago? Roger Bolton asks her about her Radio 4 series which recounted the career of J Edgar Hoover, the man who made presidents tremble and became probably the most powerful non-elected official in the USA. Was he the ‘deep state’ personified? Also, Dr Michael Moseley of Radio 4’s Just One Thing answers a critic who says his advice to eat more oily fish could come at a high environmental price. And in a similar vein, should we be concerned about the future of peat bogs? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

What is it like being the BBC’s Defence Correspondent during the Russian Ukrainian conflict? How does he work out what is fact and what is propaganda? Jonathan Beale answers listeners’ questions. Listeners also give their views on where inevitable cuts are to be made at the Corporation. And do young farmers find the Archers storylines credible? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Should music that accompanies video games be played at the BBC Proms? On Feedback this week the man in charge of the Proms, Radio 3 Controller Alan Davey, will explain why that sort of music forms part of this year’s programme. Also, whether any Russian music or musicians will be taking part. He also responds to listeners’ questions and explains how he plans to get more young people listening to his network. And listeners respond to the censoring of Bob Dylan’s anti-racist classic, Hurricane. Should the N-word ever be heard on the airwaves? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Are there some words which should never be broadcast, even if they are used by Bob Dylan in one of his songs? BBC Radio 6 Music has edited the use of the n-word from his 1976 anti-racist song Hurricane, about the imprisonment of boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. In Feedback this week, Sir Trevor Phillips and Marverine Cole give contrasting views about the use of this most offensive of words, particularly in music. And can two non-radio listening music fans be won over by Radio 4's Add to Playlist, hosted by Cerys Matthews and Jeffrey Boakye? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

What is going on in the mind of Vladimir Putin? A new Radio 4 series has been trying to answer that question. Roger Bolton asks the Presenter of ‘Putin’, Jonny Dymond, if he thinks he knows, and puts listener reaction to him Neil MacGregor discusses his latest Radio 4 series The Museums that Make us. What does he think museums are for? And two non-radio listeners are exposed to a French and Saunders radio comedy. Did they enjoy the experience? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

After almost 40,000 questions over 75 years, is Gardeners’ Question Time in danger of running out of new questions? The programme's presenter Kathy Clugston gives an answer to that, and a range of other listener comments. And what do Radio 4 listeners make of the station’s science programmes? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

What can the BBC’s latest news podcast Ukrainecast offer listeners which its news programmes cannot? Roger Bolton puts that question to the podcast’s Producer Jonathan Aspinwall, and also asks him if his podcast is one-sided. The Producer of Radio 4’s Lent Talks Dan Tierney explains why we need to talk about dying and, 40 years after the Falkland’s War, what do the Out of Your Comfort Zone listeners already know about a war they can’t remember? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Radio 4’s Tom Sutcliffe responds to listener criticism of Front Row's discussion on the views of JK Rowling. The presenter of Money Box, Paul Lewis, talks about the appalling financial frauds his programme has been investigating. And is the musician Gary Barlow a good interviewer? Two listeners give their verdict. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

As the airwaves and social media are flooded with disinformation, how can listeners find out what is really happening in Ukraine, and see through the conspiracy of lies pouring out of Russia? Roger Bolton talks to the BBC World Service’s Disinformation Editor Rebecca Skippage, about the darkening fog of war. Also, John Wilson talks about Radio 4’s This Cultural Life, and how he tries to get to the heart of the creative process. And has the new Radio 4 adaptation of the award-winning TV serial Our Friends In The North made friends with our listeners? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Are there some subjects radio comedy programmes should steer clear of? For example, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The BBC executive in charge of both The News Quiz and The Now Show Julia McKenzie explains why those topical comedies sought to use humour as the prism for this dreadful tragedy. Roger Bolton also examines the commercial logic behind the BBC’s decision to restrict access to its podcasts. And the Out Of Your Comfort Zone listeners discuss the merits of a Radio 4 docudrama. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Adam Fleming is the main presenter of the BBC’s most popular podcast Newscast. He explains to Roger Bolton what he thinks makes it work. The Archers is the most popular programme on BBC Sounds, and Annabelle Dowler who plays one of its most loved characters, Kirsty, talks about the challenges her character has faced in the last few years. And, have any of the Out of Your Comfort Zone contributors actually changed their listening habits since last appearing on Feedback? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

One of Radio 4’s Factual Commissioning Editors Dan Clarke explains his decision to axe the Film Programme and discusses its replacement Screenshot. He also talks about the new music series Add to Playlist, and why it is broadcast on Radio 4 when so many other BBC networks are devoted to music. And two listeners give their views on another of his commissions Jon Ronson’s Things Fell Apart. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The audience for the BBC World Service is booming but misinformation and conspiracy theories are flourishing as well. Roger Bolton talks to the outgoing Controller of BBC World Service English, Mary Hockaday, about those concerns and the increasing threats to the lives of journalists. And Jane Garvey explains how she extracts such frank and intimate revelations in her Life Changing series, which includes a former nun describing how she learned about sex at 60. The Out of Your Comfort Zone listeners assess a 5 Live podcast and series presented by husband-and-wife team, Greg James and Bella Mackie, about love and marriage. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is BBC Radio 2 so concerned about recruiting younger listeners that it is neglecting its loyal, older audience? In Feedback this week, Roger Bolton puts this and other concerns from listeners to the Head of Station, Helen Thomas, and asks whether Radio 2’s remit has changed. And Martha Kearney, Presenter of Radio 4’s Today programme, gives the behind-the-scenes story on being interrupted live on air by a fire alarm and obliged to flee the studio. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Why did World at One decide to carry a long interview with one of the brothers of Ghislaine Maxwell? WATO’s Editor Natasha Shallice responds to listeners’ criticisms in an interview with Roger Bolton. Also did Radio 4’s You and Yours do enough to fact check the claims made when it put antivaxxers on the air? And two listeners give their verdict on a podcast about the rise, fall and trial of the Fake Heiress Anna Delvey. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

In a programme broadcast during COP 26, Radio 4’s The Food Programme looked at “how meat and dairy can play a positive role for the future of people and the planet”. Did it analyse the argument or promote it, and did presenter Dan Saladino need to record from inside an abattoir in such graphic detail? He answers these questions and others from listeners. One of the BBC’s key podcast commissioners talks about whether she thinks there is a future for broadcast radio. And two listeners have a sparky reaction to an interview with the film maker Mike Leigh? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is the climate crisis so serious that the BBC should start campaigning about it? As COP26 comes to a conclusion, that’s one of the questions from listeners put to the BBC’s outgoing Science Editor David Shukman. And Feedback tries to seduce two listeners with some unusual classical music on a Radio 3 programme, did it work? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is the BBC’s journalism impartial? The Government doesn’t think so, which is tricky for the Corporation as it negotiates the next licence fee settlement. The BBC has now produced a ten-point plan to improve matters, Roger Bolton examines it with a member of the BBC Executive Committee, Rhodri Talfan Davies, who is also the BBC’s Director of Nations. Roger also hears from the BBC broadcaster Stephen Nolan on why he is investigating his own employer, and why he is frustrated with the Corporation’s non-co-operation. And was a Radio 4 programme called White Mischief, truly mischievous? Listeners give their views. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is the country over the worst of the latest surge in Covid cases, and is there an end in sight to the pandemic? If anyone at the BBC knows the answer to these questions it is surely Health Editor Hugh Pym. Roger Bolton asks him for reassurance - will he get it? Radio 6 Music’s ratings are going up, so why is the station changing its presenter line-up? And can a cricket and crime podcast attract two radio listeners, one of whom doesn’t listen to any BBC radio? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

After ten years of programmes is there still life in The Life Scientific? Presenter Jim Al-Khalili joins Roger Bolton to discuss the programme and science coverage in general on BBC radio. Feedback has been copied-in to an email from the BBC’s Director General responding to a listener critical of Today’s Nick Robinson. Discover what Tim Davie had to say about the interview in which presenter Nick Robinson told the Prime Minister to ‘stop talking’. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

'Stop talking!'; that is what Nick Robinson, as presenter of Radio 4’s Today programme, told the prime minister on air last week. Was this a necessary tactic or a piece of typically pompous presenter rudeness? In the first Feedback of the new series, listeners give their reactions, and Matthew Parris discusses whether the political interview is now dead in the water. And the commissioner of comedy for Radio 4 defends Richard Osman’s the Birthday Cake Game, after complaints from listeners. Roger Bolton asks Sioned Wiliam will it get recommissioned, and how did she decide on who was to be the new presenter of Just a Minute? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Do people exist as more than through their memory? If you lose it, do you cease to exist? That is the question Sir Jonathan Miller wanted to explore shortly before his death. This week, his son William talks to Roger Bolton about the Archive on 4 programme he made about his polymath father - Jonathan Miller: Lost Memories - and why he wanted to carry on investigating memory after his father’s death. Rory Cellan-Jones is soon to leave his job as the BBC’s Technology Correspondent. He explains how he translates complicated stories for a mainstream radio audience. And two listeners review 5 Live’s Your Call with Nicky Campbell. Will they be ringing back? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

It would appear that leaders of western governments have been caught napping by the speed of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, but was the BBC also taken by surprise? Jamie Angus, Senior Controller, BBC News Output and Commissioning, answers listeners’ questions on the coverage of events. Also, Matthew Syed talks about his Radio 4 series Sideways, which eschews conventional thinking. And two listeners try out the dazzling - or is it daunting - world of podcasts. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC’s departing New York correspondent, Nick Bryant, thinks America has stopped being great. Is this perhaps why he is going? Nick discusses audience comments on the BBC's reporting of Donald Trump, Joe Biden and America in general. Should Radio 4’s Front Row have devoted most of a programme to an interview with Sarah, Duchess of York? Some listeners thought the interview about her first adult novel, a Mills and Boon romance, should not have featured on the arts programme at all. And did Radio 4’s Open Country get lost in Windsor Great Park? Two listeners give their verdict. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Are a third of us, from both sides of the political spectrum, attracted by authoritarianism? That's a claim made in Radio 4’s The Spark. Roger Bolton asks its presenter Helen Lewis about that claim, and about the sort of sparks she is seeking to create. The series producer of Radio 4's Sunday Worship, Philip Billson, discusses the decision to make an edition of the programme commemorating the anniversary of last year's catastrophic explosion in Beirut. And the Out of Your Comfort Zone listeners get lost in tech speak. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

How does the comedian Mark Steel get away with cheekily satirising towns and cities that he visits in his eponymous Radio 4 programme? Mark Steel’s in Town has been running for over a decade, but now he has broken new ground writing and appearing in a radio sitcom, Unite. Mark tells Roger Bolton he thinks all comedians are actors at heart, and questions whether there is such as think as left-wing comedy. And two listeners review Alun Cochrane: Centrist Dad? Part of a series of stand-up specials on Radio 4. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The Proms are back but will there be a full audience in the Albert Hall to hear them, who will they be listening to, and will the flags be flying for the Last Night? Questions for the Proms Director, David Pickard. Also, Feedback has heard criticism from some listeners about the BBC’s coverage of the riots in South Africa, which many believe pose the greatest threat to the country since the end of apartheid. A leading academic gives his view. And two listeners discuss a Radio 2 documentary about Amy Winehouse, called Legacy of a Lioness. Did it live up to its billing? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Should BBC sports commentators remain impartial during football matches involving home nations? Some listeners think they are openly biased in favour of England, Roger Mosey, the former Director of BBC Sport, gives his views. Does Radio 4’s Rethink series needs to be rethought for not being radical enough? And 25 years after the Spice Girls crashed through some glass ceilings, did two radio listeners really, really want to listen to a Radio 2 documentary about them? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The Deputy Director of BBC News Jonathan Munro discusses impartiality, cronyism, and the tendency for guests to disappear at a vital moment in an interview. The writer Jan Etherington talks about her award winning Radio 4comedy series Conversations from a Long Marriage, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. And in the Out of Your Comfort Zone feature, two listeners examine a documentary which claims that emojis have changed the course of history. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Listeners have been enjoying the conclusion of long-running Radio 4 fictional serial The Corrupted this week. The author GF Newman explains how he sees corruption everywhere in our most respected circles and how, as a child, his eyes were first opened to it. And what is more important to the new presenter of the News Quiz, who is also the Test Match Special statistician, Andy Zaltzman, comedy or cricket? Andy responds to listener comments and questions. In the Out of Your Comfort Zone feature, a theology graduate gives her view on 5 Live’s early morning science series. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

With listeners concerned about cuts to BBC radio drama and asking if it's still a priority for Radio 4, a former head of BBC Radio Drama tells Roger Bolton she shares those concerns. And the Editor of The Reunion discusses the usually acclaimed programme and replies to criticism of an edition about Romanian orphanages, which one listener describes as, “flaunting of British superiority”. And can you make a successful radio programme about cartoon music when you can’t see the cartoons? Two listeners give their views. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The Editor of Woman’s Hour, Karen Dalziel, talks about how her new presenters are bedding into the long-running programme which celebrates its 75th birthday this year. She also discusses the decision to extend the programme to a whole hour at the expense of the daily 15 minute drama. One of the BBC’s journalists gives an insight into reporting from India as the pandemic overwhelms the country’s health services. And two listeners give their views on a BBC 6 Music talk show. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect Production for BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 1 has launched a new streaming service called Relax, Roger Bolton hears the views of listeners and asks the Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones, whether it really is public service broadcasting, and how he can afford it. Aled also talks about presenter changes at Radio 1, and how they have been reaching out to young DJs around the country. And two listeners review a World Service programme about a sporting personality, before he made his name famous throughout the world. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton hears more views from listeners about the BBC's coverage of the death of HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Does Danny Robins, the writer and producer of the Radio 4 programme and podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, believe that ghosts exist? And did making his programme change his mind? And two drama students review Radio 4’s Front Row. Would they recommend it to their college colleagues? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Criticism levelled at the BBC for the programme changes made in the aftermath of the death of HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is unprecedented. Roger Bolton hears the views of listeners and asks if the corporation got its response badly wrong. Also, the Reverend Richard Coles talks about religion on the radio, and two young listeners discuss a controversial Radio 4 play about sexual consent and rape. Did it put them out of their comfort zone? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Why does Saturday Live’s the Reverend Richard Coles insist on using his title when he presents non-religious programmes? That’s one of the questions put to the former pop star and polymath by Roger Bolton. What does the BBC’s Annual Plan tell listeners about the future of radio? Roger Mosey the former Editorial Director of the BBC gives his view. And in Out of your Comfort Zone, two amateur reviewers give their verdict on the BBC Radio podcast I’m Not a Monster. Were they convinced? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The Controller of Radio 3 Alan Davey answers listeners’ questions - including why the music of Justin Bieber is being played on a radio station better known as the home of classical music on the BBC. He also explains why a much loved presenter Ian Skelly is going from his morning slot to the afternoon, and talks about Radio 3's move to Salford and whether it will affect the station’s output. And did Melinda Gates put Pope Francis, and our listener reviewers, out of their comfort zones? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

As politicians, doctors and scientists fought to bring Covid under control, the BBC’s Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg was trying to find out what was really going on in Downing Street, Whitehall and in Parliament. She explains to Roger Bolton the difficulties she has encountered covering this unique story over the past year. And the actor and director Martin Jarvis talks about radio drama, and specifically his recent role on Radio 4 as the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd. Is there any evidence that poltergeists exist? Two amateur reviewers assess a radio series that aims to find out. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Are you a mood mum? Do you even know what that means? You can find out as Roger Bolton explores why Radio 2 is so keen on attracting listeners from this new demographic. But is the station in danger of driving away older listeners as a result? Martin Jarvis has just directed a controversial new Radio 4 play by the celebrated American playwright David Mamet. He discusses the play and responds to listeners’ comment. And the alarming effects of the music of Poly Styrene, the singer with band X Ray Spex, on some discomforted Radio 4 listeners. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

There has been almost blanket media coverage of the extraordinary interview given by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Oprah Winfrey. One of the people charged with bringing this story to BBC radio is the Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond, He responds to listeners’ questions and talks to Roger Bolton about the difficulties in reporting the story. Fascism is alive and kicking in Britain today. That's the claim of a Radio 4 series, but can we all agree on what fascism is in the 21st Century? And our Out of Your Comfort Zone listeners review a programme about how ants cope with disease, and whether we can learn anything from them. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Melvyn Bragg came up with the idea of the long-running Radio 4 programme In our Time back in 1998 and, 900 editions later, is still at the helm. He answers listeners’ questions and explains how he thought it would only last six months at best. Peter White has gone much further back in time for his series Disability: A New History recently re-broadcast on Radio 4. Listeners have found it revelatory, but did he? And a mother and daughter try to discover whether men really do rule the world, by listening to a programme on the World Service. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC‘s Deputy Director of News faces questions from listeners about the Corporation’s Covid coverage. Jonathan Munro hears concerns that his journalists are not tough enough on the Government, and are neglecting other vital stories. And two young politics graduates who never switch on Radio 4, are exposed to the News Quiz. Did it raise a smile? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

How is Emma Barnett settling in as the main presenter of Woman’s Hour? Is she turning the programme into a radio version of Newsnight? In the first edition of a new series of Feedback listeners give their contrasting views. Also this week, the departing newsreaders Corrie Corfield and Neil Sleat confess their broadcasting sins, including accidentally taking Radio 4 off air. And two young politics graduates who have never heard the Today programme, give it a listen. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

After almost half a century, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue is still the most popular radio comedy, according to a poll of Radio Times readers. The producer of the series for nearly 30 years is Jon Naismith. He gives insights into the show and explains that it nearly didn’t survive the pilot. Equally loved by radio listeners is the Christmas Eve broadcast from Kings College Chapel, Cambridge. Producer Philip Billson explains how the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will sound with no congregation present, and the choir socially distanced. And do you care whether Bollywood is monopolising the modern Indian music scene? Husband and wife amateur reviewers have very different views. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Just as Woman’s Hour listeners were getting used to the idea of losing long-standing presenter Dame Jenni Murray, there came the news that another favourite, Jane Garvey, was also heading for the exit. So what is going on at one of Radio 4’s staple programmes? Jane joins Roger Bolton to talk about the reasons for her departure, and what is next on her agenda. And do we need to question the genius of Beethoven? Two listeners give their verdict. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

What is the truth about the White Helmets who rescue bomb victims in Syria, and was one of their leaders, a former British soldier, murdered, or did he commit suicide? The presenter and producer of the Radio 4 podcast series Mayday answers listeners’ questions. And the BBC’s daily consumer programme You and Yours is 50 years old. The editor explains to Roger Bolton how, after half a century on air, they never run out of material. And two listeners review a programme where remarkable poetry is produced from a mental illness. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is the Archers back to its best? After a torrid time under lockdown restrictions, the drama is nearly back to its pre-Covid level of production. Currently it has a powerful storyline with Alice Carter’s alcoholism and pregnancy producing compelling radio. Has it been enough to lure back some once regular listeners? As she clocks up 25 years presenting Today in Parliament, Susan Hulme takes Feedback behind the scenes in the tense countdown to transmission. And did our listeners find Radio 4’s The Likely Dads entertaining and informative? Or neither? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Should BBC journalists come off the fence and campaign over climate change? That's one of the questions raised by Feedback listeners and put to Justin Rowlatt, the corporation’s chief environment correspondent. Was the Radio 4 series The Unknown Warrior too misty eyed, and insufficiently indignant about the way lions were led by donkeys into the slaughter of the Somme? And our Out Of Your Comfort Zone listeners tune in to a history programme on the BBC World Service. Did they tune out before the end? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

BBC radio listeners are expressing their concerns about the cuts to BBC News and the departure of several senior correspondents. Roger Bolton discusses their reaction with a former editor of the Today programme. Roger Mosey who was also a former editorial director with the corporation gives his thoughts on this and cuts to local radio, which means there will be fewer reporters in the regions. The editor of Radio 4’s Bringing up Britain series defends his programme from accusations of bias in favour of one child families. And - the mystery of Elton John’s dog that did not bark, in a Radio 3 programme about composers and their dogs. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Veteran broadcaster Mark Mardell has just left the Corporation. He said goodbye to listeners of the World at One and The World This Weekend and now feels free to speak his mind. He tells Roger Bolton about his concerns over the reporting of Donald Trump and his supporters. He also explains why he believes cuts in the numbers of BBC reporters threatens to damage its journalism, and discusses the new Director General’s campaign on impartiality. And two listeners give their thoughts on the Radio 5 Live podcast What Planet Are We On? in which Sir David Attenborough outlines his concerns about the environment. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Roger asks the BBC’s North America editor Jon Sopel how he attempts to set his own agenda and remain impartial in one of the most divisive US elections of all time. And who is his Americast podcast aimed at? Also this week two British Asian listeners will cast a critical ear over the Asian network. Is it for them? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4.

There is to be a new chairman of the BBC, and several high profile figures have been linked with the position. In Feedback this week Roger attempts to try and find out how much power the new chairman will have, and whether he or she will be accountable in any way to the licence-fee payer. Journalist and broadcaster Anne McElvoy talks about her attempts to get political opponents to actually listen to each other in her new Radio 4 series of, Across the Red Line. And two British born American listeners review the Americast podcast, how does it compare to US election coverage? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC’s Medical Editor is once more reporting from the Covid front line. Roger Bolton asks Fergus Walsh what lessons he has learned from covering the first wave. What is code switching? The BBC Radio 4 programme of that name raised some questions from Feedback listeners, Roger asks a linguistics academic to explain. And Nancy Sinatra puts on her boots again. Did she walk all over our listener reviewers? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

An in-depth interview with the Controller of Radio 4, Mohit Bakaya. He has been in charge of Radio 4, Radio 4 Extra and Radio 4 podcasts for almost a year, and before that had been a commissioning editor at the network since 2008. He responds to listeners’ questions about The Archers, Desert Island Discs, Woman’s Hour, coronavirus coverage and his plans for the future. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Paula Prynn A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC’s head of statistics discusses the reliability of figures broadcast for coronavirus infections and deaths. Was the Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini a suitable subject for Radio 4’s Great Lives series? The programme’s presenter Matthew Parris defends the decision. And two amateur reviewers give their verdict on an episode of Woman’s Hour. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Now that the Archers have started talking to each other face-to-face Alison Hindell, the Commissioning Editor in charge of Ambridge, answers listeners' criticisms of the programme during lockdown, and responds to a range of audience views on Radio 4 drama. Producer Sarah Shebbeare discusses her World Service documentary The Death Row Book Club in which an innocent man survived 28 years in solitary confinement. Anthony Ray Hinton who is black spent most of his time on death row in an Alabama jail where he set up his own book club, one of whose members was a Ku Klux Klansman. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is there any point in Radio 4 broadcasting comedy programmes such as the News Quiz without a studio audience and with all the panellists in different places? The executive in charge, Julia McKenzie, joins Roger Bolton to discuss comedy under coronavirus restrictions, and whether Just a Minute will return now that its legendary presenter Nicholas Parsons has left the stage. And the BBC';s Director of Radio and Education, James Purnell, discusses the recently announced plan to improve representation of minorities in radio and answers questions from a listener who suggests that improving diversity of class at the BBC is just as important. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The outgoing Editor of Radio 4’s Today Programme is heading off to a monastery in France. Has three years of editing the BBC‘s flagship radio news programme led to her taking the veil? Sarah Sands reflects on her tenure and brings an ‘outsider's’ view of Today and the BBC - and explains she’s going on retreat to write a book. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is it worth the BBC holding the Proms this year without an audience present? Controller of Radio 3 Alan Davey discusses the value of the Proms without Promenaders. Test Match Special is back, also without crowds of spectators, and with the commentators in safety bubbles, TMS Producer Adam Mountford explains how they are muddling through, and reveals who upset the England team with their impromptu concert. And two more listeners turn amateur reviewers of a programme on 6 Music. Will they travel outside of their comfort zones? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Was Cleopatra secretly carried into her first audience with Julius Caesar wrapped in a duvet rather than a carpet? Radio 4’s Homeschool History claims a duvet is nearer the truth than Hollywood’s version. Presenter Greg Jenner outlines his evidence. Two Feedback listeners review a Radio 2 documentary about Italia 90. Did it take them out of their comfort zones? And will these latest cuts to the local radio budget prove too much for the service to bear? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is the study of crowd control a suitable one for scientists? Radio 4’s The Life Scientific thought so but some Feedback listeners disagreed. Did the Rethink series which brought together three BBC radio networks deliver on its promise to explore new ways of thinking after the coronavirus crisis? And two listeners living abroad who enjoy Radio 4, review and give their verdicts about a programme on Radio 3. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Does the BBC need to rethink its business coverage in light of the coronavirus epidemic? The BBC’s Business Editor Simon Jack gives his view and answers listeners' questions. Journalist Nick Wallis explains why he spent ten years on an investigation into the treatment of sub-postmasters by the Post Office, which has now been turned into a ten-part series on Radio 4. And two listeners living abroad explain why they listen to the BBC’s domestic radio output, and turn amateur reviewers of a Radio 4 programme. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The Archers has taken a dramatic turn – but is it for the worse? As internal monologues replace dramatic dialogue and confrontation, listeners give their verdicts on the most radical transformation in the soap’s long history. As Tim Harford prepares to do even more episodes of Radio 4’s More or Less, he explains to Roger about the use - and abuse - of statistics. And should Radio 4 Extra stop repeating comedies from what is claimed to be the racist past? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

