Feedback

If you're a longtime Radio 4 listener, you'll know the important place that quizzes occupy in the schedule. That's why listeners have been in touch with Feedback to share their thoughts about a range of pilots for new quizzes that could potentially find a home on the network. Andrea Catherwood hears your views and talks to two hotshot quizzers - one a Mastermind champion - who give their opinions on whether or not these pilots get top marks. Radio 1 has announced a round of changes to the station's schedule and presenter line-up, with some on-air talent due to leave the station later this year. One listener shares what these changes mean to her, and Andrea talks to Sarah Carson, Chief Culture Writer and Contributing Editor at the i Paper, who gives her analysis on what they signify for Radio 1 in the long run. And following last week's interview with Evan Davis about his new series Common Ground, we hear from listeners who were disappointed to know that the opportunity for Evan to travel around the UK will be limited by budget cuts. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Evan Davis, usually found behind the microphone for Radio 4's PM, has been travelling around England and Wales recording people's opinions on the big things that divide us as a society - from immigration, to language, to class. It was all for a short series called Common Ground, part of ongoing programming from Radio 4 on the topic of social cohesion. But what did listeners think? Evan joins Feedback presenter Andrea Catherwood to discuss his goals in making the series and the nature of listener responses. You're Dead To Me is one of BBC Audio's most popular podcasts, but it took a recent episode on Medieval Saints for it to appear on Feedback. We hear from a Priest and Friar from the Dominican Order, who entered our VoxBox to give their thoughts about the podcast's take on everything from reliquaries to saint-making.We've also heard from listeners with thoughts about a running gag that was sprinkled throughout the latest run of Dead Ringers, which parodied BBC Radio 4's investigative series To Catch A King.Finally, there's another nomination for our Interview of The Year Award. It's an interview conducted by Jonny Dymond in a recent edition of The World At One with a pair of keen marathon runners that made one listener contact us to highlight it for the top spot.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The radio drama Life and Time finished its third series recently. The six inter-linked plays explore the experiences of prisoners and prison staff. The main theme running through all the plays is the system of imprisonment for public protection sentences - IPPs. These were open-ended sentences with no fixed release date, which was instead decided by parole boards. Listeners have been getting in touch with their thoughts and critiques and Andrea Catherwood puts your views on the series to its award-winning writer James Fritz.It was recently announced that 6Music would be getting an extension - Indie Forever, a 24 hour stream set to launch on BBC Sounds on 22nd July. It follows the extensions to BBC Radio 1 and Radio 3, made public last year. But do listeners want more indie? We hear from you. Also, there's another nomination for our Interview of the Year. This week listener Barbara puts forward an interview she heard on The World Tonight. Presenter James Coomarasamy was talking to Natalie Needham, whose baby died after being discharged from a NHS maternity ward in Nottingham. The interview followed the findings of an inquiry into the largest maternity scandal in NHS history. If you'd like to get in touch with the Feedback team, you can send a WhatsApp voice note to Oh Three, Triple Three, Triple Four, Five Double Four [03 333 444 544]. You can also ring that number and leave a voice message. On X and instagram it's @BBC R4Feedback. The email is feedback@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer; David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC recently reported that they'd tracked down Twana Jamal, one of the most prolific people smugglers in recent history - who had previously been arrested in France but was living and working in the UK. The investigation was carried out by journalists Sue Mitchell and Rob Lawrie for Radio 4's Intrigue series To Catch a King, and they found Jamal ahead of the police or the Home Office. This sparked a question from a listener - about how journalists interact with authorities to uncover serious crimes. Presenter Andrea Catherwood sits down with journalist Sam Poling, whose own work on BBC documentary and podcast Who Killed Emma led to an arrest and later a conviction, to ask how it works. We also return to the subject of BBC cuts. We'll hear more of your thoughts and from an expert on the topic of the cuts and charter renewal. Dr Tom Chivers from Goldsmiths, University of London, gives his views on how much the cuts will affect the BBC's relationship with the public as the corporation prepares for a new chapter. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood hears your comments on the cuts to BBC Radio 4 news programmes and talks to a former Radio commissioner about her experience of bringing in changes to Radio 4. Also, our listeners share their views on the news coverage over the past few weeks as Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Andy Burnham, the newly elected MP for Makerfield, arrived at London Euston station to a press pack.And a recent distressing episode of a dog attack on sheep in The Archers has motivated listeners to get in touch.A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

