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Roger Bolton hosts a Brexit special and also asks if the BBC was right to air the Rivers of Blood speech in full.A panel of high-ranking BBC journalists and executives chew over listener complaints about the corporation's coverage of Brexit. Before the referendum, Feedback was inundated with complaints from listeners who felt that the BBC was overly biased in favour of Remain. But, in the months that have followed, that has shifted and the programme now receives more complaints from Remainers who see the BBC as the Brexit Broadcasting Corporation - in part thanks to a concerted online campaign.Ric Bailey the BBC's Chief Political Adviser, Gavin Allen the controller of the BBC's daily news programming, and Today presenter Nick Robinson respond to listener complaints from all sides. And, with some listeners saying that BBC comedy is too prone to bashing Brexit, is it possible to write a perfectly balanced comedy sketch? Cabin Pressure creator John Finnemore takes up the challenge.A recent edition of Archive on

Radio 4's forum for audience comment.

Has BBC News over-reported allegations of anti-Semitism in the Labour Party? Also, Roger Bolton has breakfast with Petroc Trelawny, Home Front's editor discusses the end of the series, listeners weigh in on Soul Music, and Michael Sandel discusses The Public Philosopher.Listeners have been speaking to Feedback about the BBC's coverage of Jeremy Corbyn's recent attendance at a controversial seder dinner, which reignited the ongoing row over claims of anti-Semitism in his party. Some cite this as evidence that the BBC is anti-Corbyn. Meanwhile, Feedback listeners have been singing the praises of Michael Sandel's The Public Philosopher, praising in particular an edition where he led a debate on the question of Citizens of Nowhere. Michael Sandel joins Roger from Harvard to talk about how the programme aims to bring a more measured and philosophical lens to urgent politicial questions, such as those about Brexit.When it wraps up in November this year, the drama Home Front will have run for nigh on 600 episodes. E

Roger Bolton hears from listeners concerned by coverage of anti-Brexit marches, Garry Richardson defends a controversial interview with Kim Hughes and Lynn Bowles says farewell.The weekend saw the March For Our Lives in Washington DC and a series of anti-Brexit marches across the UK, but BBC news executives only covered the first of these. Pro-EU listeners were incensed. UK News Editor Richard Burgess joins Roger Bolton to defend the BBC's decision and discuss what makes a demonstration newsworthy.Radio 2 listeners were practically inconsolable when beloved traffic reporter Lynn Bowles announced her departure from the network, with her final broadcast coming on Thursday. Lynn sits down with Roger to explain why she's leaving, look back on a career sat next to Terry Wogan, Ken Bruce and Chris Evans, and discuss her plans for the future.A ball tampering scandal has rocked the world of cricket, but Sportsweek presenter Garry Richardson made his own waves when he clashed with former Australian captain Kim Hughes

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio. This week, the BBC World Service has made an unprecedented complaint to the UN, a drama divides the audience for its treatment of immigration and Brexit, the BBC puts a brake on plans to abandon FM transmitters and Fi Glover's emotional documentary. According to a complaint the BBC has registered with the UN, Iran has been harassing the families of BBC Persia journalists. The Director of the BBC World Service Group, Jamie Angus, sits down with Roger to discuss the grounds for complaint, what the BBC hopes the UN will do and the broader questions of impartiality and soft power facing the World Service.In The Expressing Room, Fi Glover heard the stories of mothers as they expressed milk for their premature or sick babies in the neonatal unit of St. Thomas' Evelina hospital. Many listeners contacting the Feedback inbox were overcome by these women's powerful stories. Fi and Roger discuss the challenges of making such a sensitive documentary.The BBC's Director of Rad

Roger Bolton asks if the BBC was slow to report allegations of sexual abuse in Telford, and the BBC's News Editor responds to concerns. Also this week - listeners' least favourite phrases, the new Welsh breakfast show, and memories of hearing the late Professor Stephen Hawking on the radio.After the Sunday Mirror reported allegations of wide ranging sexual abuse of more than 1000 girls over a 40 year period in Telford, a number of national commentators and columnists accused the BBC of failing to give the story sufficient attention and prominence. In particular, it was suggested that the BBC had been held back by political correctness, since many of the accused offenders are of Asian origin. What followed was a huge twitter storm, with users on both sides angrily disputing the BBC's coverage. The BBC's News Editor James Stephenson joins Roger o discuss how the corporation's news division approached the story.On A Point of View, sociologist Tom Shakespeare laid out with forensic ferocity why he hates the phras

Roger Bolton asks if BBC journalists should describe political parties as "populist", discusses soft power with the head of BBC Arabic and finds out about the return of comedy to Radio 1 after more than a decade.In the wake of success for the Five Star movement and the Italian League in the Italian elections, listeners have been reacting to the BBC's description of them as "populist". Some consider that it implies a pejorative view of the parties in question? The BBC's Europe editor Katya Adler joins Roger to explain the meaning of the term and answer listener's questions.BBC Arabic has just celebrated 80 years since the launch of its radio service, still tasked with providing news in a challenging and volatile region for journalists. But does the influx of Foreign Office money to the BBC World Service risk undermining its reputation for impartiality and independence? Samir Farah, head of BBC Arabic, discusses soft power and the future of the service.Radio 1 was once known for launching the careers of legenda

