BBC Invests An Extra £2m A Year In Radio 4

The BBC yesterday announced the details of the revamped Radio 4 schedule along with plans to invest an additional £2 million year on year. The new schedule features new presenters and programmes as well as ‘enhanced’ coverage in a number of areas.

The station’s new controller, James Boyle, unveiled plans to have extra coverage of arts, science, comedy and news, as well as new drama and family-oriented programmes. The high-brow content of the schedule has allayed fears that Radio 4 was due to be ‘dumbed down’.

New programmes feature broadcasters such as John Peel, Michael Buerk, Jonathan Dimbleby and Libby Purves. Kate Adie joins to present From Our Own Correspondent; James Naughtie hosts a new book programme, The Book Club as well as continuing to present an extended Today; and Mark Lawson, Francine Stock, Tom Sutcliffe and Russell Davies will present three arts programmes – Front Row, Saturday Review and Talking Pictures.

The following programmes have been axed to make way for the new content: Kaleidoscope, Week Ending, Sport on 4, The Afternoon Shift and Breakaway.

Radio 4 says it is expecting and welcoming an increased volume of correspondence from its listeners who can call 0800 044 044 for information about the new schedule. Information is also available on the internet at Radio 4’s site – http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4. The new schedule begins on 6 April.

Radio 4 Publicity: 0171 765 2629