It's a new series of Feedback. Andrea Catherwood sits down with Misha Glenny, former foreign correspondent and investigative journalist to talk about taking on the reins of In Our Time, following Melvyn Bragg's departure from the programme last year. Did Misha's long years in the fields of academia, Investigative journalism and being a BBC Foreign correspondence prepare him from taking on topics that range from cybernetics to Handel's Messiah? We also received a comment from a listener who feels that the Today programme is changing editorially with too much chat between presenters. And coverage of the new social media ban for under 16s in the UK has been featured heavily on BBC radio's news programme. A listener shares their opinion on PM's recent coverage of this move. Finally, another nomination for our annual search for Interview of the Year. This time it's for an episode of Private Passions on Radio 3, in which presenter Michael Berkeley interviews sports and nature writer Simon Barnes.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Recent headlines have announced that the BBC is set to implement a massive wave of cuts across all of its programming, in order to make a saving of £500 million. The first of these major cuts has just been announced and listeners will soon notice the effects of these changes, with Radio 4 programmes like much-loved The World Tonight being axed. But who's making these choices, and why weren't listeners consulted first? Andrea Catherwood talks to John McAndrew, the Director of BBC's Live and Daily News to get some answers. Radio 4 might not be the first place you look to for football, and admittedly some listeners might view it as a safe haven from the world's most played sport. But David Baddiel's recent series 60 Years of Hurt for The History Podcast aimed to pin down what "Englishness" means through the history of the England's men's football team. David joins Andrea to hear listener feedback on the series. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

It's the end of this series of Feedback, and Andrea Catherwood is talking to someone who has just brought his own long run at the BBC to a definitive close. Fergal Keane has covered conflicts and events all over the world as a BBC News correspondent, and now he's stepping away. Andrea asks him for his reflections on bearing witness to many world conflicts for 37 years at the Corporation.And last week we spoke to Jonathan Kanagasooriam, the person in charge of strategy for a new raft of video podcasts from BBC Sounds. You've been in touch with your thoughts about the discussion.Finally, the team behind obituary programme Last Word have recently produced a series about approaching a big fear in a new way. In Doing Death Differently, presenter Matthew Bannister looks at our changing attitudes and approaches to death. Andrea sits down with Matthew to share your views on the series and discuss the different ways we memorialise the departed.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The BBC has just released a new raft of visualised podcasts - podcasts productions that you can watch as well as listen to. Some are being released on YouTube and some on iPlayer, but all have audio-only versions available on BBC Sounds too. It's part of a strategy to grow listenership beyond the audiences that usually listens to linear radio. But is it where everything is ultimately headed? Andrea Catherwood talks to Jonathan Kanagasooriam, Managing Editor for Podcast Strategy and Video Podcasts at BBC Sounds, about how he's catering for those who like to watch podcasts.And the closure of long wave has been set for the end of this year - we hear an update from the BBC. Finally, we hear from two fans of the longrunning Elis James and John Robins podcast, which has a home on BBC 5 Live. It's been on the airwaves for years, but a recent announcement has indicated that the pod is now moving visualised versions of their recordings behind a paywall on Patreon. Longtime listeners Emma and Chris give their take. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland Production for BBC Radio 4