How well is BBC News rising to the challenge of reporting the coronavirus pandemic, and what should its role be? Should it support the Government at this time of national crisis or continue with tough forensic questioning and reporting? Roger Bolton puts listeners’ comments and questions about the coronavirus coverage to Gavin Allen, the head of BBC News output. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Does the BBC’s coronavirus podcast put too much emphasis on politics and not enough on medical science? That's one of the comments from listeners discussed by Roger Bolton with Dino Sofos, the editor of the Coronavirus Newscast. Roger also asks a transgender priest why she chose the issue of her identity as a subject for her Lent Talk on Radio 4, and why she was inspired by Jesus Christ’s journey of self-discovery. And a mother and daughter turn their attentions to the heavens and listen to a documentary about the Hubble telescope. Are they well outside their comfort zones? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Does BBC local radio have a special role to play in the coverage of the coronavirus crisis and, with many of its staff in isolation, does it have the resources to do it? Roger Bolton puts these and other questions to Chris Burns who runs BBC local radio. A reporter from Radio Gloucestershire explains how her station is coping, having only just finished covering the terrible floods in the Severn area before the virus struck. And two more listeners have been taken out of their comfort zones. Has it changed their listening habits? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Chris Mason is now presenting Any Questions on BBC Radio 4 in a room alone and without an audience. He tells Roger Bolton how this has changed the programme, and listerners give their views on missing the applause, the boos and the hisses. Also, listeners discuss whether a coronavirus free Ambridge is absurd or a refreshing change from the real world, and if it was wise to blow up Linda Snell. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Feedback devotes the whole programme to putting listeners’ questions and concerns to the BBC’s Director of Radio and Education James Purnell. He tells Roger Bolton how the Corporation is coping in the present crisis and what changes we can expect in the near future. And they go on to discuss the future strategic challenges facing the Corporation as its own financial problems increase and with the future of the licence fee itself under examination. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

In Feedback this week, the latest information on how the BBC is responding to the coronavirus crisis and making changes to its radio schedules. Two listeners will venture well out of their comfort zones to listen to a very disturbing story on the World Service. And is this the moment when slow radio comes into its own? The producer of Living National Treasures sings the praises of a sculptor’s chisel. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

As the coronavirus outbreak is confirmed as a pandemic, the BBC’s medical correspondent Fergus Walsh talks about the daily dilemmas he faces in reporting the story, and answers comments from the audience about the coverage. The Editor of Ramblings - a long-running staple of the BBC Radio 4 schedules - responds to some listeners who think it has lost its way. And two more listeners review That Peter Crouch Podcast. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

As the Ambridge storyline about historic child sex abuse comes to an end, Roger Bolton hears audience views and discovers how The Archers production team handled this difficult story. The Editor of The Archers, Jeremy Howe, explains how the story was planned and why a much loved character, the retired academic Jim, was chosen to be at the centre of the plot. Also, a father and daughter try - and fail - to agree on whether some new radio comics on Radio 5 Live are actually funny. And media analyst Claire Enders spells out the existential crisis facing the BBC, as listeners comment on the future of the licence fee. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

A senior BBC News executive discusses the extensive coverage given to the coronavirus Covid-19 as it continues its spread around the world. The award-winning comedian Jon Holmes explains how he thinks the audience should listen to his new Radio 4 comedy series, The Skewer. And two more listener reviewers give their thoughts on a long-running Radio 4 programme. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Director of BBC News and Current Affairs, Fran Unsworth, answers listener concerns about the planned cuts and fears they will lead to the loss of distinctiveness for programmes such as Today, The World at One and PM. She explains the changes and why she believes there is no alternative. Also, can science help dispel racist myths? We discuss Adam Rutherford’s Book of the Week on BBC R4, How to Argue with a Racist. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Radio 3 had a much admired schedule, so why change it? That's one of the questions Roger Bolton puts to Radio 3's Controller of Radio 3, Alan Davey, in the last programme of the current series. Also, two listener reviewers have some pungent comments to make about a popular history podcast and The Observer’s Miranda Sawyer gives Radio 4 some radical advice. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

As the Government boycotts BBC Radio 4’s the Today programme, Roger Bolton asks the Editor, Sarah Sands, for her view and how she will respond. Also on Feedback this week, two more listeners - a mother and daughter - are taken out of their comfort zones to listen to George the Poet, with surprising results. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Kamal Ahmed the Editorial Director of BBC News answers listeners' questions on the BBC election coverage. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Has the BBC overdone its coverage of Prince Andrew’s relationship with a convicted paedophile? The BBC’s royal correspondent Jonny Dymond discusses this issue and talks about the challenges of reporting the royals. Also, do you have to be middle class and Oxbridge educated to get in - and get ahead - in the BBC? And two listeners review a late night Radio 3 discussion programme. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Listeners ask if it was fair of Radio 4’s The Long View to compare Extinction Rebellion with the Bonfire of the Vanities, conducted by a fifteenth century prophet of doom? The programme’s series producer discusses the comparison with Roger Bolton. We also hear from the producer of Only Artists, a programme about which few listeners are indifferent. Most either love it or hate it. And two listeners give their views on the World Service radio programme which suggested Zimbabwean grandmothers may have a solution to the mental health problems of the West’s Twitter generation. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The Today programme presenter Nick Robinson defends broadcast coverage of the election, while also admitting that some mistakes are made. He also discusses how he is preparing for chairing the next leaders’ debate. Two young people who had never listened to BBC radio until last week are given the task of reviewing a second popular Radio 4 programme. Will PM persuade them to tune-in in the future? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Why will there only be two party leaders in the big election debate - not three or more? That's one of the questions a BBC Executive responsible for the election coverage addresses on this week's Feedback. The producer of the latest bumper BBC podcast, Tunnel 29, explains why she turned to the TV serial Eastenders for inspiration. And two young people try listening to Radio 4 for the first time and give their reaction. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Does the BBC censor its radio comedies in the run-up to the Election? Does every joke about Boris Johnson have to be followed by one about Jeremy Corbyn? In Feedback this week, the executive in charge of The Now Show, Dead Ringers and the News Quiz, answers these questions and also addresses allegations of left wing bias in BBC radio comedy programmes. Another senior BBC Executive explains how he hopes to persuade young people to switch on to the news, when most seem to want to run a mile. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Does the Radio 4 series The Corrections need correcting? In Feedback this week, its presenter Jo Fidgen faces some critical questions from listeners. The head of the BBC news output, Gavin Allen, tells Roger Bolton he is actually looking forward to the General Election campaign. But will he get rid of those vox pops which irritate many Feedback listeners? And does the World Service care about listeners in the UK? If so why does the schedule shift when the clocks change? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Does Radio 4's The Corrections need correcting? The programme that claims major news stories could be misleading or even deeply flawed has come in for criticism from some listeners. Roger Bolton considers their concerns. Also - was one of Kirsty Wark’s interviews on Start the Week unfair to vegans? And two more Radio 4 listeners turned reviewers leave their comfort zones and head for the great unknown - or, in their case, Radio 5 Live. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

In Feedback this week have the Extinction Rebellion protests been under reported on BBC Radio? Some listeners think so and are deeply suspicious about the motivation. There is also widespread discontent about the Corporation’s decision to withdraw its programmes from TuneIn, a service which woke them up to Radio 4 each morning. And two more listeners leave their comfort zones and head for the great unknown. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC’s Political Correspondent Chris Mason is to take over the chair of Any Questions, and on Feedback he tells Roger whether he intends to intervene as often as his predecessor Jonathan Dimbleby. After an avalanche of complaints about the performance of BBC Sounds the executive responsible explains the decision to close the Radio iPlayer and defends the new platform against its critics. And how appealing is Jeremy Vine’s show on Radio 2 to some loyal Radio 4 listeners? Feedback’s regular listener review has the answer. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

How realistic are the storylines in the Archers? Is the soap really an everyday story of country folk? In Feedback this week Roger Bolton talks to an Archers Academic who analyses the heart breaking tale of Ed and Emma and their lost home. Do you know who the Grime Granny is? Two listeners go far beyond their comfort zones to discover an unlikely 80 year old fan of urban music. And is the BBC still a bastion of privilege dominated by privately educated alumni of Oxbridge? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton asks the man who regulates what you listen to on BBC radio, Ofcom's Kevin Bakhurst, why the BBC needs an external regulator after years of regulating itself. Two more listeners move out of their comfort zones to consider babies grown inside bags - science fiction or future science fact? And one of the BBC’s comedy greats, Barry Cryer, tells Roger whether today’s new radio comedies can compare to those golden oldies like I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue - and says whether or not he is about to retire prematurely from the programme at the early age of 84. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Is the age of the wireless coming to an end? Roger Bolton invites the doyen of radio critics Gillian Reynolds to cast an experienced eye over the BBC’s on-line strategy and the price its radio networks like Radio 4 are paying for it. Roger also asks Radio 4 PM presenter Evan Davis if he is becoming disillusioned by the way politicians seem to be embracing a post-truth world and avoiding directly answering his questions. And more listeners leap out of their comfort zones - this time to embrace Michael Caine. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Given that he has a questionable relationship with the truth, should President Trump’s speeches be broadcast without comment or context. That's what Radio 4's PM programme did. Presenter Evan Davis discusses the dilemma the programme team faced and whether or not the BBC should call the US President a liar or a racist. We’ll also hear from one of the great broadcasters, James Burke, 50 years after he steered a massive audience through the first moon landings. Has even he had enough of the anniversary programmes? And listeners give their verdicts on an extraordinary World service programme about a man whose seven daughters were captured by ISIS. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alun Beach Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Are the BBC Proms elitist? In Feedback this week, the Controller of the Proms David Pickard passionately rejects suggestion. "Trite and naïve." That was Rajan Datar’s view of Norman Tebbit’s cricket test. Was the presenter guilty of being judge and jury - opinionated when he should have been impartial? And two listeners review Private Passions, a programme they would not normally switch on. Would they do so a second time? Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

What is it like to be the only women in the BBC Test Match special commentary box? Alison Mitchell takes us inside the holy of cricketing holies, and summariser Vic Marks explains why he often stays silent. We also hear from the commissioning executive of the Asian Network on whether the so-called Tebbit Test has any relevance today. Also, 5 Live’s Pienaars Politics a switch-on or a switch-off? Our latest pair of guest listener reviewers share their thoughts. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Are BBC presenters paid too much? Are audience figures declining dangerously, particularly among the young? In this week's Feedback, Roger Bolton explores the facts behind the highly critical headlines following the publication of the BBC's annual report. Also, Today’s Nick Robinson will answer claims that lies and factual inaccuracies have been insufficiently challenged in the Brexit and Conservative leadership campaigns. And fascinating stories from an unseen Africa excite our latest panel of listener reviewers. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Has the political interview lost its way? Is it in danger of just descending into an uninformative shouting match? In Feedback this week Roger Bolton turns the microphone on Today’s Nick Robinson - putting him in the interviewee’s chair for a change. What’s the point of randomly selecting a destination and committing to making a programme about it without any idea of the possible content? Roger puts this question and more to the producer of The Patch on Radio 4. And listeners who do not normally catch Radio 4’s Sunday programme switch on their alarm clocks and tell us what they think of the early morning religious programme. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

In Feedback this week Roger Bolton asks if Jo Brand went too far on Radio 4’s comedy show Heresy, and whether some subjects should be off limits all together. The row about the BBC withdrawing free TV licences from most over 75s won’t go away. Would it be better for the Corporation to cut BBC2 and Radio 5 Live? Roger hears your views. And the Head of BBC Newsgathering, Jonathan Munro, is back to answer charges that his journalists aren’t sufficiently challenging in their political interviews. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton presents the programme that holds the BBC to account on behalf of the radio audience. This week - who should sit in the News Quiz chair now that Miles Jupp has decided to vacate it? Roger asks one of its regular panellists, Hugo Rifkind, if he is a candidate. The BBC’s head of newsgathering Jonathan Munro is also in the studio to answer audience questions about the coverage of recent elections. And the Reith Lectures have been running since 1948, have they now reached their sell-by date? The editor Hugh Levinson tells us why he believes they are as necessary as ever. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon Executive Producer: Samir Shah A Juniper Connect production for BBC Radio 4

As Feedback turns 40 this month, Roger Bolton quizzes outgoing Radio 4's Controller Gwyneth Williams about the twists and turns of her tenure before she passes her baton on to the new boss. While BBC Sounds has come under criticism from some users, there has been high praise for one of its original podcasts. NB is a series about being non-binary - people who don't identify with traditional gender labels - and has struck a chord with many of its listeners. We hear their views on the series. With Brexit dominating the news agenda, a number of Feedback listeners say that the issue of climate change is being underplayed. Roger talks to David Shukman, the Science Editor for BBC News, and Deborah Cohen, the Science Editor for BBC Radio, about coverage of the issue - and its prominence. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton discusses changes at Radio 6 Music , the end of iPM and re-inventing local radio, and talks to Eric Robson about saying goodbye to GQT. Judging by audiences and awards at least, Radio 6 Music was on a roll. So it surprised many when a major shake up of the schedule was announced for 2019, including giving Lauren Laverne the coveted breakfast show and moving the much loved Radcliffe and Maconie from weekdays to weekends. Roger puts listener views to the Head of Radio 6 Music, Paul Rodgers, and asks why he made this decision. iPM, the listener driven weekly companion to PM, is the latest victim of BBC cutbacks. We hear from listeners who have filled the Feedback inbox with frustration at the news. What does it mean to "re-invent" local radio? A few weeks ago, Feedback went to Leeds to try and shed some light on the BBC's plans to reverse a decline in local listening figures and transform its local offering to attract younger and more diverse audiences. This week, Roger speaks to Chris Burns, the BBC's recently installed Head of Local Radio, to find out more. And Eric Robson has chaired Gardener's Question Time for 25 years but, at the end of the month, he's stepping aside to be replaced by Kathy Clugston. Ahead of a recording in the idyllic surroundings of the Oxford Botanical Garden, he reflects on his career and offers advice to his successor. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton hears listener views on a documentary investigating the role of women on the far-right, and discusses the BBC's annual plan. Radio 4 documentary In The Right caused controversy this week, stirring debate from listeners over whether figures considered to be on the far-right should be given airtime. The programme, presented by journalist Lara Whyte, investigated young women in hardline right wing social media. Roger speaks with the producer of the programme Max O'Brien, and Radio 4's Editor of Editorial Standards Roger Mahony, about the issue of giving airtime to fringe, contentious voices. Google podcast app users were annoyed this week when they found they could no longer listen to new BBC shows on the app, or on Google devices like smart speakers and phones. Caroline Crampton from HotPod discusses the reasons behind the BBC's decision to pull it's content from the platform. Listeners have long shared their concerns that Radio 4 is pushing hard for younger listeners at the expense of older audiences. Meanwhile, cuts continue to be imposed on programme budgets and staff numbers. They're both issues that have come to the forefront as the BBC publishes its annual plan, setting priorities and budgets for the year. Colin Browne, Chairman of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer, spoke to Roger about how these changes are generating concern among license fee payers across the country. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton asks the BBC News Editorial Director if the BBC should have termed events in Christchurch "terrorism", PM editor Owenna Griffiths discusses coverage of Brexit, and listeners give their views on cuts to Radio 3's Late Junction. Recent BBC coverage of the Christchurch attack in New Zealand has sparked criticism from some listeners who take issue with the language used to describe the events. Others were frustrated by what they saw as disproportionate coverage and still more were annoyed when the BBC chose to name the alleged shooter in news bulletins. Roger puts these comments to the BBC News Editorial Director, Kamal Ahmed, and asks whether the BBC should have termed the atrocity a "terrorist attack". For 20 years, Late Junction has been the home for experimental music on Radio 3. However, it's being reduced from three nights a week to one extended show on Friday nights. Late Junction listeners call on Radio 3's Controller to reverse the decision. And, has Brexit begun to exhaust journalists and audiences alike? Owenna Griffiths, Editor of Radio 4's PM, tells Roger what she thinks she could be doing better and explains what she sees as her programme's unique role in approaching the story. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton on the future for radio listening using smart speakers and the reinvention of BBC local radio, and audience comment on whether or not Michael Jackson's music should be played on the BBC. The BBC has recently launched plans to find a new generation of local radio presenters in an effort to turn around declining audiences. Feedback reporter Rob Crossan has travelled to BBC Radio Leeds to see how the plans are working out in practice. The conversation over whether Michael Jackson's music should be played on the BBC rumbles on. This week, Feedback listeners weigh in. Smart speakers are now included in the list of items used to measure inflation in the UK. With their increased popularity, what does the BBC hope to develop for the new technology? Roger goes to the heart of the BBC's research and development programme, the Blue Room, to find out what's in the pipeline. And listeners give their thoughts on The Absence of Normal - a new series of comedy plays by anarchic comedian Alexei Sayle. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton talks to BBC's Seoul Correspondent Laura Bicker about the challenges of covering US-Korean relations, goes behind the scenes at the news podcast Beyond Today, and chats to writer and director John Dryden about the inspiration for the world of Tumanbay. Since 2017, BBC Correspondent Laura Bicker has been based in Seoul, after two years in her Washington posting. She speaks to Roger about the challenges of covering relations from Seoul, and why she jumped at the opportunity to move away from the White House. Beyond Today is the brainchild of former Today programme editor John Shields. This week, Roger met with John and one of the presenters, Matthew Price, to find out why they are changing their approach to news to reach out to a younger audience. And the creator of BBC Radio 4 drama Tumanbay John Dryden discusses the inspiration behind the epic saga. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton talks to the Editorial Director for BBC News, Kamal Ahmed, about his approach to Brexit coverage, producers Jonquil Panting and Beth Eastwood reflect on the making of Test Case about Debby Purdy, and there's the second part of an interview with Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for the Arts, James Runcie. How is the BBC responding to listener's thoughts on the way Brexit is covered in the news? The new Editorial Director for BBC News, Kamal Ahmed, explains how he wants to put the public at the heart of setting the agenda in Brexit: Our Stories. The landmark case of Debbie Purdy had a profound influence on discussions around assisted dying within the UK. Jonquil Panting and Beth Eastwood discuss how they combined drama and discussion to tell her story in Test Case: Debbie Purdy. Last week we heard from BBC Radio 4's part-time Commissioning Editor for the Arts, James Runcie. In this week's second part of the interview, James gives his thoughts on arts coverage aimed at attracting younger audiences. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Deborah Dudgeon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton talks to former Radio 4 Controller Mark Damazer about the challenges and joys facing whoever takes the job next, James Runcie reflects on his role as commissioning editor for arts on Radio 4, and we hear your responses to a slate of new breakfast shows. Zoe Ball and Lauren Laverne are the new voices of Radio 2 and Radio 6music's breakfast shows, and John Humphrys has announced his departure from the Today Programme. Listeners give their reactions to changing sounds of early morning BBC radio. In January, Gwyneth Williams announced her departure from the BBC as Radio 4's controller. Now the job is up for grabs, former controller Mark Damazer speaks to Roger about the joys, hurdles and room for experimentation open to whoever takes on the role next. What makes a good arts programme? In the first part of Roger's interview with Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Arts James Runcie, he hears listener reactions to the programmes he's put on air since he took the job in 2016, and discusses his hopes for inclusion and diversity. And the presenter and co-producer of Beyond Tara and George, Audrey Gillan, discusses the difficulties of being both a friend and journalist to the homeless couple at the heart of her series. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Robert Nicholson Executive Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton catches up with Evan Davis to share listener views on his new role as PM’s presenter. How has Evan found the transition from Today and Newsnight, and where does he want to take the programme now that he’s at the helm? Also, listeners respond to this week’s Archive on 4 about Apollo 8 and reporter Karen Pirie travels to Perivale where the vast BBC audio archives are stored. She meets with the archive’s collections manager, Elliot Gibson, and talks to some of the radio producers who plunder its depths to bring lost voices back to life. Finally, while Sailing By, Radio 4’s late night precursor to the Shipping Forecast, acts as a kind of lullaby to most listeners, it has a very different effect on listener Reverend Ian Robinson’s Tibetan terrier Oswald. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton travels to Dane Court School in Broadstairs, Kent for a programme edited by listener and teacher Ben Forward. Under Ben’s guidance Roger explores young people’s listening habits and discusses what the BBC needs to do to attract a younger audience. Also, Roger meets the BBC’s Deputy Political Editor, John Pienaar, outside the Houses of Parliament to talk about another tumultuous week in Westminster. In the face of fierce debate about the BBC’s impartiality, John answers listener questions and reflects on his role at the forefront of news coverage Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

This week, Roger Bolton hears from listeners concerned that the BBC gives too much time to so-called Think Tanks - without disclosing their political leanings or how they're funded. Should Think Tanks be obliged to reveal their sources of funding before being allowed on air? Continuing our late night listening theme, Dotun Adebayo, presenter of BBC 5 Live’s ‘Up All Night’, shares some moving experiences he’s had on the show, and reveals a rather unlikely source of company in the wee small hours. And Roger speaks to DJ Deke Duncan, who has been catapulted to fame 44 years after setting up his own one-man radio station in his garden shed. Deke’s somewhat limited audience is about to get a lot bigger… Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Karen Pirie Feedback is a Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.

This week Roger Bolton explores the role of the BBC’s Reality Check correspondent following a series of heated Brexit debates on Today and PM. He turns to a professor of journalism, Justin Lewis, for some impartial guidance on this most incendiary of subjects. In part two of Roger’s interview with James Purnell, he asks the BBC’s Director of Radio and Education to respond to criticism from older listeners who feel shunned by the Corporation. BBC Radio Sheffield is on the hunt for new local talent, and they’re going about it in a rather unusual way. The station’s editor, Katrina Bunker, reveals that a new voice will be recruited via X-Factor style auditions in an effort to reach out to local communities. And whodunit? Roger tracks the mystery of the missing episode of a BBC drama, and we hear the bizarre explanation for its absence from the BBC Complaints Unit.

