BBC Radio 4 is the UK’s flagship speech station, broadcasting news, drama, comedy and analysis around the clock. The live stream is free to access on BBC Sounds, on FM, DAB, Freeview, and via smart speakers. Whether you want to catch Today at breakfast, PM in the afternoon, or The Archers in the evening, this guide covers how to listen live, today’s schedule, and what BBC Radio 4 Extra offers.
How can I listen to BBC Radio 4 live for free?
- BBC Radio 4 is the BBC’s flagship speech radio service, broadcasting news, drama, comedy, and factual programmes.
- The live stream is free and available via BBC Sounds (web, app, smart speakers).
- BBC Radio 4 Extra is a separate station offering repeats, archives, and comedy specials.
- Outside the UK, listeners can use BBC Radio 4 live stream (International) or the BBC App, though some programmes may be geo-blocked.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch date (current name) | 30 September 1967 |
| Station type | National speech radio |
| Platforms | BBC Sounds, FM, DAB, Freeview, satellite, online |
| Key programmes | Today, PM, Woman’s Hour, The Archers, Desert Island Discs |
| Live stream URL (UK) | bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_fourfm |
| Live stream URL (international) | bbc.com/audio/play/live/bbc_radio_fourfm |
| Sister station | BBC Radio 4 Extra |
What is the BBC Radio 4 schedule today?
Where to find the full daily schedule
The most up-to-date schedule appears on BBC Sounds and the BBC Radio 4 programme pages. You can see the current and next programme at a glance on the live stream page. For a complete list, visit the BBC Radio 4 live stream (UK) and scroll to the schedule section.
Key programme times (typical weekday)
- 6:00–9:00 – Today (news and current affairs)
- 10:00–11:00 – Woman’s Hour
- 12:00–12:57 – The World at One
- 17:00–18:00 – PM
- 19:00–19:15 – The Archers
- 22:00–22:45 – The World Tonight
Programme times can shift due to breaking news or special events. Always check BBC Sounds for real-time updates. The schedule for BBC Radio 4 Extra is separate and focuses on archive repeats.
When is BBC Radio 4 Live PM?
PM is the weekday afternoon news programme hosted by Eddie Mair and others. It airs from 17:00 to 18:00 and covers the day’s headlines, interviews, and analysis. Catch it live on BBC Sounds or via the international stream.
What is BBC Radio 4 Extra and how can I listen?
What is BBC Radio 4 Extra?
BBC Radio 4 Extra is the BBC’s digital spin-off from Radio 4, focusing on archive comedy, drama, spoken-word entertainment, and related repeats. It was relaunched as Radio 4 Extra on 2 April 2011 and is the sister station of BBC Radio 4. The station is owned and operated by the BBC (source; Wikipedia).
How to listen to BBC Radio 4 Extra live
The live stream is free and available via BBC Sounds at BBC Radio 4 Extra live stream. The station broadcasts mostly archive repeats – even continuity announcements are pre-recorded, according to Wikipedia.
What’s in the BBC Radio 4 Extra schedule?
Programmes include classic comedies like Cabin Pressure, Clare in the Community, and Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section, as well as drama, science fiction, and documentary series such as The Moth Radio Hour and David Attenborough’s Life Stories. The schedule is available one week ahead on sites like UKRadioLive.
Use the BBC Sounds app on your smartphone or smart speaker to listen to both BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 4 Extra. You can also browse programme archives.
Some BBC Radio 4 programmes may be geo-blocked outside the UK. The international live stream at bbc.com/audio usually works, but always check the BBC’s official access page.
When did BBC Radio 4 launch and how has it evolved?
- 1939 – BBC Home Service launched
- 1967 – Renamed BBC Radio 4
- 1990 – Launch of Radio 4 FM stereo
- 2002 – Launch of BBC Radio 4 Extra (originally BBC 7)
- 2016 – Integration with BBC Sounds app
- 2025 – Continued digital-first distribution
What is certain about listening to BBC Radio 4 live and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| BBC Radio 4 is free-to-listen within the UK | Listeners outside the UK may face geo-blocks on some programmes; use BBC.com or BBC App for access |
| The live stream is available 24/7 | Schedule changes may occur due to breaking news or special events – always check BBC Sounds for real-time updates |
| BBC Radio 4 Extra is a separate station with archived content | The exact future of BBC Radio 4 Extra as a digital-only station may evolve with BBC cuts |
What is the background and significance of BBC Radio 4?
BBC Radio 4 remains the UK’s most influential speech radio station, with a daily reach of over 10 million listeners. Its live stream on BBC Sounds is the primary digital access point. BBC Radio 4 Extra complements it by rebroadcasting classic episodes and niche content. Users increasingly search for “BBC Radio 4 live” to find the direct stream, schedule, and specific programmes like PM. If you are a UK resident, note that a Do I Need a TV Licence – UK Guide for Live TV and Streaming may apply when watching or listening to live BBC broadcasts.
Where can I find official BBC Radio 4 information and programmes?
“Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen outside the UK.”
BBC official guidance
“BBC Radio 4 is the BBC’s flagship speech radio station, broadcasting news, drama, comedy, and factual programmes.”
BBC Radio 4 description
Official sources include the BBC Radio 4 live stream, the BBC Radio 4 YouTube channel, and the BBC Programmes archive. The Today programme has its own episode page (Today episode archive).
What’s next for BBC Radio 4 listeners?
Check the BBC Radio 4 schedule page daily for programme changes. Follow @BBCRadio4 on social media for programme highlights. Subscribe to BBC Sounds for personalised recommendations. For older listeners, the TV Licence Over 80 Cost – Free Only on Pension Credit article explains current licensing rules.
Frequently asked questions
BBC Radio live
This refers to any BBC radio station’s live stream. For BBC Radio 4, use the BBC Sounds link above. For other stations like Radio 1, 2, 3, 5 Live, visit bbc.co.uk/sounds.
Is BBC Radio 4 free outside the UK?
The international stream at bbc.com/audio is free, but some programmes may be geo-blocked. The BBC App also provides access.
Can I listen to BBC Radio 4 on my smart speaker?
Yes. Say “Alexa, play BBC Radio 4” or use the BBC Sounds skill on Google Assistant.
What is the difference between BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra?
Radio 4 is live speech radio with news, drama, and factual. Radio 4 Extra is a digital companion focusing on archive repeats, comedy, and drama.
How do I find the BBC Radio 4 schedule for tomorrow?
Visit BBC Sounds and select the BBC Radio 4 station. The schedule shows programmes up to seven days ahead.
Does BBC Radio 4 have a mobile app?
Yes. Download the BBC Sounds app for iOS and Android to listen live and catch up on programmes.
What is the BBC Radio 4 FM frequency?
BBC Radio 4 broadcasts on FM 92–95 MHz across the UK. It is also available on DAB, Freeview, and online.
Can I listen to BBC Radio 4 without internet?
Yes, via FM, DAB, or Freeview. Internet is only required for the online stream.
Henry Wallace is Managing Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, running the daily news list, the regional publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.