Listeners have been telling us their thoughts about a recent episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, in which he interviewed Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan, a physician specialising in neurology and clinical neurophysiology. It was an in-depth discussion about the potential dangers of "over-diagnosis" - but some listeners felt that Dr O'Sullivan's views could have been challenged more. We get some answers to your questions. A long-running and award-winning Radio 4 drama series has just come to an end. Faith, Hope and Glory has run for 43 episodes since 2021, and has recently wrapped up telling its ambitious, generation-spanning story about the emergence of modern multicultural Britain. Listeners have been in touch with their thoughts about the series, and so Andrea Catherwood sits down with one of the writers, Roy Williams, and director Jessica Dromgoole, to talk about how they weaved the story together. And lastly, there's another nomination for our Interview of the Year award. Listener Maggie nominates the recent interview with legendary photographer Don McCullin on Radio 4's This Cultural Life, who shared his cultural touchstones while reflecting on his challenging experiences in his early life and as a working war photographer. Listen to find out why she thinks it deserves the top spot. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Andrea Catherwood meets with Paddy O'Connell, longtime presenter of Broadcasting House. But this time we're going behind the scenes as Paddy has granted the Feedback team special access to the programme's inbox - and like Feedback's listeners, Broadcasting House's listeners have a lot to say. And how do you get the balance right when reporting on news during a day that is supposed to be dedicated to calm? Paddy gives his thoughts.And some listeners had questions about a recent episode of Any Answers. Why did it only deal with one subject?Finally, it's time for another edition of our VoxBox - this time it's two friends and PR professionals, Lauren and Dan, giving their take on the BBC's programme all about crisis management, When It Hits The Fan. Does the series do its best to inform, educate, and entertain, or is it all spin?Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Since the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran began at the end of February. Feedback has received a steady stream of comments from listeners about the tone of the BBC's coverage. We've also been discussing news avoidance from people who are starting to turn off the radio because of a prevalence of negative headlines. Andrea Catherwood takes a look inside the newsroom with the BBC's Director of News Content Richard Burgess. We've also received many comments in response to our piece last week about a recent episode of Woman's Hour, with listeners offering a different perspective to those broadcast previously.And it's the case of the missing radio programmes - some keen-eyed BBC Radio 4 Extra fans noticed that particular episodes of Miss Marple were mysteriously absent from BBC Sounds recently. We set out to crack the case. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

In light of the death of Jenni Murray who presented Radio 4's Woman's Hour for 33 years, listeners reflect on the impact she made on their lives over the decades. We also discuss controversy on Radio 4's Woman's Hour, with many listeners questioning the programme's choice of guests for a discussion on “the manosphere” last week. Reflecting on another much loved BBC broadcaster, Radio Times journalist Simon O'Hagan talks about Radio 2 presenter Liza Tarbuck's decision to step back from the programme which she has presented for the past 14 years. We also hear what Liza means to her loyal Saturday evening listeners.Kicking off this year's nominations for Feedback's Interview of the Year, we revisit an interview with Jessie Buckley on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. The actress spoke to Lauren Laverne just before she became the first Irish woman to win a leading actress Oscar for her starring role in Hamnet.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Assistant Producer: Jac Phillimore Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