How should licence fees for the over-75s be funded? Roger Bolton talks to James Purnell, one of the most powerful men in BBC radio, as the Corporation launches a public consultation. Roger also meets Baroness Warsi at the House of Lords. Frustrated by stereotypes of Muslim women, her recent BBC Radio 4 programme How to be a Muslim Woman has set out to change the conversation. As the BBC’s Grenfell Tower Inquiry podcast marks its 100th edition, we hear from listeners and its editor, Jasper Corbett. He talks about where he draws the line on broadcasting distressing content and why day-by-day coverage of the Inquiry remains important. And, as we approach midwinter, night-time radio listeners share their nocturnal habits and reveal the programmes that they turn to in the small hours. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alice Bloch A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton talks to Katya Adler about covering Brexit, and hears listener views on BBC Sounds, University Unchallenged and the conclusion of Home Front. It’s been a busy news week for those keeping track of Brexit, with the news moving almost too fast to follow. But what's it like for the reporters tasked with explaining it? Roger Bolton speaks to the BBC’s Europe editor, Katya Adler about the past week at the coalface. The BBC Radio 4 documentary University Unchallenged asked if universities have enough breadth of political opinion, considering whether the intellectual climate in academia is being constrained by a lack of "viewpoint diversity". But listeners were split on whether the programme took the right approach. Producer Martin Rosenbaum answers their comments. Since its recent launch, the BBC Sounds website and app have been a regular subject of discussion in the Feedback inbox. After more mixed comments from the audience, Executive Product Manager of BBC Sounds, Chris Kimber, speaks to Roger and answers listener comments queries. Finally, listeners reflect on the conclusion of Radio 4 series Home Front, a drama that charted everyday life in Britain during World War One. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Alice Bloch Executive Producer: Deborah Dudgeon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton with audience comment on BBC radio. The new BBC Sounds app launched last week. Designed to eventually replace iPlayer Radio, its primary aim is to get young people listening to BBC content. So what do listeners make of it? Roger hears their views and talks to media consultant and podcast expert Matt Deegan. Living with the Empire, a recent BBC Radio 4 series, examined the legacy of the British Empire, looking for its traces in the UKs monuments, people and contested memories. It was presented by historian and MP Kwasi Kwarteng, who responds to listener reaction and reflects on the making and timing of the three part series. A century after the end of World War One, the Radio 4 drama series Tommies is coming to a close. It's been on air for the length of the war centenary, with each episode tracing one real day at war, exactly 100 years later. Feedback goes behind the scenes as the team records the episode for Armistice Day. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton takes up concerns over presenter changes at Radio 2 and he investigates the BBC’s new push for younger listeners with the launch of the BBC Sounds app aimed at the "headphone generation". How will it affect loyal live radio listeners? The BBC's Director of Radio and Music, Bob Shennan, answers the questions. He shares his regrets about Simon Mayo leaving Radio 2 and is frank about the effect of listener reaction to the stations new drivetime programme on co-presenter Jo Whiley. This week, the BBC launched its new listening app, BBC Sounds. It is directly targeting younger listeners, many of whom enjoy listening to audio on their phones but do not listen to the radio. Jason Phipps, the BBC’s first dedicated commissioning editor for podcasts, tells Roger about the BBC's planned new podcasts, and listeners share their favourite podcast picks. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

Roger Bolton goes behind the scenes at The World at One and hears listener reaction to Simon Mayo’s upcoming departure from BBC Radio 2. After only a few months on air, the BBC Radio 2 Drivetime show presented by Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley is set to end, following Simon Mayo's decision to leave the station altogether. Listeners give their views and radio critic Gillian Reynolds reflects on this latest high profile presenter departure. Earlier this year, Sarah Montague swapped jobs with fellow BBC Radio 4 presenter Martha Kearney - Sarah became the host of The World at One, while Martha joined the early risers at Today. Roger visits the programme to discuss the move with Sarah and gets an insight into the decision-making that goes into the programme on a daily basis. Last week’s Sunday Worship, Postcards from the Land of Grief, was a reflective and personal journey from loss to hope, presented by the Reverend Richard Littledale. Listeners who were struck by its words and music talk about the programme. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4

After a week that saw Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab hurry to Brussels for talks, the BBC’s Brussels reporter Adam Fleming talks to Roger Bolton. He shares his personal insights into the challenges of covering breaking news on Brexit. The BBC Radio 4 series ‘The Anatomy of Loneliness’ came to a close this week. It explored the results of the BBC’s Loneliness Experiment, an online survey conducted in collaboration with Wellcome Collection. Roger talks to series presenter Claudia Hammond and BBC Radio Science Unit editor Deborah Cohen and asks: what can we learn from self-selecting surveys? This week marks the end of a government consultation on reforming the 2004 Gender Recognition Act, which set out the legal process by which a person can change their gender. On Tuesday, Radio 4’s ‘Woman’s Hour’ discussed the subject, hearing from voices on various sides of the debate. Feedback hears some listeners’ perspectives on how the issue was discussed. And BBC Radio 5 Live’s competition to find the Young Commentator of the Year is open for entries. But what makes for a pitch perfect sports commentary? Roger talks to last year’s winner Isaac Barrington and to 5 Live commentator John Murray to hear their tips on painting a picture of sport live on air. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4

News editor for BBC News and Current Affairs James Stephenson joins Roger Bolton to discuss how BBC Radio should be covering man-made climate change. As new presenters are announced on Radios 2 and 4, listeners react to the choices. And podcast fans love Intrigue: The Ratline but can it work as well for a radio audience? Members of staff are being encouraged to enrol on a course detailing the BBC’s approach to climate change coverage and an editorial policy note distributed last month stated “you do not need to include outright deniers of climate change in BBC coverage”. News coverage of the recent IPCC’s report has left listeners with mixed opinions on whether there’s been a change of tone in the reporting. Roger puts your thoughts to James Stephenson, who accepts presentation errors were made recently. Hot on the heels of Eddie Mair’s departure from PM, Chris Evans announced he was leaving too. As their replacements are announced, we hear your thoughts on Evan Davis and Zoe Ball being appointed as their replacements. Intrigue: The Ratline is both a traditional broadcast programme and an extended podcast. A story of love, spies and genocide, podcast listeners have been gripped. Editor Hugh Levinson sits down with Roger to discuss the popular ten-part series and the need to penetrate the podcast market. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production of BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton is joined by A Point of View editor Richard Vadon to discuss the programme's Brexit editions. Also, PM listeners bid a fond farewell to Eddie Mair and review his temporary replacement, and we go behind the scenes at BBC Research and Development to see how the department is reinventing radio for a younger audience. Author Michael Morpurgo's recent episode of A Point of View divided listeners. He took a heavily critical stance of Brexit, titling the edition Think Again and making a passionate plea for the people of the UK to reconsider the decision to leave the EU. It came hot on the heels of John Gray's episode, Brexit and Illiberal Europe, in which the philosopher criticised the Remain camp. Both episodes angered many listeners. Roger puts their comments to the programme's editor Richard Vadon. The BBC has recently promised to "reinvent radio" for a new generation, but what will the radio of the future look and sound like? Feedback reporter Rob Crossan takes us behind the scenes of the BBC's Research and Development unit, teenagers in tow, to see and hear their work. As Eddie Mair makes his low-key exit from the PM hot seat, listeners reflect on Chris Mason's week at the helm. And one Radio 4 listener tells us how she was taken aback while listening to A Life's Work and hearing the familiar voice of her late husband. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Three of the BBC's leading foreign correspondents discuss reporting foreign news in extraordinary times - with Roger Bolton. Jon Sopel is the BBC's North America Editor, Lyse Doucet is Chief International Correspondent and Steve Rosenberg is the Moscow correspondent. They answer listeners' questions and talk about the unique challenges of their roles - from reporting amid the Syrian Civil War to being called an "enemy of the people" by the President of the United States. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks why Today is losing listeners and hears views on the Radio 1 interview that never aired. Natalie Haynes talks about finding hilarity in antiquity. The latest set of RAJAR radio listening figures were released this week. There was a big fall in the number of people tuning in to Radio 4's Today. We hear from disgruntled listeners about why they've stopped listening and former Editor of Today and Controller of 5Live, Roger Mosey, discusses whether the corporation should be worried. Radio 1 caused a social media storm last week by first trailing - and then cancelling - an interview with the controversial YouTube vlogger Logan Paul. The online star had been invited for an interview with Charlie Sloth despite making headlines earlier this year when he made a video that many felt made light of suicide. Listeners explain why they were angry about the interview and respond to Radio 1's explanation for cancelling it. Natalie Haynes Stands up for the Classics is perhaps the model of an unlikely hit - a self-described ex-comedian looking for humorous ways to explore the lives of figures from ancient history. Feedback listeners seem to love it, so Natalie joins Roger Bolton to answer their questions and reveal the origin of her obsession with Classics. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton shares listener reaction with Michael Howard and Ed Miliband, Evan Davis discusses Sweet Reason and there's audience comment on Where's the F in News? Are debates on the radio too angry? Has everyone stopped listening and just become determined to get their own view across? Evan Davis's new programme Sweet Reason is designed to be an alternative to adversarialism. But, when it made its debut, it still had some Feedback listeners shouting at the radio. Evan joins Roger to talk about making a reasonable programme in a divided age and answers listeners' comments on the way he handled the topic of Patriarchy in the first episode. Where's the F in News? is Radio 4's first all-female comedy panel show. When started its first full series on Friday, it split the Feedback inbox between enthusiastic fans and those who felt it just wasn't funny. We hear the listeners' verdict. And Lord Michael Howard and Ed Miliband MP have completed their runs sitting in for Jeremy Vine. The former Conservative leader was earning his first cap for network while, by comparison, his Labour counterpart is a seasoned veteran. They join Roger to react to audience views and reflect on the experience. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listener views on the Sir Cliff Richard verdict and finds out about the new wave of World Service podcasts. BBC News executive James Stephenson discusses the corporation's Brexit coverage and Chris Mason talks about accents in politics. This week, a legal ruling awarded Sir Cliff Richard £210,000 in damages against the BBC with the judge saying some of the news coverage of a police raid on Sir Cliff's home infringed his privacy rights in a "serious" and "somewhat sensationalist" way. Citing concerns with the precedent set down in the case, the BBC has stated that it is considering an appeal. We hear listeners' views. Brexit has been a constant feature in the Feedback inbox and, this week, listeners have been asking why the BBC hasn't put more resources into investigating what they see as Brexit "scandals". Roger puts those concerns to the BBC's News Editor, James Stephenson. Death in Ice Valley, an investigative podcast that looked into the death of an unidentified woman in Norway in 1970, has been downloaded and streamed more than 2.7 million times. It's the BBC's most successful new podcast launch. BBC World Service Podcast Editor Jon Manel, who commissioned the series, joins Feedback to discuss how his network is looking to reach new audiences. And a recent Radio 4 documentary looked at accents and politics, asking Could the PM Have a Brummie Accent? It caught the imagination of many Feedback listeners. Chris Mason, BBC Political correspondent and Yorkshireman, talks about why he took on the topic. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton talks to Brian Cox as The Infinite Monkey Cage reaches its century, discusses the Proms with director David Pickard and airs controversy over the music played on 1Xtra. The documentary Spitting Blades aired on BBC Radio 4, but the complaints in the Feedback inbox were about BBC Radio 1Xtra. During the programme, presenter Simeon Moore, also known as the rapper Zimbo, considered whether some rap music could be helping to glamorise gang violence and raised questions about music played on the BBC's urban station, Radio 1 Xtra. Some Feedback listeners were frustrated by BBC executives from the station declining to appear in the documentary. The Proms started this week with a digital extravaganza projected onto the Royal Albert Hall. Proms director David Pickard discusses gender targets, reaching a younger audience and why he's already booked some performers for 2022. The BBC has released its annual report, revealing many key indicators of its performance as well as the headline-making salary figures of its top stars. Listeners react, and the former BBC Trustee and Radio 4 Controller Mark Damazer chews over the implications of the document. Irreverent science panel show The Infinite Monkey Cage has now reached a hundred episodes - an impressive feat for a show that saw plenty of complaints to Feedback when it first aired. Presenter and physicist Professor Brian Cox and producer Alexandra Feachem hear what listeners make of the show now. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Editor Sarah Sands joins Roger Bolton to discuss online criticism of the Today programme, PM listeners bid goodbye to Eddie Mair and Radio 2 explains why Ed "Death Metal" Miliband is returning to the network, this time alongside Michael Howard. Today has been coming under fire on social media, in the press and in the Feedback inbox. Some listeners and outside critics are decrying what they see as unbalanced news coverage, a lack of hard facts on big issues and overly aggressive interviews from presenters. The Editor Sarah Sands answers the criticisms and discusses her strategy for the future of BBC Radio's flagship news programme. Eddie Mair has just announced that he is seeking a change after 20 years of presenting PM for Radio 4 and heading straight to a commercial competitor. Most, though not all, in the Feedback inbox are dismayed and we hear their messages of farewell. And after putting Ed Miliband in place of Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 made headlines last year, the network has decided to repeat the experiment. The Jeremy Vine show editor, Phil Jones, tells Feedback why they brought Ed back but not Iain Duncan Smith, how he thinks Michael Howard will fare on his debut in Jeremy Vine's chair, and whether he has any big stunts up his sleeve for their shows. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with first reactions to the new BBC Sounds app. Also, Reith lecturer Margaret MacMillan reflects on her task and Mary Ann Sieghart discusses her documentary Gove in Government. Michael Gove is not just a favourite target for satirists, he has also long been one of the most controversial ministers in government. A new documentary, presented by his former Times colleague Mary Ann Sieghart, examined him not in terms of what his policies have accomplished, but by considering his exceptional record of getting those policies enacted in the first place. But many Feedback listeners have taken issue with this approach. Mary Ann discusses the programme and responds to the comments. BBC iPlayer Radio is popular with listeners - but it's not long for this world. This week, the BBC launched its long term, if currently unfinished, replacement - BBC Sounds. Dan Taylor-Watt, the head of iPlayer and BBC Sounds, answers listener questions about the new app and explains where it fits into the BBC's push for younger listeners. And this year's Reith lecturer is the Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan, who is focusing her talks on the topic of war and society. With the first in the series already a hit with Feedback listeners. Professor MacMillan joins Roger to share what it's like to take on the prestigious role of Reith lecturer. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listener views and asks if the BBC is biased against Jeremy Corbyn. The Labour leader is the subject of a new series on Radio 4, The Long March of Corbyn's Labour. Political journalist Steve Richards, who presented the first episode, discusses how to report on a polarising figure fairly. The BBC's Head of News, Fran Unsworth, has stressed the need for the BBC to attract - and keep - a younger audience for its news programmes. Radio 1 and 1Xtra's Newsbeat is at the forefront of that effort to get young people to develop a BBC habit early in life. Roger goes behind the scenes with editor Debbie Ramsey and the team to find out how they're attempting to do that. And a recent Radio 4 programme has won praise from listeners for its creative approach to the round table discussion. In My Dream Dinner Party, presenters Omid Djalili, Howard Jacobson and Sally Phillips have all hosted a meal with guests brought back to life by the creative use of the radio archive. The series producers Sarah Peters and Peregrine Andrews explain how they set about making the programmes. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton returns with a new series, answering your comments, complaints and queries about BBC radio. BBC Radio 2 is the most popular radio station in the UK with around 15.6 million listeners a week and the Simon Mayo Drivetime show was one of its success stories with a weekly audience of nearly 6 million. But last month the programme was relaunched, with Jo Whiley joining Simon as co-presenter. Many listeners were outraged at the decision and have been bombarding social media and the Feedback inbox with complaints ever since. Lewis Carnie, the Head of Radio 2, explains why he decided to change a successful programme. Roger also speaks to BBC Head of Current Affairs, Joanna Carr, about The Grenfell Tower Inquiry podcast, fronted by Eddie Mair, which day-by-day follows the inquiry into the deaths of 72 people in the West London tower block fire. The BBC's Assistant Political Editor, Norman Smith, gives the inside track on reporting on a tumultuous week in UK politics, and we find out why Radio 3's Evensong came to an abrupt halt half way through a live performance. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Assistant Producer: Karen Pirie Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hosts a Brexit special and also asks if the BBC was right to air the Rivers of Blood speech in full. A panel of high-ranking BBC journalists and executives chew over listener complaints about the corporation's coverage of Brexit. Before the referendum, Feedback was inundated with complaints from listeners who felt that the BBC was overly biased in favour of Remain. But, in the months that have followed, that has shifted and the programme now receives more complaints from Remainers who see the BBC as the Brexit Broadcasting Corporation - in part thanks to a concerted online campaign. Ric Bailey the BBC's Chief Political Adviser, Gavin Allen the controller of the BBC's daily news programming, and Today presenter Nick Robinson respond to listener complaints from all sides. And, with some listeners saying that BBC comedy is too prone to bashing Brexit, is it possible to write a perfectly balanced comedy sketch? Cabin Pressure creator John Finnemore takes up the challenge. A recent edition of Archive on 4 dealing with Enoch Powell's 1968 Rivers of Blood speech quickly became the most talked about radio programme of the year. The documentary featured actor Ian McDiarmid recreating the speech in full interspersed with analysis from contributors. But news of the broadcast of the speech in full caused many to question the BBC's judgement and motives. Mohit Bakaya, the Radio 4 commissioner for the programme, explains the reasoning. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Radio 4's forum for audience comment.

Has BBC News over-reported allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party? Also, Roger Bolton has breakfast with Petroc Trelawny, Home Front's editor discusses the end of the series, listeners weigh in on Soul Music, and Michael Sandel discusses The Public Philosopher. Listeners have been speaking to Feedback about the BBC's coverage of Jeremy Corbyn's recent attendance at a controversial seder dinner, which reignited the ongoing row over claims of anti-Semitism in his party. Some cite this as evidence that the BBC is anti-Corbyn. Meanwhile, Feedback listeners have been singing the praises of Michael Sandel's The Public Philosopher, praising in particular an edition where he led a debate on the question of Citizens of Nowhere. Michael Sandel joins Roger from Harvard to talk about how the programme aims to bring a more measured and philosophical lens to urgent politicial questions, such as those about Brexit. When it wraps up in November this year, the drama Home Front will have run for nigh on 600 episodes. Editor Jessica Dromgoole explains what its like to reach the final leg of what has been an extremely ambitious journey, and historical adviser Professor Maggie Andrews discusses how the series attempts to recreate the feel of First World War Britain. And some listeners have been in touch with Feedback to say that they've been fleeing the Today programme for the soothing tones of Petroc Trelawny on Radio 3. Fresh from his breakfast show, Petroc joins Roger for a cup of coffee to elucidate how he stays so calm so early in the morning. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears from listeners concerned by coverage of anti-Brexit marches, Garry Richardson defends a controversial interview with Kim Hughes and Lynn Bowles says farewell. The weekend saw the March For Our Lives in Washington DC and a series of anti-Brexit marches across the UK, but BBC news executives only covered the first of these. Pro-EU listeners were incensed. UK News Editor Richard Burgess joins Roger Bolton to defend the BBC's decision and discuss what makes a demonstration newsworthy. Radio 2 listeners were practically inconsolable when beloved traffic reporter Lynn Bowles announced her departure from the network, with her final broadcast coming on Thursday. Lynn sits down with Roger to explain why she's leaving, look back on a career sat next to Terry Wogan, Ken Bruce and Chris Evans, and discuss her plans for the future. A ball tampering scandal has rocked the world of cricket, but Sportsweek presenter Garry Richardson made his own waves when he clashed with former Australian captain Kim Hughes while discussing the story on BBC Radio 5Live. After the presenter tried to hurry the interview to a close, Kim Hughes took offence and promptly hung up the phone. Garry Richardson then implied to a later guest that Hughes had been "boorish" - but, for some listeners, Garry was the one at fault for a regrettable incident. He talks to Roger about what happened. And the BBC released its annual plan this week, laying out schemes to combat fake news and appeal to younger audiences. Next week on Feedback, BBC Director of Radio and Music Bob Shennan joins the programme to chew over the BBC's long term plan for radio. Roger appeals to listeners for their questions. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio. This week, the BBC World Service has made an unprecedented complaint to the UN, a drama divides the audience for its treatment of immigration and Brexit, the BBC puts a brake on plans to abandon FM transmitters and Fi Glover's emotional documentary. According to a complaint the BBC has registered with the UN, Iran has been harassing the families of BBC Persia journalists. The Director of the BBC World Service Group, Jamie Angus, sits down with Roger to discuss the grounds for complaint, what the BBC hopes the UN will do and the broader questions of impartiality and soft power facing the World Service. In The Expressing Room, Fi Glover heard the stories of mothers as they expressed milk for their premature or sick babies in the neonatal unit of St. Thomas' Evelina hospital. Many listeners contacting the Feedback inbox were overcome by these women's powerful stories. Fi and Roger discuss the challenges of making such a sensitive documentary. The BBC's Director of Radio Bob Shennan has given a speech addressing the future of radio in the internet age. He dropped in a key detail - the BBC is no longer in a hurry to turn off FM transmitters and switch to DAB. We hear from listeners who welcome the decision, and radio futurologist James Cridland helps Roger pick over the speech in more detail. And, an episode of The Ferryhill Philiosophers addressed questions of refugees and immigration. While some loved it, others thought it was patronising and anti-Brexit. Roger hears a selection of audience views. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if the BBC was slow to report allegations of sexual abuse in Telford, and the BBC's News Editor responds to concerns. Also this week - listeners' least favourite phrases, the new Welsh breakfast show, and memories of hearing the late Professor Stephen Hawking on the radio. After the Sunday Mirror reported allegations of wide ranging sexual abuse of more than 1000 girls over a 40 year period in Telford, a number of national commentators and columnists accused the BBC of failing to give the story sufficient attention and prominence. In particular, it was suggested that the BBC had been held back by political correctness, since many of the accused offenders are of Asian origin. What followed was a huge twitter storm, with users on both sides angrily disputing the BBC's coverage. The BBC's News Editor James Stephenson joins Roger o discuss how the corporation's news division approached the story. On A Point of View, sociologist Tom Shakespeare laid out with forensic ferocity why he hates the phrase "going forward" - prompting listeners to weigh in with their own linguistic bugbears. Tom sits down with Roger to discuss why people on the radio should watch their words. And the physicist Stephen Hawking was renowned all over the world as a physicist, but to Feedback listeners he was also an exceptional broadcaster, appearing on everything from Desert Island Discs and The Reith Lectures to the current series of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Fans of his warmth, clarity and humour tell their stories of hearing him on the radio. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if BBC journalists should describe political parties as "populist", discusses soft power with the head of BBC Arabic and finds out about the return of comedy to Radio 1 after more than a decade. In the wake of success for the Five Star movement and the Italian League in the Italian elections, listeners have been reacting to the BBC's description of them as "populist". Some consider that it implies a pejorative view of the parties in question? The BBC's Europe editor Katya Adler joins Roger to explain the meaning of the term and answer listener's questions. BBC Arabic has just celebrated 80 years since the launch of its radio service, still tasked with providing news in a challenging and volatile region for journalists. But does the influx of Foreign Office money to the BBC World Service risk undermining its reputation for impartiality and independence? Samir Farah, head of BBC Arabic, discusses soft power and the future of the service. Radio 1 was once known for launching the careers of legendary comedians, but it's been more than 10 years since the network dedicated programmes to comedy. That's about to change, with the arrival of a new wave of specially commissioned Radio 1 comedy podcasts. The commissioner behind it, Louise Kattenhorn, and Benjamin Partridge, creator of the hit podcast Beef and Dairy Network and the star of one of the new Radio 1 commissions, talk about how to bring podcast comedy to a Radio 1 audience. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Will Yates Executive Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listener views on a shocking death on The Archers, Brexit, Breakfast- and a radio classic gets rebooted. Nic Grundy's sudden death from Sepsis has shocked the residents of Ambridge and Archers' fans. Some have taken issue with how it was handled, but most have been queuing up to praise the powerful storyline. The show's acting editor Alison Hindell joins Roger to answer listener comments and discuss the thinking behind Nic's untimely demise. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy remains one of BBC Radio's most loved comedy programmes. Now, Radio 4 have decided to bring it back. Many of the surviving cast are returning to reprise their roles, as is legendary producer Dirk Maggs. He speaks to Roger and a Feedback listener about the making of the new series, his use of sound effects and how they were able to convince Professor Stephen Hawking to make a surprise turn as the Guide itself. And, as Brexit continues to dominate the headlines, listeners from both sides of the debate tell us what they think of the BBC Radio News coverage of the issue. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Is it impossible to cover Brexit impartially? What goes into a hit detective radio drama? And why has Quentin Letts decided to quit listening to the Today programme? Roger Bolton returns with a new series of Feedback and starts by hearing listeners weigh in on the ongoing row over equal pay at the BBC. Chris Morris sits down with Roger to answer listener concerns over his programme Brexit: A Guide for the Perplexed and explore how the passion of the Brexit debate affects impartiality. Hugo Speer is an actor known for both TV and film but, for Radio 4 listeners, he is best known as the detective starring in the gritty drama series Stone. The latest ten-part series of the show has caused listeners to flood the Feedback inbox with praise. Hugo and Roger discuss what it takes to elevate a drama like Stone beyond the usual cop show cliches. Finally, waspish columnist Quentin Letts recently appeared on Radio 4 to reveal why he had decided to stop listening to the Today programme and relax with Radio 3 instead. But what do listeners make of this battle of the breakfast shows? Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with a round up of listener views on the big BBC radio stories of the year. Following our interview with Sarah Sands, the then-new Editor of the Today programme, we hear from one listener about how she is getting on. How does Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music strike a balance between too much and too little Christmas music? Jeff Smith, the Editor of Music for both networks explains. Listeners give their views on BBC radio's Brexit coverage and the direction of The Archers. Also, we go behind-the-scenes of Farming Today as they record their Christmas feature at a Brussels sprout farm in the Cotswolds. Roger tries out the new sweeter variety in a frosty field. And we speak to disabled and deaf actors as they prepare for their Christmas performance of The Midwich Cuckoos to be broadcast on Radio 4 on New Year's Eve. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio programmes. The way in which we listen to radio is radically changing. On Monday this week, the BBC launched its first full voice app for voice recognition speakers. Editor of Voice Mukul Devichand describes how the new way of listening works, demonstrating how this technology will allow greater access to the BBC's range of live radio stations and podcasts. Also, we hear from listener Roslyn Byfield about a recent item on World at One about teenage mental health. She discusses the audio diaries of a teenage girl suffering from anxiety. Tweet of the Day is one of BBC Radio 4's best-loved programmes, but has it moved too far away from its original format, putting famous voices above birdsong? Editor James Cook discusses the programme and responds to listener comments on Michael Morpurgo's analysis of the magpie. And - how radio changes lives. Listeners Simon Rennie and Libby Tempest tell us how an edition of In Our Time helped inspire change. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listeners' views on a range of BBC radio programmes. When iPM broadcast an interview with a sex offender at length, some listeners wrote to tell us they disagreed that a convicted criminal should have been given such a platform. Listener Catherine Jackson tells us why she thought this was inappropriate and expresses her concern about the impact on his victims. And just how much of a predicament can BBC presenters find themselves in while on air? BBC World Service presenter Alex Ritson tells us what happened when he experienced a Type 1 diabetes attack during a morning broadcast of The Newsroom. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listeners' views on BBC radio programmes. Earlier this week Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, followed by their first joint interview with the BBC presenter Mishal Husain. But should the presenter have highlighted Ms Markle's mixed race background? We hear your views on the royal engagement coverage. In a fast-moving situation, how do you discover what is really going on? The BBC's Southern Africa Correspondent Andrew Harding tells us how he reported on recent events in Zimbabwe. Also Radio 4's recent dramatisation of Graham Greene's novel Stamboul Train included some of the author's original anti-Semitic passages. Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction Jeremy Howe tells us why he decided not to edit out some of those remarks. And Roger goes behind-the-scenes at Radio 4's consumer affairs programme You and Yours, sitting down with presenter Winifred Robinson to hear more about how the programme interacts with its listeners. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio programmes. Following a series of misogynistic and anti-semitic tweets, Josh Rivers was sacked from his position as editor of Gay Times and PM ran a 20 minute interview with the former editor. It was much to the consternation of some Feedback listeners who took issue with the amount of airtime Rivers was allowed and the way in which the interview was conducted by presenter Eddie Mair. PM Editor Roger Sawyer discusses his editorial decision and explains why he thinks it was in the public interest to hear Josh Rivers' views. The second part of an interview with Sioned Wiliam, BBC Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Comedy, focuses on whether there are enough women in comedy programmes and how she finds new talent. Lazy Susan, one of Sioned's recent discoveries, explain how they got the gig and tell us about the format for their new duo show - part spoof, part homage to popular US podcasts. And we meet a couple for whom radio became their lifeline. When Rob and Eeva John were taken hostage in northern Ethiopia in 1984, their only contact with the outside world was through a hidden shortwave radio. Nicola Kelly spoke to them about their ordeal and the role radio had to play in their release. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton speaks to Jon Manel about his series The Adoption and to Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra. This week, the 17-part series that followed two young children through the UK adoption process drew to a close. Listeners wrote in to tell us of their interest and commitment to the series - with some expressing concern about the intrusive nature of the programme, particularly with regard to safeguarding measures for the two children. Others said they didn't think it should be part of flagship news and current affairs programme The World at One. Reporter and producer Jon Manel responds to these comments and explains how the series was made. Also, we hear views on The Food Programme's report on Catalonia's cultural identity. And we put your questions and comments about Radio 4 comedy to the Commissioning Editor Sioned Wiliam, in the first instalment of a two-part interview. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton speaks to two listeners with opposing views on The Archers and we speak to Sam Wolfson about declining Radio 1 listener figures. Following the release of the latest RAJAR figures, which measures radio listening habits, Nick Grimshaw's Radio 1 breakfast show has seen the lowest reach since RAJAR records began. We speak to the network's target audience at a college in Warrington to find out how they are now listening to audio and Sam Wolfson, Executive Editor of VICE UK explains why those figures have dipped. And The Archers continues to attract new audiences with its dramatic twists and turns. But some listeners say the programme has gone too far. We hear from two Archers fans on opposing sides of the argument. Well, so, like, you know what I mean...? Sociolinguist Heike Pichler makes a return visit to Feedback to respond to listener comments on the various uses of 'so' and to explain the meaning behind some of Roger's most irritating verbal tics. And radio that changes lives. We hear from listener Nicola Watson about an episode of 'You and Yours' that gave her the confidence she needed to return to the workforce. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears a range of listener views on the Today programme's 60th anniversary live edition. Did some of the presenters bray over gags about sexual harassment and assault? To kick off the new series of The Moral Maze, Radio 4 has been working in partnership with Dundee University to trial a new piece of technology that aims to help the listener become a more effective debater. Roger gives this innovation a try. Roger also goes behind the scenes at the Ken Bruce show to find out more about how he and his sidekick Lynn Bowles interact with their listeners. and speaks to the first - and now former - Radio 4 Poet in Residence Daljit Nagra to find out more about the role. And, erm, well, so... The verbal tics that drive you mad. Why do they pepper so much of a BBC radio broadcaster's natural speech? Socio-linguist Heike Pichler explains what's really going on. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio. The World at One has courted controversy by dedicating a whole show to the topic of abortion, marking 50 years since the passage of the 1967 Abortion Act. Some listeners found the coverage upsetting, while others were annoyed that one subject had been allowed to take over what they see as, first and foremost, a news programme. But some listeners say they found the focus both timely and touching. Roger hears views from all sides. Neil MacGregor has a new 30-part series, Living with the Gods, following in the footsteps of his enormously popular previous programmes examining historical objects. But does the BBC spend too much time on religion? And is radio the right medium for a programme about objects you can't see? Neil addresses these questions and talks about his aims for the series. Last week, Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Drama Jeremy Howe appeared on Feedback answering concerns over his decision to air unsettling horror The Omen as the Book at Bedtime. This week, listeners give their verdict on both The Omen and the book which came next, Philip Pullman's La Belle Sauvage. Finally, Feedback has been inviting listeners to share stories of how radio has changed their lives. This week, listener Lou Moore describes how a chance radio encounter with Desert Island Discs became a turning point in her life and career. Producer: Nicola Kelly A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton airs listener criticism of a Today programme interview with the director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders on sexual harassment. A record number of sex offenders have been brought to justice in England and Wales and convictions for both rape and other sexual offences have risen sharply. But despite topping the news agenda, some listeners were not happy with John Humphrys' tone and line of questioning. Also, Radio 4's Commissioning Editor of Drama and Fiction Jeremy Howe discusses his decision to run The Omen as last week's Book at Bedtime. Following regulatory changes, Roger talks to Sophie Chalk from Voice of the Listener and Viewer, a public service lobby group, about who now holds accountability for the BBC - its Board or Ofcom. And how did a particular programme or report change your life? Listener Ed Green tells us why Glyn Worsnip's A Lone Voice affected him. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Editor of PM defends his programme against listeners' accusations that presenter Eddie Mair's interview with Home Secretary Amber Rudd was hostile and biased. Roger Sawyer discusses the presenter's robust style of interviewing and sets out his editorial stance on the presentation of this and other items on the programme. When Amber Rudd sought to bring the focus of the interview back to the policy announcements made by the Prime Minister at the Party Conference, listeners expressed their frustration with Eddie Mair's questioning. We speak to those who suggest that the presenter didn't allow for an informed discussion of the Conservative Party's policies, but focused instead on the Prime Minister's misfortunes, most notably her well-documented cough. Roger Sawyer explains these editorial decisions and discusses the sanctioning of coverage such as the use of gunfire on the recent Las Vegas shooting item. And we hear from one listener dissatisfied with Winifred Robinson's latest programme on home education, 'Out of School, Out of Sight'. Fee Berry speaks to Roger Bolton about her view that the programme should have been more carefully balanced. Also, listeners discuss their reactions to Feedback's interview last week with the new Editor of the Today programme, Sarah Sands and we hear from those involved in the introduction of the BBC World Service's new Pidgin English programming. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The new Editor of Today defends her programme against listeners' accusations that coverage is no longer focused on the news. Sarah Sands addresses concerns that 'softer' features have taken priority, discusses the future of the presenting team and sets out her vision for the future of Today. When the programme ran several items on Fashion Week, a long interview with actress Judi Dench and on-location reporting from Silicon Valley on the launch of a new Apple smartphone, listeners wrote in to express their dissatisfaction with the coverage. Many stated that the emphasis for Today should be on news rather than features, with more analysis from BBC correspondents. Sarah Sands explains why this coverage was of relevance to the Today audience and discusses her plans to attract new audiences. Also, we hear mixed reviews from listeners in response to the five-part series, 'Whodunnit: The Calendar Conspiracy'' examining the theory that when you are born has a direct impact on educational and professional success. And the BBC responds to listeners' claims that there is a geographical bias in coverage favouring natural disasters that occur in the United States rather than the developing world. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