Roger Bolton hears listener views on a shocking death on The Archers, Brexit, Breakfast- and a radio classic gets rebooted.Nic Grundy's sudden death from Sepsis has shocked the residents of Ambridge and Archers' fans. Some have taken issue with how it was handled, but most have been queuing up to praise the powerful storyline. The show's acting editor Alison Hindell joins Roger to answer listener comments and discuss the thinking behind Nic's untimely demise. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy remains one of BBC Radio's most loved comedy programmes. Now, Radio 4 have decided to bring it back. Many of the surviving cast are returning to reprise their roles, as is legendary producer Dirk Maggs. He speaks to Roger and a Feedback listener about the making of the new series, his use of sound effects and how they were able to convince Professor Stephen Hawking to make a surprise turn as the Guide itself.And, as Brexit continues to dominate the headlines, listeners from both sides of the debate tell us what they t

Is it impossible to cover Brexit impartially? What goes into a hit detective radio drama? And why has Quentin Letts decided to quit listening to the Today programme?Roger Bolton returns with a new series of Feedback and starts by hearing listeners weigh in on the ongoing row over equal pay at the BBC.Chris Morris sits down with Roger to answer listener concerns over his programme Brexit: A Guide for the Perplexed and explore how the passion of the Brexit debate affects impartiality.Hugo Speer is an actor known for both TV and film but, for Radio 4 listeners, he is best known as the detective starring in the gritty drama series Stone. The latest ten-part series of the show has caused listeners to flood the Feedback inbox with praise. Hugo and Roger discuss what it takes to elevate a drama like Stone beyond the usual cop show cliches.Finally, waspish columnist Quentin Letts recently appeared on Radio 4 to reveal why he had decided to stop listening to the Today programme and relax with Radio 3 instead. But what

Roger Bolton with a round up of listener views on the big BBC radio stories of the year.Following our interview with Sarah Sands, the then-new Editor of the Today programme, we hear from one listener about how she is getting on.How does Radio 2 and Radio 6 Music strike a balance between too much and too little Christmas music? Jeff Smith, the Editor of Music for both networks explains.Listeners give their views on BBC radio's Brexit coverage and the direction of The Archers.Also, we go behind-the-scenes of Farming Today as they record their Christmas feature at a Brussels sprout farm in the Cotswolds. Roger tries out the new sweeter variety in a frosty field.And we speak to disabled and deaf actors as they prepare for their Christmas performance of The Midwich Cuckoos to be broadcast on Radio 4 on New Year's Eve.Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio programmes.The way in which we listen to radio is radically changing. On Monday this week, the BBC launched its first full voice app for voice recognition speakers. Editor of Voice Mukul Devichand describes how the new way of listening works, demonstrating how this technology will allow greater access to the BBC's range of live radio stations and podcasts.Also, we hear from listener Roslyn Byfield about a recent item on World at One about teenage mental health. She discusses the audio diaries of a teenage girl suffering from anxiety.Tweet of the Day is one of BBC Radio 4's best-loved programmes, but has it moved too far away from its original format, putting famous voices above birdsong? Editor James Cook discusses the programme and responds to listener comments on Michael Morpurgo's analysis of the magpie.And - how radio changes lives. Listeners Simon Rennie and Libby Tempest tell us how an edition of In Our Time helped inspire change.Producer: Kate Dixon A Whist

Roger Bolton with listeners' views on a range of BBC radio programmes.When iPM broadcast an interview with a sex offender at length, some listeners wrote to tell us they disagreed that a convicted criminal should have been given such a platform. Listener Catherine Jackson tells us why she thought this was inappropriate and expresses her concern about the impact on his victims.And just how much of a predicament can BBC presenters find themselves in while on air? BBC World Service presenter Alex Ritson tells us what happened when he experienced a Type 1 diabetes attack during a morning broadcast of The Newsroom. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listeners' views on BBC radio programmes.Earlier this week Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, followed by their first joint interview with the BBC presenter Mishal Husain. But should the presenter have highlighted Ms Markle's mixed race background? We hear your views on the royal engagement coverage.In a fast-moving situation, how do you discover what is really going on? The BBC's Southern Africa Correspondent Andrew Harding tells us how he reported on recent events in Zimbabwe.Also Radio 4's recent dramatisation of Graham Greene's novel Stamboul Train included some of the author's original anti-Semitic passages. Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction Jeremy Howe tells us why he decided not to edit out some of those remarks.And Roger goes behind-the-scenes at Radio 4's consumer affairs programme You and Yours, sitting down with presenter Winifred Robinson to hear more about how the programme interacts with its listeners.Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio programmes.Following a series of misogynistic and anti-semitic tweets, Josh Rivers was sacked from his position as editor of Gay Times and PM ran a 20 minute interview with the former editor. It was much to the consternation of some Feedback listeners who took issue with the amount of airtime Rivers was allowed and the way in which the interview was conducted by presenter Eddie Mair. PM Editor Roger Sawyer discusses his editorial decision and explains why he thinks it was in the public interest to hear Josh Rivers' views.The second part of an interview with Sioned Wiliam, BBC Radio 4's Commissioning Editor for Comedy, focuses on whether there are enough women in comedy programmes and how she finds new talent. Lazy Susan, one of Sioned's recent discoveries, explain how they got the gig and tell us about the format for their new duo show - part spoof, part homage to popular US podcasts.And we meet a couple for whom radio became their lifeline. When Rob and Eeva John