A recent episode of Radio 4's Inside Health, presented by James Gallagher, reported a groundbreaking advance in the biomedical study of ME - myalgic encephalomyelitis, sometimes known as chronic fatigue syndrome. On Feedback, we've heard from listeners with ME who were encouraged by the good news but wanted more personal stories that gave a message of hope. Andrea Catherwood talks to Dr Charles Shepherd, honorary medical advisor to the ME Association, about the change in attitudes to ME.It's also a big moment for all fans of Radio 4 Extra - it's time for another All Request Weekend. We hear from a listener who put something forward for selection, and talk to the station's Editor Richard Culver about how it all works.And we hear from listeners reacting to the Today programme's unusual decision to air an 11 minute monologue from BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen about the strands of history of US interventions in the Middle East and involvement of US Presidents.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Illuminated is Radio 4's home for powerful, original audio storytelling - and recently we've heard from listeners who were moved by a documentary called Functioning, about the effect of alcohol addiction on two women's lives. Andrea Catherwood talks to the programme's producer Jodie Taylor, and Radio 4 documentary commissioner Hugh Levinson, and hears a remarkable insight into how the programme came to be.Feedback's listeners are pretty clued up when it comes to giving their thoughts to the BBC, but we came across one last week who seemed to know more than most - as it turned out, he did a PhD on charter renewal. Andrea talks to Dr Tom Chivers, academic at Goldsmiths, University of London, about what the BBC can do to reach its audience during a consultation that could result in radical change.And following our discussion of news avoidance on last week's programme, we hear from a listener who has discovered his own method for avoiding news that feels excessive, or irrelevant.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The main news this week has been about the US-Israel attacks on Iran - but how is BBC Radio handling its coverage? We'll hear from you on the situation.And in light of that, is there a chance that more and more people might be switching the news off? BBC Radio 4 recently aired a series of programmes all about positive news items, which many listeners felt was a relief to hear. Presenter Andrea Catherwood talks to Nic Newman, a founding member of the BBC News website and currently a Senior research associate with the Reuters Institute for the study of journalism, to find out what's fuelling the trend towards news avoidance. Following our piece last week about the end of regular episodes of Ukrainecast, we'll hear more of your thoughts on what you'll miss about the podcast.We also hear from listeners concerned that the music quiz programme Counterpoint is no longer recorded in front of a live audience. And there's information about how you can give your thoughts in the UK government's ongoing open consultation on the BBC's Charter Renewal, which closes at midnight on 10th March. The survey can be found on the government's website, under the heading Britain's Story: The Next Chapter.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: Mark RickardsA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The war in Ukraine is still raging on, but is BBC Radio's coverage being faded out? Regular episodes of hugely popular Ukrainecast stopped before Christmas 2025, although the BBC has stated that they will produce pop-up episodes at particularly urgent moments in the conflict. But what do you think? We hear from listeners and Andrea Catherwood talks to Olga Tokariuk, journalist and Academy associate at Chatham about the impact that Ukrainecast made.There's been some buzz around a recent episode of Any Questions? which broadcast from Dumbarton. The programme in front of a live audience was interrupted several time by protesters and one question from an audience member was changed before it was broadcast. We hear from you on how presenter Alex Forsyth handled it. It's also the first VoxBox of the series - this time, couple Becky and Alex stepped into our booth to discuss the recent Radio 4 series The Fibre Factor, presented by food writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. But did Hugh's nutrition-focused programme give them food for thought?Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

All year long we've been asking listeners to send in their nominations for Feedback's Interview of the Year, and finally the time has come to crown the winner.In this special episode of Feedback, Andrea Catherwood will hear your nominations for the BBC Audio Interview of the Year - any conversation from across BBC radio or podcasts that inspired, surprised, or stopped you in your tracks.We'll also reveal the interview that was judged the best by our listener judging panel - and talk to the winner. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: David Prest and Rebecca Guthrie Judging Panel Coordinator: Mike Hally Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The Reith Lectures are one of the most anticipated broadcasts in the radio year, and the conversation around this year's iteration, presented by Dutch historian Rutger Bregman on the theme of 'Moral Revolution', has been making headlines. Bregman complained on social media that one of his lines was edited out of the broadcast of the first lecture - and it set your tongues wagging. Andrea Catherwood catches up with the lectures' commissioner Hugh Levinson to ask about the decisions behind this year's series.And it's 70 years since From Our Own Correspondent - or FOOC = was first broadcast on the BBC, giving a space for long-form, single-voice reports from correspondents all over the world. Editor Richard Fenton-Smith and Today presenter Anna Foster joins us to hear your thoughts on the programme as it celebrates a big birthday. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for Radio 4

What can you say on the radio these days? For some listeners, instances of swear words and racialised language do not belong on Radio 4. Andrea Catherwood sits down with "king of the bleep" Roger Mahony, the Head of Editorial Standards for Radio 4, Radio 4 Extra and On Demand Speech, to discuss listeners' concerns and ask how the decision to give certain words the green light gets made.And listeners were entranced by a recent Illuminated documentary presented by poet Paul Farley about hearing loss and hearing aids. We put your points to the documentary's producer Geoff Bird.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Mark Steel's In Town has just completed it's 14th series, and listeners from Shetland to Rutland and beyond have been tuning in. But what do they make of it? And what goes into putting each episode together? Mark joins presenter Andrea Catherwood on Feedback to answer your questions and unravel how the programme works.Some listeners also had questions about Radio 4's Materials of State, which is being broadcast this week. The first programme in the series covered the story of the UK's national flag - listeners claimed calling it the Union Jack was wrong. Malcolm Farrow, President of The Flag Institute, weighs in to clear up any confusion.And there's one final nomination for Feedback's Interview of the Year before nominations close. It comes from a listener who tuned in to Test Match Special Podcast to hear the BBC's Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt interviewing veteran cricketer David Larter. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