In the last programme of the current series, Roger Bolton digs in to controversy about climate change, hears listener response to the BBC's Gay Britannia season and discusses Jim Al-Khalili's broadcasting career. Well known climate sceptic and former Chancellor Lord Nigel Lawson was invited onto Radio 4's Today programme to discuss the economics of climate change recently, following up an earlier interview with climate campaigner Al Gore. But Lord Lawson also took the opportunity to question some of the established science of climate change. The controversy quickly filled up the Feedback inbox - many were deeply angry that a non-scientist had been brought on to discuss the topic and complained that Today's Justin Webb had not done enough to challenge his position. Professor Steve Jones, who wrote an independent report on impartiality and accuracy in science broadcasting for the BBC in 2011, joins Roger to discuss the interview. To commemorate 50 years since the passing of the Sexual Offences act, the BBC has been running an extensive season of programmes under the umbrella Gay Britannia. Listeners respond to the series. Was it diverse enough in its portrayal of LGBT people? Was there too much of it altogether? And some people take issue with the BBC's use of the word "queer". Producer: Kate Taylor A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton presents a special edition of the programme, exploring science on the radio. Are BBC science programmes just "jocular froth"? That's the view of one listener, who speaks for many as he puts his point directly to Deborah Cohen, the Editor of Science Radio. Jim Al-Khalili, presenter of The Life Scientific, discusses the scientific consensus around man-made climate change and how that should affect the way the BBC covers the issue. Tom Feilden, Science and Environment Editor of the Today programme, explores the psychology of the news agenda and the reporting of controversial topics such as homeopathy. Comic Robin Ince, who presents The Infinite Monkey Cage, discusses the blending of science with comedy. And Chris Sizemore, the Commissioning Editor for the digital side of the Tomorrow's World season reveals an early preview of a brand new science podcast. This special edition of Feedback was recorded at the end of July. Produced by Kate Taylor A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if Radio 5 Live was right to interview a controversial columnist, discusses BBC plans to reinvent audio, and finds out how to relax a Prom. Kevin Myers was the subject of enormous public backlash after he published a column in the Irish edition of the Sunday Times that many saw as anti-semitic. So should Radio 5 Live have invited him onto Emma Barnett's 5 Live daily for an interview? He apologised, and tried to explain his position, but Feedback listeners are split on whether the interview was well judged and sufficiently robust. Radio 4's Partition Voices coincides with the 70th anniversary of the partition of India, bringing the history to life with often heartbreaking stories from people who experienced it first hand and are now in the UK. The presenter, Kavita Puri, discusses why these stories are only now being heard. In the annual plan published a few weeks ago, the BBC unveiled ambitious plans to "reinvent and grow audio". But with impressive audience figures released on Thursday, radio seems to be so far so good - so what changes are on the horizon? And what does "reinventing audio" actually mean? Roger finds out by speaking with Andrew Caspari, the BBC's acting controller of Radio and Music, Multiplatform. Finally, this year's Proms have brought a very different kind of performance to the Royal Albert Hall - the first ever "relaxed prom", designed for children and adults with autism, sensory and communication impairments and learning disabilities. Feedback finds out more about the creation of this unique event - and what the audience made of the experience. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton looks at the BBC's coverage of Donald Trump, the Dead Ringers team reveal what spurred them on in their latest popular series, and listeners react to the news that Saturday Review has been granted a late reprieve. At a press conference shortly after his inauguration, Donald Trump referred to the BBC's Jon Sopel as "Another beauty". On this week's Feedback, the beauty himself joins Roger to consider listener response to his coverage, how the BBC tries to remain impartial in the face of an unusual presidency and whether the BBC is giving either too much or too little credence to the ongoing allegations of collusion between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia. Many listeners have contacted Feedback to say how much they've enjoyed the latest series of Dead Ringers. So how do they do it? Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw and Lewis Macleod discuss why breakneck news can make for blistering satire. In April, Radio 4 announced the cancellation of long running arts staple Saturday Review. Feedback listeners were furious - and made their views clear in no uncertain terms. This week, Radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams announced an abrupt - but possibly temporary - reversal of the decision. Saturday Review enthusiasts respond to the news. Patricia Greene has been on The Archers since the 1950s, playing the much loved Jill Archer. So when the now 86 year old actress was played a clip of herself as Jill from 1959 during an interview on Woman's Hour she barely recognised her own voice. Listeners react to a special radio moment. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

As parliament starts the summer recess, the BBC's assistant political editor Norman Smith looks back at a tumultuous few months in Westminster, talking with Roger Bolton about the challenges of working under intense scrutiny and accusations of bias from MPs and on social media. This week, the BBC released its annual report, including the names and wage brackets of 96 of its on-air talent who are all paid over 150 thousand pounds a year. Licence fee payers give us their thoughts on presenter pay. In last week's programme, we discussed listener complaints about an exceptionally graphic story in Bridget Kendall's Cold War: Stories from the Big Freeze. To make sense of the discussion, Feedback chose to re-broadcast the clip. Were we right to do so? Listeners share their differing views on the issue. Finally, Roger continues his series of Open Mic interviews with prominent BBC presenters. This week, he's joined by Clive Anderson of Loose Ends and Unreliable Evidence. Has Clive's notoriously sharp-edged humour mellowed over time? Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC radio 4.

Roger Bolton investigates audience responses to BBC radio programmes. A number of listeners were shocked to hear description of an act of torture and murder on Radio 4's lunchtime series Cold War: Stories from the Big Freeze and considered it overly graphic for the time of day. Should listeners have been given more warning about the unsettling nature of the story? And was the station right to broadcast it at all? Producer Phil Tinline and Radio 4's Editorial Standards Editor Roger Mahony answer listener complaints. And, has radio become just a bit too fast? Radio 3 is spearheading a trend towards "Slow Radio", which uses ambient sounds and unusually long programmes to provide listeners with a relaxing antidote to rolling news and action packed documentaries. Feedback reporter Rebecca Pearce explores how this trend originated in Norway and is now migrating onto BBC Radio. She speaks to Norwegian Slow TV pioneer Thomas Hellum and to Horatio Clare, the presenter of Radio 3's recent Sound Walk. Also, Music to Strip To gave the Radio 4 audience a quick blast of burlesque culture, catching the imagination of one listener in particular. He interviews the producer, Steve Urquhart. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

In the past two weeks, former party leaders Iain Duncan Smith and Ed Miliband have been taking turns replacing Jeremy Vine on his Radio 2 show. But why did they say yes to this risky venture? And what did they learn from spending time on the other side of the microphone? Ed and Iain join Roger Bolton to look back at their time on air. The BBC has, for the first time, published an annual plan that lays out its commitments for the year ahead. But what does it mean for BBC radio listeners? Colin Browne, Chairman of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer, discusses the strategy and shares some concerns about the BBC's approach to accountability and transparency. Only Artists has replaced Midweek in the schedule. But many of Midweek's fans are disappointed that the new series chose to leave Libby Purves' sharp interviewing behind. Meanwhile, other listeners love how the new programme gives artists more time and space to explore their work. Only Listeners debate the change. Finally, BBC Radio 4 is in the middle of a season of dark and disturbing Dangerous Visions, dramas and readings that present an alternative vision of the future. The man behind it, BBC Radio 4's commissioning editor for Drama and Fiction Jeremy Howe, sits down with Roger to discuss the appeal of dystopia, the place of Kafka in a slate of science fiction and where the season will go next. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

As Middle East editor, Jeremy Bowen has one of the BBC's most difficult, and often dangerous, jobs. He sits down with Feedback's Roger Bolton to reflect on his career and his Radio 4 series, Our Man in the Middle East. Last week, Ed Miliband impressed listeners with an assured week sitting in for Jeremy Vine. This week it's been the turn of former conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith. Feedback listeners pass judgment on how he measures up to his predecessor in the Radio 2 hotseat. Over the last month, Feedback has been inundated with comments taking issue with how the BBC has covered recent major incidents and terror attacks. The BBC's Director of Editorial Policy and Standards, David Jordan, responds to listeners' questions and explains the BBC's guidelines for dealing with tragic and complex events. Finally, listeners share their thoughts on Radio 4's Dangerous Visions, a season of dark, disturbing and dystopic drama and readings. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Ed Miliband has spent the week in an unfamiliar position; sitting in for Jeremy Vine on Radio 2. Iain Duncan Smith, the former conservative leader, has his turn next week. So far, most listeners are loving the experiment. Roger Bolton sits down with programme editor Phil Jones to get his take on how his new presenter has performed, and to ask why Radio 2 felt using politicians instead of more experienced broadcasters was worth the risk. Last week, Andrew Scott came on to explain why the BBC felt it necessary to make signing in to the iPlayer website compulsory. But many listeners remain unconvinced. Sue Lawley has presented the Reith lectures for 16 years. She speaks to Roger about what makes a great Reith lecture, why she willingly left a dream job fronting Desert Island Discs and reveals the Reith lecturer who ran out of material with 10 minutes left to fill. Also, listeners weigh in on whether the BBC should be more careful with its use of language when reporting major incidents; and is Radio 4's Only Artists up to the challenge of replacing the much missed Midweek.

Roger Bolton explores whether recent major incident coverage has been too graphic and intrusive and why the BBC is making signing in to iPlayer Radio compulsory, and also goes behind the scenes at Dame Hilary Mantel's Reith lectures. In the light of major terror attacks in London and Manchester, followed by the tragic fire in West London, listeners give their reactions to the BBC's coverage. Did the reporting veer too often towards sensationalism or was it upsetting but essential? Roger chairs a listener discussion on when it's appropriate for BBC Radio to seek out and broadcast first hand accounts of those caught up in traumatic events. The BBC has been phasing in compulsory sign in for iPlayer Radio - and many listeners are very unhappy, claiming it's inconvenient and unnecessary. Roger takes their concerns to myBBC launch director Andrew Scott. And the Reith Lectures are one of BBC Radio's great institutions. They've been running since 1948 and have changed little since. Roger heads to Stratford upon Avon to go behind the scenes at a recording for this year's lectures and talks to Dame Hilary Mantel and Sue Lawley about the the format's lasting appeal. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

On the morning after the night before, Roger Bolton talks to the BBC's Head of Newsgathering, Jonathan Munro, about the corporation's election coverage, responding to audience complaints about bias and over-aggressive interviewers. Also, listener Marcia Hughes gets to the heart of Radio 4's Soul Music with producer Maggie Ayre. And audio addict Anthony Frost explains why his all-consuming passion for radio means he finds it difficult to find time to talk to his wife. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Now Article 50 has been triggered, Roger Bolton speaks to BBC News Editor James Stephenson about whether the BBC can move on from broadly balancing remain and leave sentiment in its discussion of the Brexit process. With Radio 4's Midweek programme at an end after 35 years, presenter Libby Purves is Roger Bolton's latest guest for our Open Mic interviews about the careers of some of your favourite radio broadcasters. Also, can young panellists teach old hands some new tricks on Moral Maze? Listeners praise The thoughtful sixth formers who took over from the regular panel in the latest edition are praised by the audience for listening closely and politely challenging witnesses - and each other. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton puts listener questions about coverage of the Westminster attack by Khalid Masood, to the Deputy Editor of BBC News, Toby Castle. And Roger reports from the Nations and Regions Media Conference in Salford on the important BBC radio headlines from the event. While there, he talks with the Editor of The Archers, Huw Kennair-Jones. Huw answers listener questions on all manner of subjects from sex and fruity language, to whether he wants to run another Helen and Rob-style hard-hitting subject in the near future. Also this week, some listeners wonder whether the BBC has been too cowed by criticism from MPs to report sufficiently impartially on the recent Unite for Europe march. And there's a fond farewell to BBC Radio 4's Midweek programme after 35 years. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Katherine Godfrey. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listeners' responses to BBC Radio's coverage of the Westminster attack. Also, following a letter from more than 70 - mainly Conservative - MPs to the BBC which called the Corporation's coverage of Brexit pessimistic and skewed, BBC Economics Editor Kamal Ahmed discusses his role in uncertain economic times. This week, a documentary took listeners inside a hospital in northern Israel for 24 hours. Tim Samuels' Sleepover: Inside the Israeli Hospital followed doctors at Ziv hospital treating patients who had crossed over the border from Syria. Many listeners said it shone a light on a little-known story, while a few others raised concerns about what they saw as a lack of political context in the programme. Roger speaks to Tim Samuels. And Feedback reporter Rob Crossan is in Gateshead for an on-location recording of BBC Radio 3's long-running Jazz Record Requests programme from the Sage, as part of the network's Free Thinking Festival. Rob speaks to presenter Alyn Shipton about just how particular listeners are when it comes to specific versions of records and asks the audience whether it makes a difference to see as well as hear the programme. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Katherine Godfrey. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Radio 4's forum for audience comment.

This week a storm of controversy has surrounded Woman's Hour presenter Jenni Murray. Many listeners feel a newspaper article she wrote breached the BBC's guidelines on impartiality and compromised her presenter role. Others supported her right to free speech. We hear from listeners on both sides of the argument. John Humphrys has also attracted criticism. During a Today programme interview he suggested that referring to MP Jo Cox's murder as an act of terrorism could "muddy the waters". Listeners say he "muddied the waters" himself and was inaccurate. They share their views on his remarks. On Wednesday, Philip Hammond got to his feet to deliver his first Budget. TV and radio teams braved the rain and mud, crowding onto College Green to cover the story. We follow Emma Barnett and the 5 Live Daily team to find out the secrets of broadcasting the budget from a flimsy tent in the pouring rain. And finally, Val McDermid has been pondering the horrifying prospects of a world where antibiotics no longer work. Her drama Resistance was inspired by a two-day Experimental Stories workshop hosted by the Wellcome Trust and Radio 4, where radio producers and writers met scientific researchers to develop dramas. Starring Gina McKee, listeners loved the dram's dystopian vision. Val McDermid talks about why she chose a music festival as the setting for her unnerving story. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listener concerns about satirising Donald Trump in a news programme, and considers how far writers can go when dramatising real disasters. Every Friday on the World at One, reporter Jonny Dymond has been documenting the movements of Trump's first 100 days in office with a wry twist. While some listeners have enjoyed the touch of humour, others have said it's out of place in what they say should be an objective news programme. Roger chairs a discussion between two listeners with opposing opinions. On 6th March 1987, the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry left its dock on a journey from Belgium to Dover. The ferry capsized within the first half hour of the journey, leading to the loss of 193 lives. Thirty years on, Radio 4 has aired a dramatic re-telling of the story in Herald of Disaster. For many, it was intensely gripping and emotionally captivating. Writer Stephen Phelps explains why he felt the event deserved new exploration, and he discusses his technique of weaving fictional characters around factual accounts. Also, the BBC World Service says it's undergoing its biggest expansion since the 1940s. Jamie Angus, the former Editor of Today and now Deputy Director of the BBC World Service Group, answers listeners' questions on how the network will ensure its reputation as a reliable broadcaster in the era of fake news and about the expansion of language services into new territories. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Listeners have been voicing their concerns about a significant shake-up to Radio 2's schedule including time changes, the moving of beloved presenters and an apparent lack of diversity. As the new schedule comes into effect this weekend, Head of BBC Radio 2 Lewis Carnie answers a range of audience questions - from his side of the Brian Matthew story, to ensuring Radio 2 will fill the space left by Desmond Carrington with a similarly eclectic sound. Earlier this month, the new editor of The Archers gave his verdict on the future of Rob Titchener - he's "gone, but not dead" said Huw Kennair-Jones. Rob, who exerted coercive control on his partner, Helen for four years, has fled to America. But the actor who plays him, Timothy Watson, is in the Feedback studio to give listeners an understanding of this devious and manipulative mind - and whether he would ever return. It's not only the hard-hitting, emotive storylines that keep Archers fans hooked. Feedback reporter Rebecca Pearce went behind the scenes of this year's Academic Archers conference - where academics and life-long fans gather to discuss everything from serious panels on Helen's life in prison to flower and producer shows. And listeners pay tribute to broadcaster Steve Hewlett. Presented by Roger Bolton Produced by Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if journalists are stuck in cold war thinking about Russia, and discovers if Radio 4's interactive drama Hashtag Love was truly interactive. Following National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's resignation this week and stories of alleged Russian involvement in the US elections, some listeners have suggested that reporting about Russia follows only one narrative line - presenting the country as enemy of the West. So are journalists sticking to a one-sided portrayal that sounds like cold war fear? Radio 4's documentary "The Pull of Putin aimed to present a broader range of perspectives from pro-Moscow voices, and many listeners found it to be expertly balanced and a refreshing insight. Presenter and producer Tim Whewell discusses whether western media needs to re-frame the relationship with Russia. Meanwhile, some listeners say that one candidate in the French Presidential elections is dominating coverage - Marine Le Pen of France's National Front party. Is the BBC being influenced by controversial statements from populist parties? BBC Radio Newsroom editor Richard Clark responds. And how often have you listened to radio drama and wanted to influence the characters' decisions? Radio 4 attempted to give listeners that opportunity with Hashtag Love. The interactive drama was staged live, incorporating reactions from social media and allowing the audience to influence the ending. Writer Peter Souter explains how he conducted the twists and turns of this live drama. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears the comments and concerns of listeners on the past week's radio broadcasting and raises their issues with those involved in making the programmes. As In Our Time prepares to celebrate its 750th episode, Roger Bolton talks to the programme's presenter Melvyn Bragg, who reveals how he ramps up the pressure to achieve the best live programme and talks about the programmes that have transformed his thinking. Long-standing BBC Correspondent Hugh Sykes considers the importance of accurate language, responding to listeners' critiques of one of his recent reports regarding President Trump's executive order banning immigration for people from seven, predominantly Muslim, countries. Charlotte Smith speaks to Feedback about her Radio 4 series Against the Grain, which considered the implications for British agriculture of leaving the European Union. The series has been praised by both listeners and farmers. But some ask if it would have been better to broadcast such a series before the EU Referendum? Also, listeners respond to heated outbursts about President Trump in an edition of The Moral Maze about the Morality of International Trade. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if interviews with President Trump supporters require more care - or even censorship. And listeners give their reaction to the announcement of a new Today programme editor. Earlier this week, the Today programme interviewed Frank Gaffney. Introduced as a former government official, Gaffney was invited to discuss his support for Donald Trump's ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries. But some listeners thought his so-called controversial political stance and alleged conspiracy theories should have been made clearer, while others believed his alleged anti-Muslim views should have prevented him from appearing at all. Roger invites two Feedback listeners to discuss their views. The task of dealing with such issues in the future has fallen into new hands - London Evening Standard editor Sarah Sands has been announced as the new editor of the Today programme. Listeners give their initial thoughts on the appointment - with some raising eyebrows over her lack of broadcast experience. At this week's BBC Audio Drama Awards, James Fritz took home trophies for Best New Writer and Best Drama Script - the first time a writer has won both awards in the same year. His award winning drama was Comment is Free, which tackles the spiral of abuse on social media. James discusses how recent political events, including the tragic murder of Jo Cox, took the drama out of his imagination and aligned it with real fears. The Welsh Assembly believes more should be done to reflect Welsh life in broadcasting. One station charged with doing just that is BBC Radio Cymru - which recently celebrated its 40th birthday. Reporter Llinos Jones goes behind the scenes to hear how the stations is meeting its audience's needs. Producer: Katherine Godfrey Presenter: Roger Bolton A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears from listeners who claim the BBC may be out of step with popular opinion, and staffed by people from privileged middle-class backgrounds. Following Radio 4's recent series The New World, Commissioning Editor Mohit Bakaya and one of the presenters, Jo Fidgen meet some of those listeners to discuss their thoughts about the series and its ideological starting points. GF Newman's The Corrupted has just finished its third series of ten episodes, broadcast across two weeks. It's a gritty saga of crime and corruption among police and the corridors of power through the decades - most recently, the 1970s. It was loved by many, including Feedback listener David Dent - although he had some questions about the combination of real-life and fictional characters. He and Roger discuss walking the dramatic line with producer Clive Brill. Radio 2's live night-time programme After Midnight ends this weekend much to the disappointment of many listeners. Will that be to Radio 5Live's gain? Reporter Rob Crossan meets Dotun Adebayo and Rhod Sharp, the presenters of 5 Live's overnight show, Up All Night. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton follows up the issues that are concerning listeners and asks if the BBC Reality Check team can combat the spread of 'fake news'. With audiences across the world getting caught out by viral stories, and dodgy statistics and shocking facts beginning to have a direct impact on politics, the BBC is responding with concrete efforts to tackle the growing phenomena of 'fake news'. The corporation has established a permanent statistic verification team called Reality Check. From the central newsroom of the BBC, News Editor James Stephenson details the inner workings of this group and what he hopes they will achieve, and discusses how much attention the BBC should give to stories based on 'fake news'. Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as President of the USA, Michael Gove was invited onto Radio 4's Today Programme to discuss his exclusive interview with the President Elect. But some listeners were left scratching their heads over the heavyweight 8:10am slot being given to a backbencher - and the lengthy time he was allocated. Listeners have also been expressing their dismay at the news that Radio 2 are axing live overnight presenters Alex Lester and Janice Long from the After Midnight show - to be replaced with repeats and pre-recorded playlists. Roger Bolton asks Lewis Carnie, the relatively new head of BBC Radio 2, to justify the cutbacks. And can music be the flame to ignite radio drama? Listeners give their poignant and personal reflections to recent Radio 4 drama On Kosovo Field, which was inspired by and written from previously unreleased music by PJ Harvey. Writer Fin Kennedy explains how he translated emotive lyrics into dramatic narratives. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton investigates the demise of Detective James McLevy, protagonist of the much-loved and long-running Radio 4 drama. Also, many listeners want to know why the former Cabinet minister Michael Gove got so much airtime this week, with lengthy interviews on the World at One and a 15 minute special on The Pursuit of Power. The programme goes behind the scenes at a recording of The Kitchen Cabinet, talking to panellists, audience members and the programme's presenter Jay Rayner. Everything We've Ever Known is a series of short comic histories of science presented by Jake Yapp. They are currently on the Radio 4 website but, for the first time, have no connection with any Radio 4 programme. Roger Bolton discusses this development with the creators. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The editor of Today defends his programme against audience accusations of sexism in its coverage of Donald Trump's obscene comments, and a listener goes behind the scenes at Radio 5Live. When the Today programme ran an item on so-called "locker-room banter" following Donald Trump's comments about women, it prompted an angry reaction from the guest who had been invited to discuss the story on air. Laura Bates from Everyday Sexism accused the programme of a serious error of judgement in conflating two very different issues. Today's editor, Jamie Angus, tells Roger Bolton why he thinks he was right to run the item. Also, listener Tony Baker goes behind the scenes at BBC Radio 5Live Drive as they cover the victory parade of Britain's successful Olympians and Paralympian teams. The BBC's Head of Newsgathering, Jonathan Munro, explains why budget cuts means fewer presenters being jetted off to foreign climes to cover international stories. And Fi Glover, the presenter of Radio 4's The Listening Project, talks about the decision to devote a week of programmes to Brexit. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