Roger Bolton speaks to Jon Manel about his series The Adoption and to Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.This week, the 17-part series that followed two young children through the UK adoption process drew to a close. Listeners wrote in to tell us of their interest and commitment to the series - with some expressing concern about the intrusive nature of the programme, particularly with regard to safeguarding measures for the two children. Others said they didn't think it should be part of flagship news and current affairs programme The World at One. Reporter and producer Jon Manel responds to these comments and explains how the series was made.Also, we hear views on The Food Programme's report on Catalonia's cultural identity.And we put your questions and comments about Radio 4 comedy to the Commissioning Editor Sioned Wiliam, in the first instalment of a two-part interview. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton speaks to two listeners with opposing views on The Archers and we speak to Sam Wolfson about declining Radio 1 listener figures. Following the release of the latest RAJAR figures, which measures radio listening habits, Nick Grimshaw's Radio 1 breakfast show has seen the lowest reach since RAJAR records began. We speak to the network's target audience at a college in Warrington to find out how they are now listening to audio and Sam Wolfson, Executive Editor of VICE UK explains why those figures have dipped.And The Archers continues to attract new audiences with its dramatic twists and turns. But some listeners say the programme has gone too far. We hear from two Archers fans on opposing sides of the argument.Well, so, like, you know what I mean...? Sociolinguist Heike Pichler makes a return visit to Feedback to respond to listener comments on the various uses of 'so' and to explain the meaning behind some of Roger's most irritating verbal tics.And radio that changes lives. We hear from listener N

Roger Bolton hears a range of listener views on the Today programme's 60th anniversary live edition. Did some of the presenters bray over gags about sexual harassment and assault? To kick off the new series of The Moral Maze, Radio 4 has been working in partnership with Dundee University to trial a new piece of technology that aims to help the listener become a more effective debater. Roger gives this innovation a try.Roger also goes behind the scenes at the Ken Bruce show to find out more about how he and his sidekick Lynn Bowles interact with their listeners. and speaks to the first - and now former - Radio 4 Poet in Residence Daljit Nagra to find out more about the role.And, erm, well, so... The verbal tics that drive you mad. Why do they pepper so much of a BBC radio broadcaster's natural speech? Socio-linguist Heike Pichler explains what's really going on.Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Roger Bolton with listener views on BBC radio.The World at One has courted controversy by dedicating a whole show to the topic of abortion, marking 50 years since the passage of the 1967 Abortion Act. Some listeners found the coverage upsetting, while others were annoyed that one subject had been allowed to take over what they see as, first and foremost, a news programme. But some listeners say they found the focus both timely and touching. Roger hears views from all sides.Neil MacGregor has a new 30-part series, Living with the Gods, following in the footsteps of his enormously popular previous programmes examining historical objects. But does the BBC spend too much time on religion? And is radio the right medium for a programme about objects you can't see? Neil addresses these questions and talks about his aims for the series.Last week, Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Drama Jeremy Howe appeared on Feedback answering concerns over his decision to air unsettling horror The Omen as the Book at Bedtime. This w

Roger Bolton airs listener criticism of a Today programme interview with the director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders on sexual harassment.A record number of sex offenders have been brought to justice in England and Wales and convictions for both rape and other sexual offences have risen sharply. But despite topping the news agenda, some listeners were not happy with John Humphrys' tone and line of questioning. Also, Radio 4's Commissioning Editor of Drama and Fiction Jeremy Howe discusses his decision to run The Omen as last week's Book at Bedtime.Following regulatory changes, Roger talks to Sophie Chalk from Voice of the Listener and Viewer, a public service lobby group, about who now holds accountability for the BBC - its Board or Ofcom.And how did a particular programme or report change your life? Listener Ed Green tells us why Glyn Worsnip's A Lone Voice affected him. Producer: Kate Dixon A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

The Editor of PM defends his programme against listeners' accusations that presenter Eddie Mair's interview with Home Secretary Amber Rudd was hostile and biased. Roger Sawyer discusses the presenter's robust style of interviewing and sets out his editorial stance on the presentation of this and other items on the programme.When Amber Rudd sought to bring the focus of the interview back to the policy announcements made by the Prime Minister at the Party Conference, listeners expressed their frustration with Eddie Mair's questioning. We speak to those who suggest that the presenter didn't allow for an informed discussion of the Conservative Party's policies, but focused instead on the Prime Minister's misfortunes, most notably her well-documented cough. Roger Sawyer explains these editorial decisions and discusses the sanctioning of coverage such as the use of gunfire on the recent Las Vegas shooting item.And we hear from one listener dissatisfied with Winifred Robinson's latest programme on home education, 'O