There's been a raft of programming out on BBC Radio 4 and 5 Live over the past week about fatherhood. Feedback's heard from listeners to one particular series on Radio 4 - Father Figuring, presented by comedian Darren Harriott. In the series, Darren attempts to untangle his feelings about his complicated relationship with his own dad, and work out what makes a good father today. Andrea Catherwood puts your comments to him. BBC Radio Scotland has seen some big changes in the past week, as the current late night music programming is set to be changed. Veteran presenters Iain Anderson and Billy Sloan are among those seeing their shows wound down, in a move that has caused backlash among some listeners. Brian Ferguson, The Herald's Arts Correspondent, and Norman Paterson, whose music career was changed by an appearance on Iain Anderson's show, weigh in with their thoughts.And from one music legend to another - a new series of Legend is out on BBC Sounds, and this run is all about Bruce Springsteen. Listeners Christopher and Victoria enter our Feedback VoxBox to discuss whether the series left them blinded by the light, or if compared to other BBC podcasts, they felt it was tougher than the rest...Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Following resignations of the BBC's Director General and the CEO of BBC News in light of accusations of institutional bias in the organisation, Andrea Catherwood puts listener comments about the integrity of the BBC and its coverage of the scandal to the former Radio 4 Controller Mark Damazer.As the story on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor continues to play out, the Senior Royal Correspondent Daniela Relph shares how she navigates a story of this sensitivity and magnitude. We pose listeners' responses, including a query over naming conventions. And there's a moving conversation on 6 Music that's been nominated for Feedback interview of the year by listener Bruce Shortland. He suggests a beautiful conversation between Chris Hawkins and the rapper Rosca Onya.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Assistant Producer: Jac Phillimore Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

In last week's episode of Feedback, we spoke to BBC Radio 4 Comedy and Entertainment commissioner Julia McKenzie about Call Jonathan Pie in the 6.30pm comedy slot. In this week's entirely listener-led programme, we'll hear your comments and reaction to last week's interview. And two listeners, Abi and Clare, discuss Radical with Amol Rajan in our Vox Box. The relatively new podcast has Amol sitting down with some of the leading lights in tech, politics and more, for big conversations designed to help you, as the programme descriptions suggests, to 'win the future'. But is it as radical as its title?And some listeners are asking why the Today programme left the Chancellor of the Exchequer's live pre budget statement from Downing Street early. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

A series of Call Jonathan Pie is being repeated on BBC Radio 4, and it's been scheduled for the primetime 6.30pm comedy slot on Thursdays, albeit with edits to the version available on BBC Sounds. However, some listeners have contacted Feedback to complain that the content of some episodes wasn't appropriate for tea-time listening. Andrea Catherwood sits down with Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Comedy and Entertainment Julia McKenzie, to discuss the comments and asks why it was broadcast in this slot. And there's another nomination for the annual interview round up, Feedback's Interview of the Year. This time listener Laura puts forward a recent episode of Life Changing, in which Dr Sian Williams talked to an ex British Army medic with an compelling story about complex PTSD, and whose life was changed when he met Charlie - his medical assistance dog. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: Mark Rickards A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Saturday Live is a staple of BBC Radio 4's weekend schedule, and for years it was presented by Reverend Richard Coles and Nikki Bedi. Andrea interviewed Richard as he departed in 2023 when the programme moved to Cardiff. The lead presenter post was covered in the interim by Nikki Bedi with different co-hosts. Now, Adrian Chiles has entered the chat, as the new presenter of Saturday Live. Feedback listeners have been telling us what they think of this change. Andrea Catherwood puts your comments to Colin Paterson, Head of Audio for BBC Wales and the West of England. There's also been tweaks to how some listeners access BBC Sounds when using a browser, leading to widespread confusion. We've got an answer about the changes from the BBC Sounds team.Last week Andrea spoke to BBC Political Editor Chris Mason about how the BBC has been covering Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage. We'll hear what you thought of the discussion. And finally, one listener has nominated John Wilson's interview with Northern Ireland fashion designer Jonathan Anderson, who has recently been appointed Creative Director at French fashion house Christian Dior, for Interview of the Year. As we learned in the interview, it's a far cry from Mid Ulster, where he grew up.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