With the US presidential elections less than 3 weeks away the BBC's North America Editor, Jon Sopel talks to Roger about the challenges of covering a campaign dominated by personalities rather than policies. He responds to listeners' suggestions that the BBC has been too focused on Donald Trump and too soft on Hillary Clinton. The Radio 4 documentary Body Count Rising argued that modern fiction is increasingly portraying violence against women in a voyeuristic way. Listeners were divided over the arguments. The programme's producer Gemma Newby answers her critics. And after a bumper summer of sport, the Controller of Radio 5Live Jonathan Wall defends his network against the accusation that its news brief is being swamped by too much sport. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listener views on BBC radio programmes and developments. From next year, users will need to login and give their postcode to access BBC iPlayer, iPlayer Radio and some mobile apps. The BBC says the move will enable it to offer a more personalised service - tailoring content to individual preferences. Some Feedback listeners and concerned the information gleaned will be used to crack down on the non-payment of the licence fee. The BBC's Director of Homepage and myBBC, Phil Fearnley, explains the Corporation's thinking. We find out more about binaural Beckett. Radio 3's Head of Speech Programming, Matthew Dodd, talks to Roger about why he commissioned new productions of five plays Samuel Beckett wrote especially for the Third Programme and how they were recorded binaurally - with voices and sounds in 360 degrees, coming not just from left and right but also from behind and in front of the listener. The Daily Telegraph's radio critic, Gillian Reynolds, gives her thoughts on the appointment of James Purnell as the head of a new BBC division - Radio and Education. And the Radio 4 Documentary A Casual Clearance explored the practical and emotional difficulties involved in clearing out a parent's house when they have died. It struck a chord with a number of listeners. Producer Clare Jenkins explains why and how she made the programme. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton discusses audience views on BBC radio programmes. The news coming out of Aleppo in Syria becomes more horrific each day but, while the human suffering of civilians caught up in the conflict is undeniable, hard facts about what's happening on the ground are very difficult to come by. As in everything else, the BBC's duty is to remain duly impartial in its reporting. But some listeners believe the BBC has been less than even-handed in its coverage of recent events. Can the BBC ever be truly neutral in reporting wars? Roger discusses the issue with Dr Peter Busch, Senior Lecturer in War Studies at King's College London, and the BBC's Director of Editorial Policy and Standards, David Jordan. And is the BBC guilty of pushing stories about its own programmes at the expense of more newsworthy items? Some listeners say they think coverage of The Archers trial and The Great British Bake Off in recent weeks has blurred the line between real news and self-promotion. Finally - making Tracks. The last episode of Radio 4's nine-part drama goes out on Tuesday 4th October, and one of its producers, James Robinson, gives Roger the inside track on how the programme was conceived and made. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with views from the audience on BBCX radio programmes and issues. Sir David Attenborough's two part documentary series for Radio 4, The Waterside Ape, delved into the developments on the aquatic ape theory - the idea that our human ancestors evolved not on the wide savannahs of Africa, but alongside water. It's a contentious idea and some scientists have claimed it played fast and loose with the evidence and promoted a minority thesis unnecessarily. Roger hears the views of listeners. The Controller of Radio 1, Ben Cooper, wants to make his network the "Netflix of Music Radio". To do that he's putting in place what he calls a phone-first strategy - 25 hours a week of content will be made available for people to download onto their smartphones and listen to whenever they want. He tells Roger why he thinks all BBC stations will eventually have to follow suit. And how good are BBC journalists at explaining which statistics are reliable? The BBC Trust recently conducted a review of the impartiality of the BBC's reporting of statistics in its news and current affairs output. The verdict, according to one of the authors of the report, Paul Johnson from the Institute of Fiscal Studies, is that the BBC is doing a "pretty good job" but there are two to three areas of concern. And listeners give their reaction to last week's interview with Katy Searle, the BBC's Editor of Political News, about perceived bias in the Beeb's coverage of Jeremy Corbyn. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if BBC coverage has been biased against Jeremy Corbyn, putting listener concerns to Political News Editor Katy Searle. Have radio programmes looked too much at Jeremy Corbyn's personality at the expense of his policies? In the week that the Chair of the BBC Trust handed in her resignation, the draft BBC Royal charter was released. Chairman of the Voice of the Listener and Viewer Colin Browne talks to Roger Bolton about the Charter and its repercussions. Will it safeguard the independence of the Corporation? In 1986 a specialist music programme took to the air on Radio Ulster. The Bottom Line - or Across the Line as it's now known - celebrated its 30th birthday earlier this month with a live concert featuring performances from some of the bands it helped to launch. How has the programme outlived so many of its rivals? And a week on from the biggest trial in the history of Ambridge, we hear why some listeners of The Archers were left dissatisfied, while others were delighted with the outcome. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

It's the first of a new series, and one of the big stories over the summer was the Olympic Games in Rio. But are Radio 4 news bulletins the place for sports coverage - and did the BBC go too far in championing Team GB? Feedback listeners have their say, and Roger Bolton puts their thoughts to Editor of Radio 4's Six O'clock News, Dominic Ball. The long-awaited trial of Helen for attempted murder has had many glued to The Archers this week, and the fictional village of Ambridge has featured in real life news headlines across the world. With the storyline of Rob's coercive control reaching a climax, it's both gripped and repelled listeners. We hear from two avid fans on either side of the fence. And, as recording for the new series of Ramblings gets underway, we couldn't miss the opportunity to take a walk in the countryside with presenter Clare Balding. She's traipsed the British Isles for 17 years with producer Lucy Lunt, and Roger discovers why the simple act of walking in the fresh air with incredible scenery elicits such openness from their guests. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears the questions and concerns of BBC radio listeners. This series, one issue has been top of the Feedback agenda - impartiality. The surge in questions and comments from listeners was initially sparked by the EU Referendum coverage, with concerns that striving for impartiality meant the BBC did not sufficiently scrutinise the campaigns and determine which conflicting claims were right. Listeners have also been highlighting other areas where they question whether the BBC has not met its standards of impartiality - namely science and the arts. David Jordan, the BBC's Director of Editorial Policy and Standards responds to the concerns. How does dancing on the radio work? That's a question Radio 3 tackled in their recent broadcast of the Strictly Come Dancing Prom. This year's host Katie Derham takes listeners on a behind-the-scenes tour of the rehearsal for a closer look at how the popular TV hit has been adapted for radio. And find out why listeners were stopped in their tracks by the Radio 4 Drama Life Lines, which explores the challenging and often distressing world of work as an ambulance call handler. Produced by Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Is it right to refer to a politician using just their first name? It's a question posed by some Feedback listeners after reporters referred to the new Foreign Secretary as simply "Boris". They are asking why he appears to be an exception to the rule and, more pertinently, if this note of familiarity softens the tone of interviews. And are this year's Proms getting a shake-up? Having celebrated its 120th anniversary last year, the Proms have been given a new Director - David Pickard. As the 2016 season gets underway this weekend, what is his vision for the Proms? The Director speaks to Roger Bolton from the Royal Albert Hall, discussing the use of unexpected locations, whether this year will be less London-centric and how much is on offer for younger listeners. Last week Feedback considered how the continued turmoil of Brexit was affecting comedy output - this week it's a look at the business unit. As the markets and the pound have been rocked by the out vote, listener Ian Callaghan goes behind-the-scenes of the BBC's Business and Economics unit to discover how they're responding. Did you keep a diary during your teenage years? If so, would you be willing to share your adolescent highs and lows with a listening audience? That's exactly what Radio 4 comedy My Teenage Diary asks of its celebrity guests. But some listeners question the authenticity of the diaries, asking how likely it was that they were both preserved and contain fitting punchlines for a radio comedy. The producer, Harriet Jaine, and one of the guest on the latest series, Samira Ahmed, discuss how the programme is put together. Produced by Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The unpredictable and fast-moving political landscape post-Brexit continues to dominate the headlines and listeners remain divided over whether the BBC's coverage has been as "duly impartial" as its Charter requires. The "political earthquake" caused by last month's vote has presented special challenges to BBC Radio News - not just in terms of balance but also because of the sheer speed with which the tectonic plates have shifted. And when Boris Johnson announced he wasn't running for the tory leadership it wasn't just the lunchtime bulletins which had to be re-written - it presented a considerable headache to the writers and performers of Radio 4's Deadringers, who were recording their programme just a few hours later. We went along to see how they would cope. Series producer Bill Dare talks us through some of the hairier moments of the last two weeks and Jon Culshaw and Jan Ravens explain how they've speedily perfected their impersonations of Michael Gove and Theresa May. And is visualisation the future of radio? Roger Bolton chairs a panel with Joe Harland, the BBC's Head of Visual Radio; Rhian Roberts, the editor of digital for Radios 4, 3 and 4 Extra; and three listeners with very different views on the need to be able to watch radio. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Following the confirmation that the UK had voted to leave the European Union, BBC Radio 5Live cancelled their planned schedules and extended their phone-ins after being contacted by thousands of listeners. But some Feedback correspondents question whether the result merited the such comprehensive coverage and why some sports coverage was shelved. Other listeners have also queried the benefit of hearing "outlandish claims" being made by callers. Gill Farrington, 5Live's Breakfast programme editor answers these listeners' queries. Feedback listeners also have concerns with how Radio 4 has been reporting on Brexit. Many feel that the station has a post-referendum tone of "doom and gloom". And over the next two weeks, Feedback is exploring the pioneering world of visual radio. What's in the pipeline for your viewing? Is it taking resources away from other areas? What works best for each station's audience? It begins in 5Live where the Head of Digital Will Cooper details his plans. And it's not often that we have an inbox full of audience members admitting to having cried at the radio, but narrative series The Boy Who Gave His Heart Away moved many listeners. The story unfolded over five days telling of two families faced with losing their children. Cole Moreton, who wrote and presented the series, gives the inside story of how it was made. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The long-awaited decision day has finally arrived. Votes have been cast and campaigns have come to an end. But that hasn't halted your questions, comments and queries on how the BBC has reported on and covered the EU Referendum. In this special edition of Feedback, listeners put forward their views on whether BBC news as a whole has been an aid in your decision making. Throughout the campaign, the Feedback inbox has received numerous questions as listeners have flagged up the areas in which they feel the BBC could have reported the campaign season differently. How did impartiality affect the coverage? Was the news too focused on individual personalities? Have certain issues been missing from the BBC reports? These are just a handful of questions that have been put to the BBC's Chief Political Adviser, Ric Bailey. Amongst the points on the campaigns as a whole, listeners also share their views on how the tragic passing of MP Jo Cox has affected BBC output. Produced by Kate Dixon. A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.

Radio 4's Today Programme on Monday morning focused largely on the shooting at a gay club in Orlando. Unfolding details were assessed by a variety of interviewees, but some listeners felt the discussions failed to explore questions around homophobia. They called for Radio 4 aficionado Luke Howard tells Roger Bolton why he felt particularly let down and calls for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender views to be discussed as much as topics on gun laws, terrorism and IS. The Queen's 90th birthday inspired a more traditional and simple service from Radio 4's Sunday Worship. The broadcast from the church in Sandringham evoked reactions of joy and delight from those listening - as they ask for services in this style to be aired more often. Series producer Philip Billson explains the decisions behind this and whether it's an approach the team will take again. And, while the latest series of award-winning comedy Fags, Mags and Bags has recently come to an end, listeners have been in touch throughout to declare it a unique, hilarious and addictive listen. Comedy writers Sanjeev Kohli and Donald McLeary respond to praise over the multi-ethnic cast - as well as to criticism over possible stereotypes and complicated language. Produced by Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton explores listener reaction to BBC radio. The death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali blazed across BBC output in the last week - but did this coverage fail to portray the two sides of his character? Listeners questioned whether the reporting focused too heavily on his success and iconic image and neglected his more controversial moments. Controller of daily news programmes Gavin Allen explains how these decisions are made in the editorial process and what he feels the news programmes achieved. In the age of audiences having streaming websites and personal playlists at their fingertips, is there a place for music presenters to curate our listening? BBC 6 Music believe there is as it broadcasts its annual 6 Music Recommends Day. Reporter Rob Crossan goes behind the scenes with musicians and presenters to find out how they put together a 12 hour playlist of brand new music that will please a diverse set of listeners. He speaks to presenters Cerys Matthews, Steve Lamacq and Shaun Keaveny, as well as Head of Music Jeff Smith and Head of Programmes Paul Rogers. Roger Bolton also puts listener questions to BBC 6 Music Controller Bob Shennan, asking the station has evolved since its launch in 2002 and where it fits into the range of music radio stations. And in last week's Feedback, the BBC's assistant political editor Norman Smith explained how he feels the corporation's impartiality may affect reporting of the EU Referendum. It's a debate that many Feedback listeners felt compelled to join in. Produced by Kate Dixon. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

With one of the biggest national decisions inching closer, listeners give their verdict on the BBC's referendum coverage so far. Some feel that the network is giving more attention to one side of the campaign - particularly in its headline reporting - others are concerned that the BBC is only reflecting a limited set of views. Most pertinently, those following the coverage ask whether the corporation's impartiality restricts its reporters from digging out hard facts. Assistant political editor Norman Smith responds to these queries and discusses how he deals with this turbulent political story. Have you ever wondered about the class background of the BBC's producers, presenters and even on-air guests? Do you want a run-down of whether interviewees on Radio 4's Today programme are from a certain class hierarchy? These are the probing questions from certain Feedback listeners - some of whom wonder if this gives Radio 4 an overall middle-class tone. Katherine Godfrey, a Feedback producer, drills down into the BBC's statistics and asks what the corporation is doing to better reflect the class composition of Britain. On-going Radio 4 series Born in Bradford follows one of the biggest medical research projects in the UK. Beginning in 2007, the programmes investigate child development and how this might explain the causes of some diseases. In the latest edition presented by Winifred Robinson (You and Yours), emotional and difficult conversations with pregnant women moved many listeners. And fans of From Our Home Correspondent explain why this sister programme offers a unique quality to their radio listening. Produced by Karen Pirie. A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton discusses listener reaction to programmes on BBC radio. This week, sports journalists have been kept particularly busy with speculation over Jose Mourinho's arrival as the new manager of Manchester United. But should the story have been headline news on BBC Radio 4? The Editor of the BBC Radio Newsroom, Richard Clark, responds to listeners' complaints. Radio 4's School Drama has earned a huge amount of praise - and also generated a degree of drama. The four-part series, starring Tom Hollander, concerned a failing state school trying to turn around its prospects with a production of Romeo and Juliet. The drama was recorded at a real school, with pupils and teachers playing roles. But some listeners are asking why this so-called failing school was actually staged at a fee-paying grammar. Director John Dryden discusses that decision. Every three months, the broadcast media goes slightly mad over RAJAR. It stands for Radio Joint Audience Research and they measure live radio listening across the UK. The quarterly figures can be good or bad news for BBC Radio controllers but are they still relevant as more and more of us engage with audio through podcasts, catch up and YouTube? Roger speaks to Lyndsay Ferrigan from RAJAR. For 20 years, BBC Radio 3 has kept listeners across 12 European countries company with its Through the Night programme. The programme has the same music but with different presenters speaking their own languages to local listeners. Feedback speaks to its Slovenian presenter and one of its Romanian listeners, as well as to the Radio 3 editor Paul Frankl. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listener concerns about the timing of Radio 4's World on the Move day during the EU Referendum, Soul Music brings back childhood memories and there's discussion about the end of What the Papers Say. On Monday, Radio 4 and BBC News dedicated a day to the topic of migration - World on the Move. Plenty of listeners welcomed the focus and admired the ambitious programming, including a special edition of the Today programme with Sarah Montague in Vietnam and a lunchtime address from Angelina Jolie Pitt the who also took questions in the Radio Theatre. But some listeners have accused the BBC of bias in favour of open borders and of airing emotive stories about migrants, questioning the timing of the day in the lead-up to the EU Referendum. The Editor of Today, Jamie Angus, addresses their questions. There's a fond farewell to What the Papers Say - a Radio 4 programme that looked across the British press coverage of various stories, exposing the best and worst journalism, often in humorous ways. Listeners ask why a programme they valued for its news analysis has been axed and Kevin Maguire of the Daily Mirror - the programme's first and last presenter - recalls some of his favourite moments, discussing whether the programme has had its day in the digital age. And listeners remember their childhoods with misty eyes after listening to Soul Music's programme about Feed the Birds - Julie Andrews' haunting song about charity from the Disney film Mary Poppins. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

This week the government released its long-anticipated white paper setting out its views on how the BBC's charter should be reformed and implemented over the next eleven years. Listener discuss their questions and concerns with Roger Bolton and Colin Browne from the Voice of the Listener and Viewer - from how the 'distinctiveness' of the BBC will be measured to a welcome note from the government about on-air trails. Comedian David Baddiel speaks to Roger Bolton about his unusual Radio 4 panel show Don't Make Me Laugh, in which comedians have to do just that - try not to make the audience and themselves laugh by talking about a host of different subjects. One subject in particular - the Queen's sex life - landed the programme in hot water. The timing of the programme on the Queen's 90th birthday caused a stir, but Feedback listeners question whether the subject is acceptable at any time. And we couldn't begin a new series of Feedback without airing at least some of the multitude of views about The Archers' Rob and Helen storyline. After months of domestic abuse by her husband, and a storyline lauded by many for highlighting coercive control, Helen took matters into her own hands and stabbed Rob. Now she's facing trial and her son Henry is still living with his adoptive father. For some listeners this turn of events is a step too far and unrealistic - others are gripped. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Archers' plot of Rob abusing Helen has been a source of constant discussion among the Ambridge faithful. Is it too painful to continue? Is it too important to lose? And, is the depiction of domestic abuse true to life? Polly Neate, CEO of Women's Aid, a charity that advised the programme makers on the reality of abuse, joins Roger Bolton to explain whether she feels that the storyline provides a believable picture of a coercive, controlling relationship. And at 5:30 on 18th March, Radio 4 Longwave listeners were eagerly anticipating the climactic moments of one of English cricket's greatest ever comebacks. But they were whisked away from Mumbai and into the middle of Eddie Mair's PM programme, denying them the game's thrilling finish. Feedback's Rob Crossan finds out why. A recent edition of the Today programme included a feature from the School Report, in which a 12 year old reporter informed the audience about the introduction of Combined Cadet Forces into his school, part of a wider initiative to bring the CCF into more deprived areas. But we hear from listeners who were incensed by the piece. Finally, Roger is joined by Mohit Bakaya to discuss Radio 4's latest foray into using visual accompaniments to its traditional radio programming - The Global Philosopher, a high tech debate format hosted by Michael Sandel. But why should Radio 4 even want to go visual? And does adding a visual element mean accepting compromises in the radio programme? Producer: Kate Dixon. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if Desert Island Discs allowed itself to become too political when it invited nuclear scientist Dame Sue Ion to be a castaway. Dame Sue Ion has long been a campaigner for nuclear energy, and some listeners felt that the much loved Radio 4 stalwart Desert Island Discs was the wrong platform for her to talk about that political belief. Editor Rebecca Stratford joins Roger to discuss whether Kirsty Young should have posed stronger challenges to Dame Sue Ion on the subject, and how a programme dedicated to one interviewee can maintain impartiality. A recent episode of Out of the Ordinary on the subject of so-called "Men Going Their Own Way", who claim to have thrown off the shackles of alleged female oppression, received a large listener response. Presenter Jolyon Jenkins discusses whether he dealt fairly with the men he interviewed. And why has country music become so popular that Radio 2 has just organised a pop-up station devoted to it? In these times of cutbacks, how can the BBC afford it? Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan speaks to Roger about the future of country music on his network. Finally, listeners respond to the technical issues raised in last week's programme - one gives Roger a telling off, while another suggests that it's when lines go dead that Radio 4 comes to life. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton asks if the BBC has had too much coverage of the US Presidential election - and if it is anti Donald Trump. The long process of selecting the next President of the United States is well underway, and some listeners are already bored stiff, while others are concerned that BBC reporters have lost their objectivity when it comes to unlikely Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. Roger Bolton puts listeners' concerns and questions to the BBC North America editor Jon Sopel. It's the second year of the scheme to let female composers take over the Radio 3 airwaves on International Women's Day. After tremendous listener response last year, Feedback goes behind the scenes at a live broadcast of the afternoon programme, In Tune, from the Southbank Centre. Why has Radio 3 made such an effort to mark the day? What do these live extravaganzas aim to bring to the listener at home? Phil Pegum, producer on the BBC's Lent Talks, and Cristina Odone who recently recorded her talk at the Tower of London, join Roger Bolton to discuss making Christian programming appeal to non-Christians and the challenges of recording on location. Finally, foul ups on PM and Saturday Live have listeners asking whether technical standards at the BBC are slipping. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton discusses audience comments about The Bottom Line with Evan Davis, finds out about Radio 4's new comedy commissions, and hears listener reactions to an explicit drama. It's been ten years since Evan Davis started presenting The Bottom Line, Radio 4's business chat show which aimed to bring senior and expert voices from the City to a broader audience. Evan reflects on the programme with Roger Bolton and addresses listener concerns that the focus of the programme is too narrowly aimed at the City's highest echelons, that business reporting has been trying to gloss over the city's failures in the financial crash, and about the number of women appearing on the programme. Last week, some listeners were shocked to turn on their radios at 10:45am and hear four letter words and explicit content in Fear of Flying, Radio 4 dramatisation of Erica Jong's novel about sexual liberation. Was Radio 4 right to air the drama directly after Woman's Hour? Should radio have a watershed, like TV? Sioned Wiliam is Radio 4's new commissioning editor for comedy and has just released her first full set of commissions. She joins Feedback for the first time since her appointment to discuss the future of comedy on the network. What kind of new voices will she bring to the network? Will she try and put her own stamp on old favourites? And do shrinking budgets mean Radio 4 comedy is under threat? And the Government has recently released a number of reports, ahead of the White Paper expected to outline their plans to reform the BBC. Colin Browne from The Voice of the Listener and Viewer joins Feedback to explain what the reports reveal and what the implications might be for BBC radio. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listener questions and comments on the EU referendum coverage, BBC diversity, stultifying sport and the continued furore over Rob and Helen in The Archers. With the EU referendum date set and the battle between 'leave' and 'remain' set to dominate the headlines until June, the BBC's Chief Political Adviser Ric Bailey joins Feedback to address listeners' questions about how the referendum is being covered. Is the BBC biased on EU membership? Is the story being told too much as a battle in the Conservative party? And should pollsters be trusted now after failures at the general election? Gaile Walters and Keon West first appeared on Feedback 18 months ago, when they were being trained as part of the BBC's Expert Voices scheme, which aimed to get experts from more diverse backgrounds into BBC programmes. They return to the programme this week to discuss how they've faired since the training, and whether the BBC is doing enough to improve the diversity of its radio output. Commentators on radio sport often find themselves in the position of having to keep listeners entertained even when the game is not delivering any action. Feedback reporter Rob Crossan speaks to Test Match Special's Jonathan Agnew and 5 Live football commentator Ian Dennis to discover how they find ways to fill air time even if on field events are not up to scratch. And finally, in last week's programme Roger asked listeners for their views on the ongoing Archers' story about Rob Titchener's abuse of his wife Helen. The response has been enormous, as listeners grapple with the question of whether the story is too important to miss, or too unsettling to air. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Feedback returns with the BBC Radio issues that matter most to you - from the coverage of Junior Doctors' debate and David Bowie's death, to a tough listen in The Archers and a documentary that invites you to see with your ears. When David Bowie died, Radio 4's news programmes dedicated much of the day's coverage to the star. Many listeners felt the coverage was disproportionate. Jamie Angus, editor of the Today programme, speaks to presenter Roger Bolton to address complaints that the BBC let emotion override objectivity. Jamie Angus also hears listeners' views on how his programme has been covering the Junior Doctors' contract debate. Listeners on both sides have concerns and question whether the BBC is picking the right people to represent the arguments and whether statements from the BMA and the government are being properly scrutinised. Rob Titchener's relentless abuse of his wife Helen has been captivating many of the Ambridge faithful, but has also been forcing some to turn off their radios. Listeners debate whether the storyline is unmissable drama in the best tradition of the programme, or a subject that is just too painful to return to day in, day out. And stop, stand still and listen. That's what listeners did when journalist Helena Merriman told them to during her documentary Batman and Ethan. The programme featured Ethan, a blind ten year old learning to explore the world through a technique called echolocation, which uses sound to create a picture of his environment. Roger Bolton speaks to Helena about recreating something that only blind people can understand, and asks if highlighting the unusual technique risks creating unrealistic expectations for many blind people. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

