BBC Radio 4 frequency & live stream

History

BBC Radio 4 took its current name and identity in 1967, succeeding the earlier BBC Home Service. It became the corporation’s principal speech network, carrying the kind of news, talk and spoken-word programming that had long anchored British public radio.

Format and programming

Radio 4 is built around speech rather than music. Its schedule includes flagship news programs such as Today, alongside drama, comedy, documentaries, panel shows and long-running strands. Hourly news, in-depth current affairs and a tradition of original radio drama are central to its identity.

Reach

The station broadcasts nationally on FM (92.5–96.1 MHz, plus 103.5–104.9 MHz in some areas) and on DAB digital radio, and streams via BBC Sounds. Its long wave service on 198 kHz, which had carried Radio 4 since 1978, closed on 27 June 2026. For a side-by-side view of every BBC network, see our BBC radio guide.

Significance

Radio 4 is one of the most influential speech radio stations in the world, widely regarded as a flagship of British public-service broadcasting and a key forum for national debate, culture and the arts.

Sources

• Official site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4
• Radio Browser: https://www.radio-browser.info

BBC Radio 4: frequently asked questions

What frequency is BBC Radio 4 on?

BBC Radio 4 is on FM between 92.5 and 96.1 MHz across most of the UK, with 103.5–104.9 MHz used in some areas. It is also on DAB digital radio and streams live on BBC Sounds.

Is BBC Radio 4 still on long wave?

No. The BBC switched off Radio 4’s 198 kHz long wave service on 27 June 2026. Listen on FM, DAB or BBC Sounds instead.

How do I get BBC Radio 4 on DAB?

Run a station scan on your DAB radio and pick BBC Radio 4 from the list. It is carried on the BBC’s national DAB multiplex, so it is available in most of the UK.

Which country is BBC Radio 4 from?

BBC Radio 4 is a radio station from the United Kingdom, headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It broadcasts in English.

Who owns BBC Radio 4?

BBC Radio 4 is owned by BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).

How can I listen to BBC Radio 4 online?

You can stream BBC Radio 4 live in your browser with the player on this page or on the official website, www.bbc.co.uk/radio4 — free, with no app or sign-up needed.

Read more about BBC Radio 4

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