With a summer of political turmoil over, and party conference season near an end, Andrea Catherwood talks to Chris Mason about how BBC audio coverage has reflected the key political players. The Feedback inbox has been receiving messages that question the amount of coverage given to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. Chris responds to your questions and weighs in on what he says is a change in UK politics we haven't seen in decades.And our search for BBC audio's best interview of 2025 continues. One listener has nominated an interview conducted by presenter Evan Davies in a recent episode of PM. He spoke to an unnamed asylum seeker from Somalia, currently waiting on an asylum application in the Bell Hotel in Epping. What they discussed revealed a different side of a story that has seized the attention of the nation this year. Finally, we've heard from a listener who has thoughts about a recent episode of Desert Island Discs - in which Rolling Stone's guitarist Ronnie Wood seemed to request an endless array of luxury items for his island getaway.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The first episode in a new series of Feedback, presented by Andrea Catherwood.A recent edition of File on 4 Investigates went inside the migrant hotels at the centre of anti-immigration protests in England to talk to residents about their experiences. But listeners were divided in what they thought of the documentary. The journalist who made programme, Sue Mitchell, joins Andrea to answer your comments and questions. While Feedback was off air we heard the news that veteran presenter Melvyn Bragg would be stepping down from presenting In Our Time after 27 years at the programme's helm. You've been suggesting your favourite names to take over - and we talk to radio critic Simon O'Hagan about the end of Melvyn's reign. And Radio 3 took the time to celebrate 200 years of the birth of the modern railway recently. There was a day of specially scheduled programming - Train Tracks, in which listeners heard Petroc Trelawney travelling from Inverness to London by train in the company of other Radio 3 presenters, soundtracked by themed playlists. Petroc joins us to hear what listeners had to say about the celebration.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

It's the final episode of this series of Feedback, and we're ending it with a look at one of BBC Radio's high-end dramas - Central Intelligence. It follows the life of Eloise Page, who was a real-life CIA operative, and stars Kim Cattrall, Ed Harris, and Stephen Kunken. Stephen joins Andrea and director and writer John Scott Dryden to respond to listener comments and discuss what it's like to tell the story of the CIA. Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming more and more embedded in everything around us, and radio is no different. Cliff Fluet, a partner at the law firm Lewis Silkin, who specialises in innovation and new technology in broadcasting, discusses the guidance around AI the BBC's output.And two friends enter our VoxBox to discuss their experience of listening to the Shipping Forecast.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: Andrea CatherwoodA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

It's been almost two years since the most recent conflict between Israel and Palestine broke out, and it has generated almost constant radio news coverage, as well as plenty of challenges for BBC journalists while reporting. BBC News International Editor Jeremy Bowen joins Andrea Catherwood from Jerusalem to answer listener questions about the coverage of the conflict and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.Radio consultant Matt Deegan returns to discuss the recent RAJAR figures on radio listening. Matt gives his view of the data across all radio in the UK. And listeners share their thoughts on the ongoing BBC Sounds overseas saga, with an update on plans for 'catch up' listening on the new BBC App and bbc.com.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