On Wednesday James Naughtie made an emotional sign off on the Today programme as he left the presenter seat after 21 years. What were listeners' favourite Naughtie moments? We hear highlights from two decades of broadcasting, from discussion of Auberon Waugh's nipples to the famous Jeremy Hunt gaff. In the aftermath of the Scottish referendum, and the SNP's success in the general election, BBC Scotland is also having a debate around the extent of its own independence. A committee in Holyrood has called on the BBC to release more budgetary power for BBC Scotland, with more money and services. With that as the backdrop, BBC Radio Scotland introduced a more analytical schedule to suit the new political landscape, but with more live music as well. Is it working for the listeners? Roger Bolton talks to Jeff Zycinski, the head of BBC Radio Scotland. BBC Radio 3 are looking ahead to the New Year with a brand new production of Artist Descending a Staircase, a radio play written over 40 years ago by Sir Tom Stoppard, one of the greatest living dramatists. Roger speaks to Sir Tom about the peculiarities and creative opportunities that come with writing for radio. In the world of The Archers, the Grundy family has had a tough start to the festive season but listeners welcomed an emotional twist in the story this week, ushering in a happier Christmas for 94-year-old Joe. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Radio 4's forum for listener comment.

The British Government has just allocated £289 million to the World Service for the next five years, in a bid to promote UK soft power. But where will this money go, and what does this mean for the BBC's independence? Roger Bolton talks to the Director of the BBC World Service Group Francesca Unsworth. With the arrival of Advent came a Radio 3 Carol Service, performed by the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge. Some listeners were impressed by the new compositions alongside traditional favourites, but others were put off by some of the more modern works. Should advent be a time for challenging new music or comforting classics? Roger asks the series producer of Radio 3's Choral Evensong, Philip Billson. Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night has been broadcasting for over 60 years, offering listeners a weekly programme of popular music performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and a myriad of stars. But can a programme from the 1950s pull in a wide age-range of listeners and can it justify the expense of a full orchestra? Roger Bolton goes behind the scenes, speaking to Strictly Come Dancing judge and guest presenter Craig Revel Horwood and the production team, to find out what goes into making the world's longest-running live orchestral music programme on radio. Last week Glenda Jackson returned to acting, after a 23 year absence, playing Dide in the first season of Blood, Sex and Money on Radio 4. The series is a 'mash-up' of 20 of Zola's novels. Many listeners lapped up the drama. Roger Bolton speaks to Commissioning Editor Jeremy Howe about whether you have to follow the text word-for-word to be faithful to the spirit of the author. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A WhistledownpProduction for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton airs audience views on BBC radio output, including a controversy in local radio, new funding for the World Service, and the fresh comedy duo The Pin. Earlier this month, presenter Iain Lee hosted a controversial discussion about Christianity and LGBT rights on his BBC Three Counties radio breakfast show. The heated interviews divided listeners and Iain Lee has now left the station. Campaigns across social media, led by fans and LGBT rights groups, have since demanded Iain Lee's reinstatement, but to what extent should a BBC presenter be allowed to take sides in a debate? The Government has announced that it will provide the BBC World Service with an additional £85 million a year, as part of the National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review. In the review, the World Service is cited as a way to expand UK 'soft power' and will be required to spend the money expanding services in key global regions. While this additional funding is welcomed by many World Service listeners, others question whether the BBC is becoming an arm of British foreign policy. After ten years on air, Radio 4's Lives in a Landscape is coming to an end. Roger Bolton speaks to the Presenter Alan Dein to look back a decade of remarkable stories told by seemingly everyday people. And BBC Radio has been home to a long line of comedy double acts, from Morecambe and Wise to Mitchell and Webb. Following in that tradition is a new comedy duo called The Pin. Their debut Radio 4 series has just drawn to a close and was enjoyed by many listeners. Roger Bolton speaks to The Pin, aka Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen, to talk double acts and radio influences. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

On Friday 13th November, Paris became the site of Western Europe's deadliest terrorist attack in over ten years. From the immediate aftermath of the attacks through to the end of the weekend and into this week, the story received heavy coverage across all BBC Radio networks, with BBC Radio 5 Live dedicating a whole day to rolling news about Paris on Saturday. It was a major story, but was BBC Radio's response proportionate? We hear your reaction. As the fight over Britain's membership of the EU intensifies, the upcoming referendum has become ripe territory for BBC Radio 4's satirists. When last Friday's The Now Show took a comedic look at the subject, some listeners were deeply unhappy with what they perceived as a 'staying in' bias. Should the BBC be scrutinising its output for bias already? And is it possible to have truly balanced comedy? Roger Bolton speaks to the BBC's Chief Adviser on Politics, Ric Bailey. This time last year, BBC Radio 5 Live's schedule was overhauled. Three of its biggest presenters, Shelagh Fogerty, Richard Bacon and Victoria Derbyshire, left and, as a consequence or not, so did 10% of the listenership. How has 5 Live fared since? Roger speaks to the network's controller Jonathan Wall to discuss ratings, sports rights and the booming sister station 5 Live Sports Extra. Last week, a brand new DAB station called BBC Music Jazz burst into existence, offering listeners music by all the greats from Gershwin to Gillespie. BBC Music Jazz was a pop up station - a temporary digital channel created in collaboration with Jazz FM. And listeners loved it. We look back at the brief and smoking life of BBC Music's first Jazz pop up. Producer: Katherine Godfrey. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

High level scrutiny and the need for further savings shines a light on every corner of BBC. This week Roger Bolton is in Sheffield to find out what listeners think about their BBC local radio stations. He speaks to Sheffield listeners and hears how holding local figures to account, local knowledge, companionship and reflecting the local community are key to keeping listeners engaged. But across England, listening figures are in a slow decline. David Holdsworth, who is in charge of all 39 stations, explains why that is and how local radio is moving with the technical times. Is there such a thing as a free lunch? We join 120 lonely older folk at a free fish and chip lunch organised by BBC Radio Sheffield. It was inspired by the late Winnie Blagden, a fan of the station. Having no family, Radio Sheffield asked their listeners if they could send Winnie a card. She received 16,000 - and a pile of chocolates and flowers. And we hear from the BBC Radio Devon's sports department who regularly cover four or five games every Saturday afternoon - and transmit each one of them with individual commentary on an individual transmitter. Presenter: Roger Bolton Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton hears listeners' views on Vanessa Feltz's interview with a gay man awarded £7,500 by a judge in a landmark case. The man was said to have been a victim of discrimination that was purely non-verbal after he claimed he had been abused by a member of shop staff who used homophobic gestures at him over several months. Some listeners felt that the exchange went too far and forced the man into a distressing situation. Roger speaks to one such listener to debate the line between journalistic rigour and journalistic insensitivity. Also, when Roger Scruton appeared on Radio 4's A Point of View, some listeners found his advocacy of free speech a refreshing antidote to certain modern sensibilities, but others felt that the freedoms he was endorsing could result in abuse of groups such as homosexuals and Muslims. Roger Scruton discusses the balance between free speech and social equality, and the place of political correctness in the modern age. And in the week when the last British resident to be held at Guantanamo Bay Detention Centre, Shaker Aamer, was released after 13 years' imprisonment without charge, some listeners were surprised to hear contribution from a think tank calling his innocence into question. Roger Bolton speaks to the Editor of the Today programme Jamie Angus, to put the concerns to him and discuss the nature of balanced contribution. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

With violence escalating in recent weeks between Israelis and Palestinians, the conflict is once again high on the news agenda. Coverage of the story is always scrutinised strongly and this week we'll hear from listeners who allege biased reporting about both sides. But can such a long-running and complex conflict be fairly covered in a forty second news bulletin? Roger Bolton speaks to Kevin Connolly, the BBC's Middle East Correspondent. When The Daily Mail's cartoonist Stanley "Mac" McMurtry appeared on Midweek, he discussed the nature of modern satire with Libby Purvis. But during a discussion about political correctness, he used an outdated term to describe ethnic minorities that some consider offensive. Should Libby Purves have stepped in and corrected him on air? When Erica Jong was invited on to Woman's Hour, many listeners expected a steamy listen. And the author did not disappoint. Presenter Jane Garvey's attempt's to reel it in were in vain, so was it a little too much for a morning during half term? Listeners didn't seem to think so. Roger speaks to Jane Garvey about a truly memorable interview and how you know when you've stepped over the line. And last week Radio Solent broadcast an item about love in later life, and a lonely 95 year old local man, Bill Palmer, was one of those to call in. Within an hour of the call, Bill was in the studio, speaking directly to Solent's listeners. His story of elderly isolation touched many - it spread online and quickly went global. Roger speaks to Chris Harris, the executive producer on the day, and Chris Osborn, one of those who called in. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Actor Martin Jarvis pays homage to Arthur Miller, England Cricketer Vic Marks gives his verdict on The Archers' game, and Radio 4 drama goes underground and avant-garde. In recent weeks, BBC Radio has been host to a theatrical marathon celebrating the centenary of the birth of the great playwright Arthur Miller. With a wealth of plays, features and documentaries across Radio 3 and Radio 4, some critics called it overkill - but listeners couldn't get enough. Roger Bolton puts audience questions to Martin Jarvis, director of Radio 3's A View from the Bridge. When it comes to reporting the news, getting to grips with statistics is vital for any correspondent. Listeners are fed reels of numbers, explaining everything from economic performance and mortality rates, to voting patterns and adultery. But how well do BBC correspondents understand these statistics, and do they risk being partial if they don't use them correctly? Roger speaks to Michael Blastland, one of the founders of Radio 4's chief number crunching programme More or Less. Last week's Radio 4 drama Master Rock was recorded live inside a Scottish mountain - but some listeners wished it had been buried forever. With an experimental electronic soundscape, and a postmodern script, the drama told the story of the subterranean Cruachan Power station, and the people who built it. While some thought it was progressive, artistic, and a unique listen, for others it was an off-putting experience. When the residents of Ambridge played the biggest cricketing fixture of the year, it was bound to be dramatic, and it didn't disappoint. But was the match plausible? Roger speaks to ex-England all-rounder Vic Marks to find out. Producer: Katherine Godfrey. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

When it comes to debate, how combative is too combative? When historian Niall Ferguson and novelist Jane Smiley appeared on Start the Week, a heated discussion took place about the nature of historical truth. But while a few listeners enjoyed the sparku exchange, it was too much for many. Two Feedback listeners hold their own debate, asking whether the exchange made for great radio or an argumentative mess. Roger Bolton is in the chair, but can he mediate? Last week saw BBC Radio 4 celebrating National Poetry Day, with a marathon of live programming hosted by Andrew Marr, exploring British history and identity through poetry. 'We British: An Epic in Poetry', considered verse by the likes of Donne, Tennyson and Tempest, with contribution from a wide array of actors and experts. But how did the programming define British? And was the choice of verse radical enough for our listeners' tastes? Roger puts the listener reaction to the BBC Bristol Arts and Poetry editor, James Cook. Last week, a Radio 4 play took on the difficult subject of Female Genital Mutilation. Many listeners were left shocked and moved. Written by Charlene James, the play told the story of two South London teenagers both affected by FGM. Listeners tell us why they felt they couldn't turn off. And, what on earth is Grass Frost? Listeners have spotted the term popping up on the BBC's recent weather output, but the new terminology has left some listeners baffled. Roger speaks to BBC weather forecaster, Peter Gibbs, for answers on this meteorological phenomenon. And while he's there, where did 'pokey showers' come from? Producer: Katherine Godfrey. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Influential comedy producer John Lloyd speaks to Roger Bolton about radio satire, as one of his earliest programmes comes under scrutiny from listeners. When Radio 4 Extra rebroadcast a 1976 edition of the satirical programme News Huddlines, listeners were taken back to the days of Wilson, Callaghan and the rising star Margaret Thatcher. They were also exposed to an era with very different sensibilities about matters of race, gender and sexuality - and some listeners took offence. So should old comedy, with material many would consider racist and sexist by today's standard, ever be heard again? Roger discusses with John Lloyd and Radio 4 Extra's Head of Planning and Scheduling, Tony Pilgrim. You might balk at the thought of hearing one man talk about themselves, uninterrupted, for an entire hour. But not when that man is John Lennon - according to many listeners. Last week's Archive on 4, John Lennon Verbatim, used the wealth of archive recordings to tell Lennon's story in his own voice, without a presenter or critics to interject. And many listeners loved it. Roger speaks to the programme's producer, Des Shaw, to find out why he thought Lennon was the best man to tell his story. While John Lennon Verbatim was crammed with old material, we've also heard from listeners who think Archive on 4 isn't always living up to its name. Roger speaks to commissioning editor Mohit Bakaya to find out whether it's becoming just another documentary programme. And Radio 4's Jim Naughtie recently suffered a bovine interruption as he recorded an episode of Radio 4's Bookclub at Charleston Farmhouse in Sussex. In a hard-hitting investigation by a listener we find out why the cows came home. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

From walkouts to bias and booing, we're kicking off a brand new series of Feedback with the biggest stories in BBC Radio. All told by you. By far the most talked about man in the Feedback inbox (rivalled only by the villainous Rob from The Archers) is the newly-elected Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Many Feedback listeners say they think BBC Radio has been too quick to dismiss Mr Corbyn's style of politics and has a tendency to focus too much on what some see as trivial aspects of his leadership, such as why he didn't sing the National Anthem. Jeremy Corbyn's victory took many in the media by surprise, so does the BBC's political reporting need to adapt to a new political landscape to suit the mood of the country? Roger Bolton talks to the BBC's Assistant Political Editor Norman Smith and Richard Clarke, Editor of the BBC Radio newsroom. Legendary war correspondent Kate Adie joins Roger to discuss 60 years of From Our Own Correspondent. Feedback listeners have getting in touch with their dispatches about why they think the programme's decades-old format still delivers the goods And BBC Radio 3 have been targeting listeners subliminally, with a special nocturnal broadcast of composer Max Richter's piece 'Sleep'. The piece lasts for the duration of our recommended eight hours of rest and a Feedback listener takes us into his bedroom to tell us whether Radio 3 gave him sweet dreams. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Quentin Letts' wry critique of the Met Office has had listeners contacting Feedback in droves. The programme was the first episode of a new series of What is the Point of...? and while a few felt the programme exercised a healthy scepticism about climate science, many more felt it allowed controversial opinions to go unchallenged. Roger Bolton hears some of the reaction. Earlier in the series, Feedback considered the BBC's coverage of migrants and heard concerns about the use of terms such as 'illegal immigrant' and 'swarm' - but now there are suggestions that the Today programme is too soft on migrants. The Editor of Today, Jamie Angus, discusses the BBC's approach to reporting the situation in Calais - and also talks about the future presenter line up on the programme, with Nick Robinson set to replace James Naughtie. The new interview series Flexagon Radio has had some listeners flummoxed. The programme has guests reacting to sounds and archive randmonly generated by a machine, The Flexagon. Does the device provoke intelligent conversation, or has it just provoked the the ire of listeners? Roger speaks to the series producer, Adam Fowler. After last week's Feedback special on religious programming, we hear from listeners who are concerned that humanists and atheists are not represented on Thought for the Day. Christine Morgan, the Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Radio, answers their criticisms. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton explores religious broadcasting on radio. As the UK becomes more spiritually diverse and increasingly secular, how should the BBC approach religious news and worship? Since its birth in the 1920s, the Corporation has always produced religious content, with programmes focussed primarily on Christian worship during the early days. Ninety years later, the religious makeup of the country is far more diverse and complex, so is the BBC keeping up with the times when it comes to spiritual matters? We ask listeners whether they think religion still has a place on the BBC, and how a national broadcaster should reflect faith and worship across different religions. For some Feedback listeners, religious output is extremely important - for others, it is outdated and inappropriate. Roger discusses these views with Religious Affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt, Editor for Religion and Ethics in BBC Regions, Ashley Peatfield, and Head of Radio for BBC Religion and Ethics, Christine Morgan. The subject of Religion is not just confined to specialist programming. Outside of people's personal worship, religion plays a significant role in social and political affairs both on the international and domestic stage. So how well does the BBC tackle religion when it comes to news and current affairs? Islam is the fastest growing religion in the UK, but while coverage and debate around the Islamic faith is fairly common on Radio 4, Muslim worship is rarely heard. So how well does wider BBC Radio serve its Muslim listeners? Feedback visits BBC Radio Sheffield, which runs Ramadan programmes during the Holy month. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Government has opened the public consultation period on the future of the BBC - but how much impact will your views have on their decision? The BBC Trust has also launched its own public consultation. Some Feedback listeners say they're confused about the process and what they're being consulted on. Roger Bolton sheds some light on the process. For the last three weeks, Radio 4's One to One interview has featured Selina Scott looking at the world of ghostly apparitions. The series has drawn criticism from some listeners, who felt that a more scientific and challenging approach was needed. Series Producer Lucy Lunt discusses whether there is a place on Radio 4 for the spiritual and non-scientific. Feedback about the quality of science reporting often appears in our inbox - some listeners cry 'oversimplification' and 'sensationalism'. But in this week's programme we hear from a listener with cautious praise for a Today Programme report on a possible link between tobacco and psychosis. Journalists dealing with health and science have to report in a world of competitive academia and commercial pharmaceuticals, with reports and studies vying for influence and publicity. Roger speaks to the BBC's Health Correspondent Jane Dreaper, to find out how she approaches reporting scientific research and potential medical breakthroughs. And finally, Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher sat down with Kirtsy Young to choose his Desert Island Discs this week. While some listeners thought that the Britpop Mancunian wasn't really Desert Island Discs material, many others praised the programme for revealing Gallagher's softer side. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The debate over the future of the BBC continues, with the size, structure, funding and remit of the Corporation now up for discussion. As the Department of Culture, Media and Sport open their twelve week public consultation on the future of the Beeb, Feedback listeners speak to Roger Bolton about their views. Also, Feedback listeners celebrate some good news - the arrival of radio downloads. From this week, almost all radio content will be available for download onto smart phones and tablets via the newly updated BBC iPlayer radio app. Roger speaks to Mark Friend, the Controller of Multiplatform for Radio and Music, to find out about the changes and why downloads for radio have taken so much longer to introduce than the equivalent service for television programmes. Last year, Tony Hall said he wanted to "break down the walls" between the corporation and the country's artists and artistic institutions. A new Radio 4 series, Will Gompertz Gets Creative, is attempting to go further by exploring the everyday artistic activity of normal people and encouraging all of us to 'get creative'. The first episode visited a life drawing class in Brighton in a bid to inspire people to engage with the arts. Did it work? Will Gompertz calls Feedback listeners to find out whether the programme has given them the artistic bug. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Licence Fee and the future of the BBC. Director General Tony Hall has agreed to fund licences for the over 75s but says he's got a good deal for the corporation, citing the agreement that the Licence Fee will rise in line with inflation and those who only use catch-up services such as iPlayer may also need to buy a licence. Meanwhile, the Chair of the BBC Trust - your representative - was locked out of negotiations and others in the worlds of media and politics have been scathing about the lack of public consultation. Roger Bolton hears the views of Feedback listeners. The Proms are coming back to the World Service - five years after they were cut to save money. Roger speaks to controller of the BBC World Service in English, Mary Hockaday, to see where the money is coming from at a station with an even more tightly squeezed budget, following the transfer of financial responsibility for the network from the Foreign Office to the BBC last year. Apple Music launched its new internet radio station Beats 1 last week, and some people said that it sounded a great deal like BBC Radio 1. So should the BBC be worried about having their younger listeners poached? Feedback puts 19 year old radio DJ Oré Olukoga on the case to see whether Apple can inspire a generation which is increasingly uninterested in live radio broadcasts. The five part Radio 4 series Me, My Selfie and I, presented by snowboarder Aimee Fuller, took on the subject of the selfie - but some listeners thought this was a shallow attempt to pick up a younger audience. Roger puts their concerns to the series producer Phillip Revell. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton looks at the battle for control of language. More than 120 MPs have written a letter to the BBC's Director General calling for an end to use of the name "Islamic State" in news reporting. David Cameron is among those calling for a change of terminology, saying that many Muslims recoil from the name. Radio 4 and World Service listeners tell us what they think the BBC should call the group and consider whether a change in terminology would weaken Islamic State, or weaken the BBC's impartiality. There are also concerns about the terminology used by the BBC when reporting immigration. Roger investigates whether listeners' concerns are about inaccuracy or the potential for stoking animosity. The biggest job in BBC Radio Comedy - the host of The News Quiz - has gone to Miles Jupp. But what do our listeners think of the new appointment, and can Miles fill Sandi Toksvig's tiny shoes? Miles is a household name for Radio 4 listeners but BBC Radio is also on the lookout for new talent with the 2015 BBC Radio New Comedy Awards. Roger speaks to Marcus Brigstocke and Angela Barnes to find out what it takes to make it in the world of radio comedy. And why, why, why, did Tom Jones' song Delilah offend one of Feedback's listeners? Roger speaks with Jeff Smith, Head of Music at BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, to find out how the BBC approaches older songs covering potentially controversial themes. Producer: Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

What risks should journalists take to report stories? In this week's Feedback, Roger Bolton visits BBC journalists on a training course which aims to prepare them to report from dangerous conflict zones and hostile environments. Listeners have been pondering whether the risks are worth it in order to report the story to them. Roger brings the BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet together with senior BBC producer Stuart Hughes and Vaughan Smith, founder of the Frontline Club, to discuss the issues. And, after weeks of speculation, Chris Evans was named as the new presenter of Top Gear last week. But some of his 10 million Radio 2 listeners think he's been talking about it far too much in the days since the announcement. Helen Thomas, the editor of The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, answers the listeners. Also this week: "History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon." That was apparently the view of Napoleon Bonaparte. But some Feedback listeners don't agree with the version of Napoleon's life which historian Andrew Roberts delivered in his series on Radio 4. Professor Roberts defends his portrayal of the French Emperor. Producer: Katherine Godfrey. A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.

Radio 4's forum for listener comment.

