Feedback

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

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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A 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

A Whistledown Scotland production for BBC Radio 4