With news of starvation in Gaza making headlines, Today presenter Nick Robinson conducted an interview with Israeli Government Spokesperson David Mencer that divided listeners and lit up our inbox. We hear what you had to say. Andrea Catherwood talks to radio futurologist James Cridland about BBC.com and the BBC app, the two platforms offered as alternatives to overseas listeners after the closure of BBC Sounds outside of the UK. Listeners from around the world give their honest reviews of the website and app as they get to grips with them. And we get some answers to some of your more specific questions - including the whereabouts of The Archers Podcast.Also, we hear another nomination for Interview of the Year - this time it's for Jonathan Agnew's recent interview with young registered blind cricketer Ravi, on Test Match Special. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca GuthrieA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Comedian Tony Hawks is a lucky man - and that's why, in a recent series for Radio 4, he's been discussing how he's looking into alternatives to leaving an inheritance for his son once he's gone. Plenty of listeners got in touch with questions and comments on Tony Hawks Is Giving Nothing Away, and presenter Andrea Catherwood puts them to Tony directly. We also hear the second part of our conversation with BBC Radio 3 Controller Sam Jackson, who talks to Andrea about this year's Proms, and the part he plays in the UK's arts sector. And a listener has a nomination for Interview of the Year - this time it's for Chief North America Correspondent Gary O'Donaghue's interview with President Donald Trump. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Listeners have been turning to weather bulletins over the last few weeks to find out if the forecast is going to be full of blazing sunshine or torrential rain. But should weather forecasters reflect widespread concerns about climate change in their reports? Lead BBC Weather Presenter and Meteorologist Simon King joins Andrea Catherwood to explain. BBC Radio 3 controller Sam Jackson returns to answer more listener questions about BBC Radio's home of classical music, following a surge in listener numbers and a 'Station of Year' ARIA Gold award. And two listeners, Sion and Ella, arrive in our VoxBox to give their thoughts on BBC Radio's build-up to the European Women's Championship 2025 and the coverage of England's first match against France. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

It's official. BBC Sounds will close to listeners overseas on 21st July. Andrea Catherwood puts your questions about the proposed alternatives to Director of BBC Sounds, Jonathan Wall. And the BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet's recent reports from Tehran struck a real chord with listeners. Lyse joins Andrea in the studio to explain the challenges of working under Iran's reporting restrictions.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Assistant Producer: Liza Greig Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Radio 4 has a new health and wellness offering, What's Up Docs? It's a weekly podcast helmed by twin brothers Dr Chris and Dr Xand Van Tulleken, covering everything from low testosterone to creaky knees. But has its chatty style been a hit with listeners? and how are they getting on with a podcast being transmitted as part of the Radio 4 schedule? Presenter Andrea Catherwood puts your thoughts to Rhian Roberts, Head Commissioner for Podcasts and Formats.In an unstable world, you might want to distance yourself from busy news schedules by taking a trip to somewhere else. That's what The Patch has been doing on BBC Radio 4 for the last few years, by generating a random UK postcode and then telling a unique or unheard story from the area. Two listeners from places featured on The Patch enter our VoxBox to give their views on the series. Andrea follows up with the programme's presenter and producer Polly Weston to hear her take on their discussion.And one listener was so moved by the 100th episode of Add to Playlist that she pulled over to the side of the road to send us a message - we'll hear it in full here.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland Production for BBC Radio 4

The Feedback inbox has been full of comments on the band Bob Vylan's chanting against the Israel Defense Forces at Glastonbury, with some listeners wondering if the BBC gives stories about itself undue prominence. BBC Sounds Commissioning Editor Rhian Roberts returns to give listeners a wide-lens view of the podcast landscape. And The Today Podcast recently became yesterday's news, replaced by Radical with Amol Rajan. Andrea speaks to Senior News Editor Sam Bonham about the recent changes and asks if the informal tone of news podcasts is influencing the presentation style on linear programmes.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Assistant Producer: Liza Greig Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

Feedback returns for a new series, just as the BBC has its hands full with covering an increasingly tense conflict between Israel and Iran. We hear your response to BBC Radio 4's reporting of events.Last month, Sarah Montague interviewed Sebastian Gorka - President Trump's deputy assistant and senior director for counter-terrorism - on World At One. It provoked a flood of emails in our inbox. Andrea talks to Sarah about handling fiery interviews, and interviewees. Dr Alban Webb, historian and lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Sussex, gives his view on the BBC's approach to these kinds of interviews - which seem to be increasingly common. And an episode of This Cultural Life, in which John Wilson spoke to pianist and campaigner James Rhodes, also moved a number of listeners to get in touch nominating it for Feedback's Interview of the Year. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David Prest Sound Editor: John KayesA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