Has the BBC's impartiality been compromised in the lead up to the General Election? With less than two weeks to polling day, political leaders are near ever-present on the airwaves as they try to secure votes. BBC networks - including Radio 1, 5Live and Radio 4 - have been connecting party leaders directly to the public in a series of live debates. Listeners flocked to social media to comment as the programmes were broadcast - and some of their comments complained about biased presenters and audiences. Ric Bailey, the BBC's Chief Political Adviser, discusses how impartiality should be achieved during the intensity of the campaign season. Nearly 40 years ago, Radio 3 created the 'Pied Piper' programme to appeal to younger listeners and develop their love of classical music from an early age. Current Radio 3 Controller Alan Davey discusses the station's role in bringing culture to a younger generation. An alien world, a landscape of frozen ice and characters with no gender are not perhaps the typical elements of a drama on Radio 4. But in celebration of cult science fiction writer Ursula Le Guin's 85th birthday, Radio 4 and 4Extra have dedicated this month to her fantasy literature. Judith Adams worked alongside director Allegra McIllroy to adapt the 300 page novel into a two hour radio play. But how did they voice characters that were neither male nor female? And how has the Shipping Forecast impacted and inspired our lives over the years? Author Charlie Connelly recounts his fondest anecdotes - from his own life and the lives of listeners around the British Isles. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistlkedown production for BBC Radio 4.

This week, our look at how the election is being covered across BBC radio takes us to 5Live for the launch of their #FridayTakeover. Each week, the station is selecting one key politician to face individual listener questions. Stephen Mawhinney, the station's Head of News, explains how the nature of a political interview changes when led by the public while presenter Nicky Campbell discusses the balance between handing the reins over to listeners and knowing when to regain control. The recent Trust review of BBC music stations concluded that Radio 3 needs to make its identity and programming more distinctive in certain areas. Recently appointed Controller Alan Davey has begun to set out his vision for the station's future and, in this week's Feedback, he addresses listeners points about what they want. The History of Ideas series hosted by Melvyn Bragg has provided listeners with much food for thought on subjects of freedom, morality and the origin of time. Yet, despite offering heavyweight discussions that demand the full attention of their audience, the use of sound effects and cartoon noises has led to complaints from some listeners. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Easter weekend is a prime opportunity for regular radio presenters to take a step out of the spotlight and into the sun for some rest and relaxation. But their stand-in presenters can be left to face the disappointment of an audience devoted to their favourite host. What are the challenges facing stand-ins and how do they overcome them? Lewis Carnie, the head of Radio 2 programmes, discusses how Sara Cox and Zoe Ball have filled in for leading men Chris Evans and Ken Bruce. The spring breaks also produced trials for users of the BBC Radio iPlayer. As listeners got heavily engrossed in hair-raising dramas and eye-opening documentaries - they were left hanging mid-sentence as iPlayer Radio failed to give them the last few minutes of the programme. The General Manager for Audience Facing Services at BBC Future Media, Andrew Scott, clarifies what happened and how he is working to prevent future failings. And in the election campaign coverage, BBC local radio has launched a series of 170 debates taking place across the country. David Holdsworth, the controller of English Regions, explains why issues affecting smaller communities are still key to political coverage. Station Editor David Harvey outlines how Radio Cambridgeshire is reflecting its listeners' main concerns. And, behind the scenes at BBC Essex's first local debate, producer Mark Syred lets listeners shine a light on what they see as the biggest question in their community. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

It's five weeks to Polling Day. As part of our investigation into how different BBC networks are covering the election, Roger Bolton talks to the political team of Radio 1's Newsbeat. Young listeners ask editor Louisa Compton how the coverage will be tailored to the age and interests of the Radio 1 audience. And what effect did the sounds of a glacier, a football crowd and a dawn chorus have on our listeners? Sound recordist Chris Watson produced a series of audio postcards - each Exploring the sound of a spectacular natural event in compressed time. Chris Watson explains how he risked life and limb in the middle of the Kalahari Desert - but which of the sounds was the most challenging to record? Sound also infiltrated the Today Programme this week. Sarah Montague visited the café of the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle as part of their coverage of '100 constituencies in 100 days' - but did clattering background noise make it too difficult to listen. Radio 4 Drama 'Far Side of the Moore' brought astronomer and former BBC presenter Patrick Moore's voice back to life. Listeners praise actor Tom Hollander for his authentic portrayal of the late astronomer's quirks and eccentricity. And the results of the Feedback twitter challenge are revealed - did anyone correctly guess which animal inspired our alternative Tweet of the Day? Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton goes behind the scenes at BBC Westminster to see how they're gearing up for the 2015 General Election. He talks to Katy Searle, the Editor of Political News about the pressures on journalists, while Deputy Political Editor James Landale reveals how he got a headline story from Prime Minister David Cameron. And changes to the layout of the BBC news website have dismayed some Feedback listeners who feel they are being force fed certain stories. Robin Pembrooke, the General Manager for News Products, supervised the revamp and explains how the BBC is adapting to changes in the way people access information. After nearly 50 years, a radio institution is coming to an end in July. The Radio 1 Chart Show has been a fixture on Sunday evenings since 1967 but Radio 1's controller Ben Cooper has announced the programme is moving to Friday afternoons and being shortened. He says he had little choice after the Official Charts Company announced they were going to release the chart on Fridays - making a Sunday show seem a little late. Music journalist Pete Paphides gives Feedback his personal memories of a childhood obsession with the Charts. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

On this week's programme with Roger Bolton: the BBC's Moscow Correspondent Sarah Rainsford on reporting from Putin's Russia, the Trust's review of BBC music radio and Radio 4's Listeners' Elections. It's less than 50 days to go until this year's General Election and BBC Newsrooms are delving into the big issues of the economy and immigration. But now, Radio 4 wants to break down the election issues that matter most to its audience. The station is launching 'The Listener's Election'. It calls for listeners to submit stories that put the election campaigns into a more personal context. The BBC's Political Correspondent Chris Mason, who's behind the project, tells Roger how he hopes to reflect the UK's key concerns. Should Radio 1 and 1xtra be making moves towards including more speech in their output? Does Radio 2 need to vary its specialist music programming? And is Radio 3 starting to sound like Classic FM? These are some of the points raised in the BBC Trust's review of all six music stations. The findings of the review have now been published and Roger talks to BBC Trustee Nick Prettejohn about the review. The journalists' lobby group Reporters Without Borders ranks Russia at 152nd out of 176 countries in its Press Freedom Index and the Russian authorities seldom if ever talk to foreign press reporters, so how hard is it for the BBC's Russian correspondent to report accurately? Sarah Rainsford talks about the challenges of her job. And the BBC's School Report set a group of Sussex school children the challenge of turning a newspaper headline into a radio drama. We get a sneak preview of a Royal Pain in the Parkside which finds Prince Harry pursuing a new career - on a caravan site. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

After a year and half in the driving seat for Radio 4's beloved radio soap opera The Archers, editor Sean O'Connor has created controversy amongst some dedicated listeners - with debate over a number of cast changes and the playing out of a Biblical flood over a week of programmes. This week, Sean O'Connor came into the Feedback studio to answer listeners' questions and comments. C2C, the Country Music Festival, was held in London last weekend bringing the sounds of Nashville to a UK audience. This prompted BBC Radio 2 to launch a pop-up music station playing wall-to-wall Country music which was on-air for just four days. Radio 2 Controller Bob Shennan explains why they did it and whether they'll do it again. And after last week's discussion on how the BBC should receive its funding in future, listeners respond to news from the National Audit Office that the corporation will face more spending cuts. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Is there a formula to successful comedy on Radio 4? Before leaving her post as Commissioning Editor of Comedy on Radio 4 and 4Extra, Caroline Raphael talks about her 17 years in the job and reveals which hugely successful comedy almost didn't make it to air because the Controller of Radio 4 at the time turned it down. Also, the debate over the licence fee has been ignited by a report from the Commons Media Select Committee. It suggests replacing the licence fee with a universal levy for all households. Listeners are divided over the issue and Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster in London breaks down the pros and cons of the different ways the BBC might be funded in the future. And on New Year's Day, a number of listeners were dismayed by their favourite Radio 4 programmes being moved to long wave to accommodate ten hours of War and Peace. Partly, they were concerned about the reception quality on long wave. This prompted vintage radio aficionado Sean Stevens to get in touch to set the record straight about what he sees as the joys of long wave. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Next week sees the last ever episode of Radio 4's long running investigative series Face the Facts. Radio 4 says it's part of an ongoing effort to cut costs. Presenter John Waite recounts his most memorable moments during his 30 years on the frontline of investigative journalism. The Green Party was hoping to launch their election campaign in a blaze of positive publicity earlier this week. But after leader Natalie Bennett experienced what she called an "excruciating mind blank" in an interview, the story took a very different direction. The BBC ran the story throughout the day - but was this too much coverage of Bennett's 'brain fade' at the expense of serious analysis of party policy? Katy Searle, the Editor of Political Newsgathering for BBC News, explains why the story deserved its airtime and place on the news agenda. And while the rest of the BBC is giving up on broadcasting children's radio, BBC Radio Cymru has launched Tic Toc, a new programme aimed at a younger audience. Can Radio Cymru find success where others have failed? Head of Radio Cymru, Betsan Powys, explains what makes her venture different. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The allied bombing of Dresden was one of the most controversial episodes of the Second World War - but was Radio 4's coverage of the 70th Anniversary too one-sided? The editor of Radio 4's Today programme, Jamie Angus, discusses how the BBC reflected on this historic event with a senior lecturer in War and Media at King's College London, Dr Peter Busch. And the story behind how the BBC obtained a startling piece of audio from the shootings in Copenhagen. Toby Castle was duty editor in the BBC Newsroom at the time and he talks to Roger Bolton about why he decided the shocking audio could be put on air. Also, an epic tale of endurance and self-sacrifice - listeners tell us how they managed to hear ten hours of War and Peace in one sitting. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Almost an entire day on Radio 4 was taken over by a dramatic airing of War and Peace at the start of the year. For some listeners it was a joy that kept them glued to their radios - for others it was a rude interruption to the schedule. Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama, Jeremy Howe, explains why the network decided to broadcast wall-to-wall Tolstoy at the expense of regular programmes. Also, the BBC's Director General Tony Hall has weighed into the ongoing debate about changes to The Archers. Jeremy Howe gives his reaction to the DG's intervention. And is the BBC's news output little more than a barrage of bleak and dismal events? Is there space - or even a need - for more good news stories? Professor Charlie Beckett explored this question in his programme, Good News is No News. It generated debate on social media with many people saying they felt overwhelmed by negative news. So is it time for the BBC to give more focus to positive news stories? Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Gwyneth Williams is in her fifth year as the controller of Radio 4 and has made her mark with various radical changes - including bringing a former Eastenders' producer to The Archers, cutting 12 minutes from You and Yours and bringing visualisation to a variety of Radio 4 programming. For the final episode of this series, Feedback listeners speak directly to the Controller and give their views on the network. Loyal Archers Addicts ask how much free rein the editor should have when many listeners are unhappy with the programme's current direction. Gwyneth is also asked whether there is a theme to the daily '12 o clock slot' that has divided listeners, and whether 15 minute programmes are long enough to over complex topics. Radio 4's leap towards a dazzling digital future is also put under scrutiny as a listener asks whether radio programmes truly benefit from visual elements. And how tight is her Radio 4 budget for programmes, given that even more cuts are coming soon? Producer Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton talks to investigative journalist Tom Mangold about The Silent Conspiracy, a programme he first began working on 35 years ago. The programme concerned Jeremy Thorpe, the charismatic leader of the Liberal Party between 1967 and 1976. Thorpe's political career was overshadowed by scandal when he was accused of conspiring to murder Norman Scott - a man who claimed to have been his lover at a time when homosexuality was illegal. He was acquitted of conspiracy to murder but soon withdrew from public life. The day after he died last week, Radio 4 broadcast The Silent Conspiracy, in which veteran BBC journalist Tom Mangold uncovered an alleged establishment conspiracy to protect Jeremy Thorpe's career and reputation. Many listeners questioned the tone and timing of the programme. Roger talks to Tom about the making of the programme and why he felt it was in the public interest. Michael Buerk has survived life in the Australian outback and returned as chair of Radio 4's Moral Maze. To welcome him back, his programme team chose reality TV as the subject for the last episode in the series. Not letting him escape the spotlight, Buerk was declared a star witness. But after frequent updates of his jungle antics on the PM programme - was this an in-joke too far? What does it take to find "extraordinary stories and remarkable guests"? Roger goes behind-the-scenes at Saturday Live to discover how they blend celebrity interviews and inheritance tracks with tales straight from listeners' mouths. And more musical archives are restored following last week's revival of Radio 4's Singing Together. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

What do you really think of Radios 4 and 5 and their extra bits? The BBC Trust wants listeners' input for a major review it's conducting. But will your views change anything? Trustee Elan Closs Stephens tells Roger Bolton why reviews like this matter. Radio 4's World War 1 drama Home Front is set to run for four years and a total of approximately 600 episodes. Roger goes on a behind-the-scenes tour of the epic production and puts listeners' questions talks to the series editor Jessica Droomgoole and producer Lucy Collingwood. Jarvis Cocker took the Radio 4 audience back to primary school with his Archive on 4 on the well-loved programme "Singing Together". It was a weekly broadcast that started in 1939 and quickly became a treasured musical memory. But most of the broadcasts have been lost. We hear from Feedback listener Christopher Goodman who has succeeded where the BBC failed - in saving a little bit of our musical heritage for posterity. And Archers Addicts question the point of a radio drama where the actors' voices are far too similar. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The BBC World Service is now funded by the licence fee which means the UK public is now paying for a service that many rarely use. Roger Bolton talks to the service's outgoing director, Peter Horrocks, about the challenges facing his successor. Radio 4's PM programme continues to keep its audience up to date with Michael Buerk's progress on I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. Many listeners love these light-hearted jungle moments; many others feel they have no place in a serious news programme. PM's editor Joanna Carr defends the programme's character and explains why the esteemed presenter of the Moral Maze is fair game for a bit of leg-pulling. As part of Listeners' Week, Radio 4's In Our Time asked for suggestions for the topic of this week's programme. Roy Bailey and Lauren Hall's idea of Franz Kafka's The Trial was chosen from over 900 entries. They give their verdict on the programme, and Melvyn Bragg and his producer Tom Morris talk to Roger about what made Roy and Lauren's Kafkaesque proposal stand out. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Since August, listeners to Radio 4's You and Yours have had their daily diet of consumer and social affairs cut by 12 minutes - in the first place to make way for the opening salvoes of Radio 4's 600-part World War 1 drama Home Front. Since then a number of mixed programmes have occupied the slot - with mixed responses from Feedback listeners. Are these bite-size portions the future of radio? The Commissioning Editor, Mohit Bakaya, explains his thinking for the future of the slot. How does the BBC gauge the views of the silent majority who never make direct contact with the BBC or Feedback? Elizabeth Lane, Research Manager for Radio 4 and 4 Extra, has the answers. As he grows a beard and takes on the bushtucker trial, is Michael Buerk living up to his surname down under? And do his reality TV antics really deserve a nightly slot on Radio 4? Catch-up radio on the BBC's TV iPlayer becomes even harder to access for some listeners. First it was lost from smart televisions and now it's no longer available on TV set top boxes. So what's going on - and when will the service return to normal? And comedian Jake Yapp gives us his version of Feedback in 60 seconds. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4 Kashmiri novelist Mirza Waheed talks to Mariella Frostrup about his new novel The Book of Gold Leaves which is a love story set against the backdrop of war.

BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat has been found in breach of both Ofcom and BBC Editorial Guidelines for its broadcast of an interview with a member of ISIS. The item was considered inappropriate under BBC standards for Impartiality and Harm and Offence. Richard Ayre, the Chairman of the BBC Trust's Editorial Standards Committee, explains the ruling. Radio 1's iPlayer video channel launched this week. It's the station's latest effort to engage with the smartphone generation. The BBC's Head of Visual Radio gives his vision for the future of Radio 1. Radio 4 is also trying a bit of radio visualisation with a number of short-form animations to complement its History of Ideas series. A Feedback listeners' panel gives its verdict. The former Home Secretary David Blunkett was on World at One this week - not to discuss any great affairs of state, but to give his thoughts on The Archers. Though many Feedback listeners share his concerns at the soap's current direction, others said that a serious news programme was not the place to cover such trivialities. And Feedback listener Tony Harwood, gives a behind the scenes account of his time as a BBC page boy in the 1950s when one of many perks was the chance to watch live recordings of Hancock's Half Hour. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Dramatic storylines and racy relationships are continuing to cause a stir among Archers fans. Now the actor who plays the sausage king Tom Archer has been deposed, some listeners are threatening to switch off altogether. There were 103 episodes of Hancock's Half Hour recorded in the 1950s. However, 20 episodes are missing from the BBC archives. Now, five of them have been brought back to life in new recordings of the original scripts. Giving a voice to the many voices of Kenneth Williams is actor Robin Sebastian. But which of all Williams's classic characters is his favourite? And what is it about this comedy that makes audiences still laugh sixty years on? And is the British coverage of German history too focused on conflict? One programme setting out to change this is Neil McGregor's 30 part series 'Germany: Memories of a Nation'. It's been well received by most listeners though some feel repeating it three times a day was a bit much. Commissioning Editor Jane Ellison and the programme's producer Paul Kobrak discuss how and why the series was made. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Russell Brand was invited onto Radio 4's Start the Week to join a discussion on Revolution. But was he out of place on the panel of experts? Some listeners saw it as little more than blatant promotion of his latest book. The programme's editor, Rebecca Stratford, explains the thinking behind her decision. Surround sound has long been enhancing mainstream cinema, and it's now made an appearance in BBC radio drama. And you don't need a 5.1 surround sound speaker set to hear it. So how does it work? All is revealed in a behind the scenes laboratory at BBC Research and Development, where the authentic sounds of World War 1 are brought to life. John Humphrys recently declared on Feedback that UKIP is Britain's fourth political party - leading listeners to wonder if the Green Party ranked anywhere in his poll. With the 2015 General Election around the corner, how does the BBC determine which parties appear in its political debates? Breaking down the stats and figures behind the selection process is the BBC's Chief Political Advisor, Ric Bailey. And how did two Radio 4 programmes get repeated minutes after their original broadcast? Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Lord Heseltine has been criticised for his use of the word 'handicapped' on Radio 4's Any Questions. But should Jonathan Dimbleby or the programme's producers have stepped in to correct him? Radio 4's Peter White, who's also the BBC's Disability Affairs Correspondent, gives his take on the evolution of terminology -and the minefield of words to avoid. Moral Maze presenter Michael Buerk also came under fire this week for his choice of words in a live on-air trail. He was promoting this week's debate on whether the footballer and convicted rapist Ched Evans should be allowed to return to his footballing career. But the trail led many to accuse the presenter of victim blaming. And will there ever be a perfect political interview to please all listeners? This week the interviewing skills of Today presenters John Humphrys and Sarah Montague are called into question. But who is really at fault here - is it the combative approach of interviewers or the impenetrable defence of politicians? The BBC wants to reflect the UK's ethnic diversity more accurately in both television and radio broadcasting. In order to widen their pool of expert contributors, the BBC Academy has launched a series of Black and Minority Ethnic Expert Voices Days. Two applicants who attended the event explain why they want to help change the look and sound of the BBC. And get your headphones at the ready for a glimpse into the world of surround sound and binaural audio. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Have political interviews become a monotonous drone on your radio? Newsnight Editor Ian Katz believes most are simply "boring-snoring". 5 live Breakfast presenter Nicky Campbell and Today's John Humphrys fought their corner in a Masterclass at this year's Radio Festival in Salford on "The Art of the Political Interview." Three Feedback listeners also went along and put their questions to Radio 4's Grand Inquisitor. Roger Bolton also talks to Desert Island Discs' Kirsty Young about how she gets her castaways to open up. She also reveals which castaway made her go weak at the knees. The Head Down Generation, the BBC Trust and commercial rivals are just some of concerns that the Controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra, Ben Cooper, has to consider. But what seven things are keeping him awake at night? He responds to the ever-present question of Radio 1's average audience age and brings new meaning to the words pipe and platform. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown Production for BBC Radio 4.

Good news. You now have 30 day to catch up on radio programmes using iPlayer. Andrew Scott, the General Manager of radio and music for BBC Future Media joins Roger Bolton to discuss the changes. Musician, writer, broadcaster - Jarvis Cocker can seemingly turn his hand to anything. But can he combine his intimate late-night delivery of Radio 4 programme Wireless Nights with the full force of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra? Kate Taylor takes us behind the scenes at the rehearsal to meet Jarvis along with the Wireless Nights producer Laurence Grissell and the General Manager of the BBC Philharmonic, Simon Webb. The battle for the 12 o'clock slot on Radio 4 continues. You and Yours listeners are still reeling from losing a quarter of the consumer affairs programme each day to make space for Home Front, Radio 4's landmark 500-part drama about the First World War. But while Home Front is taking a break there's a new series called '21st Century Mythologies' in its place. Every day Peter Conrad focuses on a different example of popular culture - including Nando's, Apple computers and the Kardashians - echoing the French semiotician Roland Barthes' Mythologies 60 years earlier. Clever cultural commentary? Some listeners are not convinced. And listeners react to an item on Today in which Sarah Montagu interviewed a woman who had married herself. Produced by Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Has a summer of tough foreign news had you switching off the radio? The Editor of the Today programme, Jamie Angus, talks to Roger Bolton about his plans to bring a greater range of approaches to telling international stories. The aim is to give audiences a broader view of life in countries which are more often in the news for conflict or disaster - but is it sugar-coating the news for listeners? Mud-slinging or mediation? What's the best way to debate? Many Feedback listeners tell us they want more measured, discursive debate - especially on important issues. Matthew Taylor, who's used to holding his own on the Moral Maze, has been presenting Agree to Differ in which he asks contributors to seek common ground in their argument. He debates the subject with the boss of Any Questions, Clare McGinn. And why is You and Yours being cut short for a World War I drama? The 500-part, four-year-long serial Home Front is knocking twelve minutes off the consumer affairs programme each day. Will You and Yours ever gets its missing minutes back? Roger asks Radio 4's Head of Planning and Scheduling, Tony Pilgrim. Produced by Will Yates. A Whistledown production for Radio 4.

On 4th August 1914 Britain entered World War I. The BBC marked the date with a variety of programmes exploring the history of the conflict and by broadcasting commemorative ceremonies. Many listeners were moved by the coverage, others questioned whether it was too jingoistic, while some wonder whether the level of analysis is sustainable for the next four years. Also this week, Roger Bolton meets his teenage crush - Carol Tregorran from The Archers, played by film star Eleanor Bron. Carol hasn't been heard in The Archers for 34 years, but how long will she be staying this time? And Roger is in Glasgow meeting journalists at the BBC headquarters at Pacific Quay on the day of the first televised debate of the Scottish Referendum campaign. With just six weeks to go before the people of Scotland cast their vote, Roger asks Scotland Correspondent Colin Blane and Special Correspondent Allan Little whether they can give their listeners inside and outside of Scotland the information they want and need. He also meets Louise White, presenter of BBC Radio Scotland's phone-in programme Morning Call, and BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor who deals with allegations of bias from both sides. Marcus Brigstocke has dealt with plenty of allegations of bias for his brand of close-to-the-bone political satire. His Radio 4 comedy series The Brig Society returned this week and already listeners are divided over whether his analysis of the European Union was refreshingly witty or wilfully one-sided. Which side are you on? Producer: Lizz Pearson A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Listeners' views on the BBC's coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continue to dominate our inbox. There are allegations of bias on both sides - the BBC coverage is accused of being too pro-Palestinian and too pro-Israeli. But how easy is it to accurately report the conflict on the ground from within Gaza? Roger Bolton speaks to the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet. Also this week, should history stay in the past? John Humphrys and Melvyn Bragg have gone head-to-head over the use of the present tense to describe historical events. Matthew Parris, who presents Radio 4's long-running biographical series Great Lives, was among the first to criticise this seemingly modern fad. But is it actually a new thing? And can it be an effective tool for bringing the past to life? Matthew gives his view. And Roger joins the gardeners of Cumbria on board the M V Teal on Windermere for a special recording of Gardeners' Question Time. The chairman, Eric Robson, is celebrating 20 years of presiding over the gardening queries of the nation, but what's in his garden? And how do the panel of Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood, and Bunny Guinness prepare for any question that the audience might throw at them? Find out how an audience of 150 gardeners, perhaps more used to being close to the earth, take to the water. You can hear the special edition of Gardeners' Question Time on Friday 8th August at 15.00 and repeated on Sunday 10th August at 14.00 on BBC Radio 4. Finally, are Sandi Toksvig and her News Quiz panel taking up raving? The problems with the BBC iPlayer continue. Producer: Katherine Godfrey. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Last weekend many radio listeners were looking forward to catching up on all the programmes they'd missed during the week using the BBC iPlayer. But they found programmes were mysteriously unavailable. In some cases they remained so until Monday afternoon. What went wrong and should the BBC have done more to communicate about the problem? Roger Bolton speaks to the BBC's Mark Friend, the Controller for Radio and Music Multiplatform. The panellists on this week's Moral Maze had no problems communicating - in fact, many listeners felt they came across all too loud and clear. Feedback received complaints about the overly combative atmosphere during a debate on 'Just War and Gaza'. Roger asks the programme's producer Phil Pegum whether the moral complexities of the argument were drowned out by what one listener described as "childish squabbling". What makes a great radio double-act? Feedback visits the Test Match Special commentary box to find out what makes the apparently fractious duo of Geoffrey Boycott and Jonathan Agnew tick. The BBC published its annual report this week which showed that viewing and listening figures were dropping, particularly among young people. And accusations of South-East bias reared their head again, which comes as no surprise to some of our listeners. Also - there's the Twitter phenomenon started by a Feedback listener - #EatyTalky. Producer: Will Yates. A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

On Thursday, the BBC announced 415 jobs losses from its news department. The job cuts are to save money after the last licence fee agreement left the BBC needing to find £800 million in efficiency savings. But what do the cuts mean for radio news? Roger Bolton asks the BBC's Director of News, James Harding. And amid accusations of bias on both sides, Roger speaks to the World News Editor, Andrew Roy, about whether the BBC is sufficiently impartial in its coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict. Also this week, hard hitting journalism isn't only for Radio 4. As Radio 1 celebrates 40 years of documentary-making and its Newsbeat programme, we'll be asking some of its young listeners for their views on its documentaries. The Radio 1 and 1Xtra Stories are an hour long and cover anything from domestic violence and teacher-pupil relationships to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. But are they too long for the audience? Is there too much music? We put those questions to Radio 1 Commissioning Editor Piers Bradford and Chloe Straw, an Executive Producer from the independent production company Somethin' Else. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The editor of The World at One answers listeners' complaints about his programme's interview with the actor Nigel Havers, there's Radio 4's new comedy series about cancer survivors, and the dos and don'ts of eating on the radio. Feedback received many emails this week from listeners who question The World at One's decision to interview actor Nigel Havers about the integrity of his aunt Baroness Butler Sloss and her appointment to lead a government inquiry into child sex abuse. Was it a case of celebrity leakage? The programme's editor Nick Sutton answers his critics. Also, should we be laughing at cancer? Some listeners are turned off by the new radio comedy Bad Salsa which looks at dancing and cancer survivors. Roger discusses the thinking behind the programme with the writer Kay Stonham and producer Alison Vernon-Smith. And we consider the art and perils of eating on the radio with Woman's Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray and the broadcaster Simon Parkes. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

This week on Feedback, Roger Bolton discusses accusations of false balance in the BBC's climate change reporting with BBC Trustee Alison Hastings. Also in the programme, if the BBC director general Tony Hall has made a commitment to more female presenters on radio; two of 5Live's top women - Victoria Derbyshire and Sheila Fogarty - are leaving and are being replaced by men. Is Radio Bloke making a comeback? Plus I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue and the art of innuendo and why Any Questions presenter Jonathan Dimbleby sent a profusely apologetic tweet to MP Chris Bryant. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4 4.

