Feedback

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 BoltonProducer: Kate DixonExecutive Producer: Samir ShahA 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 ShahA 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 ShahA 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 ShahA 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 ShahA 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 ShahA 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 ShahA 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 ShahA 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 BoltonProducer: Kate DixonExecutive Producer: Samir ShahA 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 ShahA 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 YatesA 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 YatesA 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 coveragePresenter: 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 DudgeonA 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 YatesA 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 YatesA 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 GodfreyA 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 GodfreyA 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 GodfreyA 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 GodfreyA 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 GodfreyA 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.