The death of Pope Francis on the 21st April understandably led to a wave of media coverage, but did the BBC get it right? Andrea Catherwood puts your views to Aleem Maqbool, Religion Editor for BBC News, and hears about what it takes to prepare for such a solemn occasion. And what did listeners think of the episode of Witness History that came directly after the Pope's Requiem Mass on the Sunday morning?Listeners talk about Clive Myrie's Music on the Front Line which returned for another series as part of Radio 3's Music Matters this Spring. Clive interviews fellow journalists about the music they've turned to while reporting from some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones. And you might have noticed a questionnaire - Our BBC, Our Future - in your email inbox recently, asking what you watch and listen to and your thoughts on the future of the Corporation. We hear your reactions, and Andrea talks to Professor Matt Walsh, Head of the Journalism School at the University of Cardiff, about the biggest public engagement exercise the BBC has carried out. Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

In last week's episode we announced that the BBC will be continuing to allow access to BBC Sounds for international listeners until adequate alternative provisions have been put in place. This week, we hear listeners' reaction to the BBC's statement.Elizabeth and Jack are grandmother and grandson, and are also Radio 4 listeners. When Elizabeth got in contact with Feedback to tell us that she regularly sends her grandson recommendations for listening material, Andrea was curious to know more - so she invited them into the studio to share their perspectives on what the BBC can provide for listeners from different generations.Although it seems like many BBC Audio programmes have fallen under the axe recently, In Our Time has show no signs of slowing down since its inaugural episode in 1998. Listeners Hamish and Nick try to explain its cult classic appeal in our Feedback VoxBox.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland Production for BBC Radio 4

After the news that Radio 3 was to cancel its drama commissions, Radio 4 has come forward with an alternative - a new monthly slot for a long-form 90 minute drama. Andrea speaks to Nicola Baldwin from The Writers' Guild of Great Britain about the new entry in BBC Radio's drama programming. We also hear about this development from Alison Hindell, Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction. And continuing the theme of new additions to BBC Radio's schedules, Andrea talks to Tom McKinney, who has taken over from Petroc Trelawney on Radio 3's Breakfast programme. He's brought with him a whole aviary of bird calls to wake listeners up with the dawn chorus - but are they enjoying it?Finally, there's an update on the future of BBC Sounds for overseas listeners. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

It was announced months ago that the 5.30am News Briefing would be removed from Radio 4's early morning schedule due to budget constraints, but the changes didn't come into place until the beginning of last week. For some of those who include Radio 4 within their morning routines, the change has been a rude awakening. We hear your reactions to the replacement in this week's episode of Feedback.Since 2021, Add to Playlist has been taking listeners on a voyage of musical discovery through a never ending playlist, added to by the presenters and guests - and it might be the only place on Radio 4 where you can hear Tchaikovsky and Eminem in quick succession. Andrea Catherwood puts your comments about the most recent series to presenters Jeffrey Boakye, Anna Phoebe, and editor Tim Prosser.And we've had a number of different questions in the inbox this week that just need a simple answer from the BBC. We've got answers for you. Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4

A Point of View has officially left the airwaves after a long run on BBC Radio 4, with Howard Jacobsen writing and presenting the final episode. Feedback announced the exclusive news on last week's programme, but it was before listeners had time to react. This week, Andrea Catherwood presents your opinions on the end of the Sunday morning single voice opinion slot.We're still getting listener questions about the changes to BBC Sounds overseas, and so this week Andrea talks to cricketer and journalist Simon Hughes about the worldwide coverage of Test Match Special.Finally, it's been five years since the first COVID lockdowns were announced, in the spring of 2020. Factual series Lockdown's Legacy looked back on the impact the society-wide restrictions had on a range of people - from children, to teachers, to medics. Some listeners found it impactful, but others had a different point of view. Commissioner Hugh Levinson returns to respond to your comments and critiques.Presenter: Andrea Catherwood Producer: Pauline Moore Assistant Producer: Rebecca Guthrie Executive Producer: David PrestA Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4