Lots of emails this week from listeners angered by BBC radio's lack of coverage of what was claimed to be a 50,000-strong demonstration against the coalition's cuts - even though it started just outside Broadcasting House. Was it, you wondered, evidence that the corporation's news coverage isn't as impartial as it claims? Also under discussion - the "N word". Is it ever acceptable to use it on the air? Roger talks to the producer of Radio 4's Archive on 4 documentary A History of the N Word and Radio 4's Editor of editorial standards, Roger Mahony. Elsewhere in the programme, the truth behind the story that Jack Dee threatened to resign from Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue; the release of a report on the quality and impartiality of BBC coverage of rural affairs; and the shipping forecast - beloved of Radio 4 listeners, but is it still used by those in peril on the sea? Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Fans of Radio 2's Alex Lester, the self-professed Dark Lord, are in open revolt at the news that he's being moved from his midweek early morning slot to the weekend. They're also angry that his old slot is to be filled with repeats. In the first programme of the new series, Roger Bolton talks to BBC Radio 2 Controller Bob Shennan about his decision to reduce the station's live broadcasting through the night. Also, is the BBC responsible for some of UKIP's recent successes by giving the party too much coverage? Ric Bailey, the BBC's Chief Political Adviser, takes us through how the corporation aims to ensure impartiality in its political reporting. Roger will also be investigating the mysterious case of Radio 4's missing shipping forecast and why the Radio iPlayer catch-up service has been cut from smart TVs. And we'll be going behind-the-scenes to find out about "lost" BBC archive programmes sent in by members of the public. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

With The Archers taking a dramatic turn this week (switch off if you don't want to hear a spoiler before the omnibus on Sunday!), listeners question its recently appointed editor, Sean O'Connor, about whether he's making their favourite programme too tabloid. Are some characters undergoing personality transplants? And why, on Good Friday, were some Archers listeners left upset by what they felt was an irreverent approach to the Passion story? Also this week, we hear from just some of the many listeners who felt that BBC Radio news went over the top with the story that Manchester United manager David Moyes' had been sacked. Football fans and phobics alike want to know why it was placed at the top of bulletins and news programmes throughout the day, rather than in the sports bulletin. And Roger Bolton pays a visit to the nerve centre of BBC Radio 4 Extra to find out how they resurrect the radio legends of the past. The predominantly archive station is in its second decade, so are there still treasures to be found in the BBC archives? And is some comedy from a different era too offensive to be broadcast? It's our last programme of this series but please keep your comments and questions about BBC Radio coming in. We'll be back in the summer. Producer: Lizz Pearson A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

It's the most popular programme on Radio 4 by far, the flagship Radio 4 news programme, which begins the day for more than seven million listeners. No programme attracts more correspondence from Feedback listeners than Today. This week Feedback puts some of that correspondence to Jamie Angus, who's been Editor of the programme for almost nine months. In his first radio interview, Jamie deals with listener complaints including an interview in which presenter Evan Davis continually interrupted politician Iain Duncan Smith, a Today item with the victim of an acid attack, and the question of balance on climate change. He also sets out his vision for Today. The BBC iPlayer App is a popular device for radio listeners wanting to 'tune in' on the move, via their tablets and phones. But recent changes to the way it works have left many Feedback listeners unhappy. One of them is Nick Gilbody. He took up Feedback's invitation to come to London and meet Roger Bolton, as well as the man responsible for making sure the app is coming up to scratch, Andrew Scott, General Manager of Radio - BBC Future Media. But does the encounter solve his problems, and leave him a satisfied Feedback customer? We'll also be travelling to Emmanuel Church in Didsbury near Manchester, to meet the team who produce the world's longest-running daily non-news radio show. The Daily Service has brought Christian worship to BBC listeners since 1928. We hear from the singers, the presenter and producer who decide on the themes for worship, and the music at the programme's heart. Producer: Lizz Pearson A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

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In a dramatic episode of The Archers at the end of last week, Ruth Archer had a miscarriage and sought comfort from her mother Heather. The moment occurred in Friday's broadcast and was repeated during the omnibus on Sunday - Mothering Sunday. Many Feedback listeners felt the timing of the repeat was inappropriate. But others felt the storyline sensitively explored an issue that affects many women. On Saturday, The Archers broke out of Ambridge when Lynda Snell was heard on the phone to Any Answers presenter Anita Anand and David Archer burst into Radio 4 continuity. They were just two of the characters that popped up in the Radio 4 schedule as part of Character Invasion. Other fictional interrupters included Big Bird on Tweet of the Day and Roy of the Rovers on Today. But for some listeners mixing fiction with Radio 4's factual output fell flat. We put listeners' comments to Jeremy Howe, Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama. We'll also be hearing listeners' reaction to a report published on Wednesday by the House of Commons Science and Technology committee. It criticises the BBC's coverage of the Climate Change debate for creating 'false balance' in some of its reports. These findings come as no surprise for some listeners. Also this week, we try to find out why Radio 4 Long Wave has been disappearing at just after 10 o'clock every morning and returning seven hours later. The answer comes from Alan Boyle, who has the intriguing title of Head of Spectrum and Investigation for BBC Distribution. And we hitchhike with director Dirk Maggs as we go behind the scenes at the live Radio 4 broadcast of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. On Saturday morning it came home to Radio 4, 36 years after the first series landed, with earth-shattering effect. We'll join the original cast of characters - Arthur Dent, Zaphod Beeblebrox, Ford Prefect, Trillian - and the new Voice of the Book, John Lloyd. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

A Today interview is never an easy ride for politicians. But listeners tuning in this week felt Evan Davis's interview with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, too things too far. We hear those views. It's an altogether more civilised affair as Roger Bolton drops in on Radio 3's 'pop up' studio at the Royal Festival Hall in London's Southbank Centre. For the past fortnight, Radio 3 have broadcast their live programmes from a perspex box. Radio 3's editorial team, producers and presenters have been meeting audiences. We'll be speaking to In Tune presenter Sean Rafferty and some of his adoring public. Radio drama can transport you thousands of miles with the power of the voices, evocative music and sound effects. So why was the recent Afternoon Drama serial 'A Kidnapping' recorded on-location in Manila? Many Feedback listeners loved the production, but some felt recording in the Philippines was a waste of their licence fee. 'A Kidnapping' Director John Dryden discusses the serial and the costs of recording radio drama abroad. Many of you will be more familiar with Jane Garvey, Eddie Mair, and Julian Worricker on Radio 4, but they were all part of the original team at 5Live when it launched in 1994 - twenty years ago this week. While they may have flown the nest to join Radio 4, Peter Allen (Jane Garvey's co-host at 5Live Breakfast) has remained. We'll be speaking to Peter about his memories of the station's early days. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

How does Radio 4 decide when to change the schedule? The death of Tony Benn last week disrupted some listeners when an Inspector Rebus drama was cancelled in favour of a documentary about the Labour grandee. Then, on Monday morning, the advertised Book of the Week was removed to make way for a re-run of Benn's diaries. Listeners have complained in the past about similar changes to scheduled programmes when Margaret Thatcher and Nelson Mandela died. Roger Bolton asks the Head of Planning and Scheduling, Tony Pilgrim, why Radio 4 does it. Roger will also be getting lost in the issue of the week at the Moral Maze with presenter Michael Buerk, producer Phil Pegum, and panellists Claire Fox, Giles Fraser, Anne McElvoy, and Michael Portillo. When Radio 4 announced that one of its most popular comedies, Cabin Pressure, would take to the air no more, many listeners wanted to know why. The dream cast of Benedict Cumberbatch , Stephanie Cole, Roger Allam and John Finnemore have just recorded their final episode - and 23,000 people applied for tickets. We'll be asking writer John Finnemore if he has any regrets about ending the series. And the BBC Director General, Tony Hall, wants fifty percent of all BBC local radio breakfast shows to have at least one woman presenter - either solo or as co-host - by the end of 2014. Roger speaks to the man who has to instigate those changes David Holdsworth, the Controller of English Regions. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Is anyone at the BBC listening? This week we'll be talking to John Humphrys about whether liberal bias at the BBC has put it out of step with public opinion, and whether anything is changing. And there's a tale of sabotage and sacrilege in a Lincolnshire abbey. In an interview with this week's Radio Times, John Humphrys admitted the BBC had, in the past, been wrong in its coverage of immigration and Europe. "We weren't sufficiently sceptical - that's the most accurate phrase - of the pro-European case. We bought into the European ideal". And he went on to say that the BBC has been "grotesquely over-managed". Roger Bolton asks John what has changed and whether BBC presenters should criticise their employer. Roger's also been brushing up his Welsh this week to speak to the Editor of Programmes for BBC Radio Cymru, Betsan Powys. Following a dispute with Welsh musicians and a fall in listener figures, BBC Radio Cymru, the only national Welsh language radio station, decided it needed to start listening to its audience. After months of conversations with listeners, Radio Cymru has re-launched with a dramatic shake-up to its schedules. Will it work? And will they still be listening now they've made the changes? And our quest to find the very first bells broadcast on the BBC takes us to a small town in the Midlands to hear a listeners' fascinating tale of a nefarious plot to foil the broadcasters. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Amidst a sea of glitz and glamour at last Sunday's Oscars, one other moment stood out. It was BBC arts and entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson's appearance on the Today programme, live from the red carpet. Colin's attempts to grab the attention of U2 singer Bono, live on the programme has been the talk of Twitter, media commentators, and BBC 5Live. But some Feedback listeners were not amused. Colin Paterson tells us what happened. Also, you can normally set your watch by the 8.30am switchover from the Today programme to Yesterday in Parliament on BBC Radio 4 Long Wave. But on Tuesday morning it failed to appear. Why? And did this break the BBC's Agreement to "transmit an impartial account day by day of the proceedings in both Houses of Parliament"? We speak to Peter Knowles, Editor of BBC Parliamentary programmes. And Roger Bolton visits the BBC Radio 4 Sunday morning programme Broadcasting House to find out whether your emails really get read and how much they influence the programme. He'll be interrogating their inbox and speaking to presenter Paddy O'Connell and the BH team. And a listener remembers a terrifying voice from broadcast history. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Listen to this week's Feedback with the lights on because we're talking horror. Radio 4 has just broadcast an adaptation of The Exorcist, the 1971 novel which tells the story of the possession and battle for a little girl's soul and became an infamously head-spinning 1973 film. With demonic possession and very strong language, Radio 4's version was hardly a bedtime story, despite its 11pm slot. So why did they do it? And are the pictures scarier on the radio? Roger Bolton speaks to The Exorcist producer Gaynor MacFarlane and Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama, Jeremy Howe. Also, what does power really mean? We'll be speaking to the editor of Woman's Hour Alice Feinstein about the launch of this year's Power List. And we'll hear why forensic science can be incredibly moving. We also discover what happens when a 21-year-old listener plays Roger Bolton for the day? Radio 1Xtra fan Claire Bynoe is our guide to Radio 1 and 1Xtra's Access All Areas - a month-long audience takeover that's seen young people controlling everything from DJs to playlists and watching and listening from all angles. Claire was one of a few listeners chosen to take part in Access All Areas Studios, which gave them the chance to do whatever they wanted in a BBC studio for an hour. She'll be putting Radio 1/1Xtra editor Rebecca Frank and producer Aled Haydn-Jones in the hot seat. Producers: Karen Pirie and Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Today programme says its "fair, balanced and impartial" in its science coverage. The statement came in response to comments after interviewing former Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Lawson, a climate change sceptic, alongside Sir Brain Hoskins, Professor of Meteorology and Director of the Grantham Institute of Climate Change at Imperial College. Today was the cause of further frustration on Monday when many listeners felt a story about genetically modified potatoes had no opposing side represented. We speak to some of those listeners about Today's coverage of controversies in science. British success at the Sochi Winter Olympics has created added interest in the games - as well as an 'enthusiastic' response from TV commentator Aimee Fuller to snowboarder Jenny Jones' bronze medal win last week. But what about radio coverage from Sochi? We'll be asking the Head of BBC radio sport, Richard Burgess, why 5Live Sports Extra has been quiet throughout the games when listeners have an appetite for more from Sochi. The BBC's Director of Television, Danny Cohen, has promised no more all-male comedy panel shows. We find out from the Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Comedy whether Radio 4 will also go so far as to ban all-male comedy shows. And Feedback listener and folk music enthusiast Diana Butler takes us behind the scenes at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards to find out whether the network is pushing this once niche music into the mainstream. Producers: Karen Pirie and Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Should the Today programme have invited Lord Lawson, a former Chancellor of the Exchequer and now chairman of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, to comment on climate change? On Thursday morning, as the floods across Britain continued to make the headlines, Feedback listeners poured scorn on a Today programme discussion between Lord Lawson and Sir Brian Hoskins, a government climate change adviser from Imperial College in London. We'll hear why they were so angered by the debate. The other issue dominating our inbox this week is the change to the radio section of BBC iPlayer. Changes to the way listeners access their favourite programmes on demand have caused confusion for some users, who contacted us asking why the switchover has happened - and without warning. Mark Friend, the Radio Controller for Multiplatform, takes to the phones in an iPlayer clinic with frustrated listeners. We'll also be finding out how our intrepid radio swap listeners Edward Harkins and Katherine Wilson have been finding their new breakfast listening. Katherine, a die-hard Today fan, headed north for her news to Good Morning Scotland - which has been Edward's breakfast show of choice for years. They chat with James Naughtie, who's currently occupying both territories as a voice on Today and on Good Morning Scotland. Scotland has been on the minds of many listeners, north and south of the Scottish border, ahead of the referendum in September. Roger Bolton speaks to the Editor of BBC Scotland's Referendum Unit, John Mullins, to find out how the BBC tries to ensure its coverage is unbiased. Producers: Karen Pirie and Katherine Godfrey A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio News is becoming too tabloid. That's one of the accusations from some listeners who think the coverage of celebrity affairs and accusations of sexual abuse by former entertainers is given disproportionate time in comparison with 'serious' updates from Syria, for example. This week, Roger Bolton visits the BBC Newsroom in the shiny, one-year-old New Broadcasting House in London, to find out who sets the news agenda and why. He'll be speaking to the Editor of the BBC Radio Newsroom, Richard Clarke. Roger will also be asking why BBC Radio 4 news bulletins revealed the results of BBC One's Fake or Fortune before the programme was broadcast - much to the disappointment of many Feedback listeners. We'll also be speaking to the BBC's Chief Economics Correspondent, Hugh Pym, about what makes a top story. And joining BBC newsreader Zeb Soanes to find out what happens when it all goes wrong minutes before he's about to read a bulletin. And is Ambridge Extra taking off its wellies for good? Some of your reactions to the news that The Archers spin-off will be taking a rest. Producer: Karen Pirie A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The news of Nelson Mandela's death reverberated around the world on Thursday evening. But by Friday morning it dominated not only the news but also the normal schedule across BBC Radio 4. Many listeners were frustrated by the coverage which they say was just too much, and at the expense of important national news about the worst storms for a generation and the Autumn Statement. And the coverage continues. We speak to the Head of the BBC Newsroom, Mary Hockaday, and ask whether Nelson Mandela's death really warranted all that airtime. And is Radio 4 becoming a speech and music network? Listeners are divided about whether melody has a place as part of Radio 4's speech output with programmes like Mastertapes, Soul Music and dedicated music documentaries all occupying airtime in recent weeks. We speak to Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for the Arts, Tony Phillips, about whether there are now more music programmes on the network. While popular music may not be every listener's cup of tea, there are certainly plenty of you who enjoy the dulcet tones of bells on Radio 4. Last week Denis Nowlan, Radio 4's Network Manager, asked for listeners' help to reveal when bells were first heard on a Sunday on the network. Since then, we've heard from many of you who remember them from your childhood. We'll also be visiting Ambridge to speak to the woman who presides over sixty years of history - The Archers Archivist, Camilla Fisher. She's joined by long-term script writer Joanna Toye to pull out some hidden gems from the thousands of minute details she holds about characters' lives. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Did Radio 4 devote far too much airtime this week to the marital strife of a cook and an ad man? That's the view of many Feedback listeners who complained that the BBC became more gossip-mag than public service broadcaster in its coverage of Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi's very public divorce. Also, why has Radio 4 been asking sailors how they get their weather information? Does this signal the beginning of the end for The Shipping Forecast? Network manager Denis Nowlan eases listeners' fears. And we wander the lanes of Ambridge with the Archers Archivist, Camilla Fisher and long-term writer Jo Toye, who give us the lowdown on how they ensure all the characters are in the right place at the right time. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

There are irritants aplenty this week as listeners tell us about the Radio 4 programmes that have driven them to distraction. Many of them wrote to ask why Radio 4's Book of the Week about the life of former French president Mitterrand used French accents that rendered it more 'Allo 'Allo! than serious biography. And many other listeners are infuriated by the repeated use of just four piano notes heard in Radio 4's A History of Britain in Numbers. The series' Executive Producer, David Prest, tells us why they decided to use a 'motif' that some say distracted them from the vital statistics. We'll also be talking to the Controller of BBC Radio 2, Bob Shennan. While Radio 2's audience reached a record high of 15 million this year, the changes to the Sunday evening schedule and the loss of firm favourites like Big Band Special and Russell Davies has left some listeners deeply disappointed. The Controller explains why he made the changes. And should an active politician appear on Desert Island Discs? We air your views on Ed Miliband's appearance on Sunday's edition. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Radio 4's Mastertapes returned for a third series last week, with John Wilson talking to musicians about a career-defining album in front of a live audience. The series began with Robbie Williams discussing his debut solo album Life Thru a Lens. But would the programme be more at home on a music network like Radio 2 or 6Music, rather than Radio 4? Roger Bolton talks to the series producer Paul Kobrak about the place for a programme like Mastertapes on a speech network. When Any Questions visited the historic Chartwell House for last Friday's broadcast, presenter Jonathan Dimbleby was cut off just as the programme began, only to return seemingly on the telephone. And later in the week, James Naughtie was oblivious that he had dropped off the air for twelve seconds during the Today programme. Is Radio 4 the victim of sabotage or is there a ghost in the machine? There is a takeover happening at the Beeb - some lucky listeners will be invading studios, cropping up as the voice of 'Previously on PM', and even visiting Ambridge (or at least the studio where The Archers is recorded). They're the winners of charity auctions to raise money for Children in Need. But some listeners wonder whether this type of fundraising is unfair to those without large sums of money to spare and ask whether a lottery would be fairer. Roger Bolton speaks to Children in Need's Head of Editorial, Gareth Hydes. And we're looking for your questions for the Controller of BBC Radio 2, Bob Shennan. He'll be joining Roger Bolton next week to hear your comments and answer whatever you'd like to ask him. So please send your thoughts to us using the usual contact methods. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Was last week's edition of Radio 4's Profile programme sexist? Some Feedback listeners have accused the programme of just that after a profile of the new Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, featured numerous references to her cooking and baking abilities. In this week's Feedback, the Editor of Profile, Richard Knight, defends the programme. Roger Bolton also speaks to Ric Bailey, the BBC's Chief Political Advisor, about the challenges facing the Corporation in the lead up to the Scottish Referendum. How can it ensure impartiality in its coverage? The BBC Trust has launched a 12 week consultation seeking views on the BBC Executive's proposed additional guidelines for reporting on the referendum. Visit the BBC Trust website to find out how you can have your say. Also this week, meet the new generation of Just A Minute panellists who are giving Paul Merton, Sue Perkins, and Graham Norton a run for their money on Radio 4 Extra's Junior Just a Minute. And a radio fan digs out a rare edition of Feedback from almost exactly thirty years ago and finds an unexpectedly topical item about Radio 4 continuity announcer Susan Rae. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The last of the Reith Lectures was delivered earlier this week. Grayson Perry's series of four lectures on the world of contemporary art has had, in the words of their Commissioning Editor, 'by far the most response ever for a series of Reith Lectures'. Feedback has received many letters of congratulations for Grayson Perry but some listeners question whether the programmes have been in keeping with the Reith Lectures' reputation for showcasing the thoughts of 'significant international thinkers'. We ask Mohit Bakaya, the Commissioning Editor for the Reith Lectures, why he chose Mr Perry and whether anyone can now follow him? Last week we spoke to Radio 4's Drama Commissioner, Jeremy Howe, about why the network decided to air G.F. Newman's The Corrupted over ten consecutive editions of the Afternoon Drama, especially given its violent and sexual content. This week, many of you wrote to heap praise on the series and the experimental scheduling. But some listeners were deeply disappointed that the first five of the episodes disappeared from BBC iPlayer before the series ended. Too late for fans of The Corrupted, but changes to BBC iPlayer are afoot which will mean that many programmes remain available for thirty days. We speak to the Controller of Multi-Platforms for BBC Radio Mark Friend to find out more. And it's one of the most coveted slots on Radio 4, so how do authors and publishers get picked for Book of The Week? Roger Bolton speaks to the Commissioning Editor for the series, Jane Ellison. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Has Radio 4 been taken over by corrupting influences? Author G F Newman's The Corrupted has aired every weekday for the past two weeks in the Afternoon Drama slot, usually the place for one-off plays. Some listeners are not happy about it, especially with the sexual and violent content of the drama that some feel goes too far for broadcasts during half term. We talk to Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama, Jeremy Howe, about why he felt the The Corrupted was worth 7 hours of airtime over just two weeks. Jane Garvey joins Roger Bolton to discuss issues raised by her recent Radio 4 series Getting On Air, which charts five landmark moments in the history of women in broadcasting. Is there now true equality in radio? Plus, two Bobs for the price of one on Radio 2. When the clocks went back early on Sunday morning, listeners expecting an extra hour of Whispering Bob Harris got more than they bargained for when two different parts of the programme played out over each other for twenty minutes. So what went wrong and what's to stop it happening again? And your thoughts on Grayson Perry's Reith Lectures ahead of our interview with Commissioning Editor Mohit Bakaya next week. You can send your questions and comments about the Reith lectures to us using the usual contact methods. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

In this week's Feedback, Roger Bolton speaks to the BBC's Director of Editorial Policy and Standards, David Jordan, about 'due impartiality' in climate change coverage. And writer Morwenna Banks explains why she chose radio to tell a powerful story of friendship in the face of breast cancer. Her Radio 4 Saturday Drama Goodbye starred acting heavyweights Olivia Colman and Natascha McElhone as Lizzie and Jen, two friends struggling to say goodbye after Lizzie's terminal diagnosis. It left many Feedback listeners astounded by its realistic and emotional portrayal of the situation. We revisit our listener panel of four mothers in Cambridge to find out how they got along when they tried to find and use CBeebies Radio. A recent BBC Trust survey found that not one parent they spoke to knew how to access the CBeebies radio service - did the Feedback mothers fare any better? And Roger speaks to the Controller of CBeebies, Kay Benbow, to find out what they are doing to publicise CBeebies Radio. And from Raa Raa the Lion to Reith - we hear from some Feedback listeners' views on Grayson Perry's Reith Lectures. Producer: Will Yates A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.