Radio 4, there is no other radio station or media outlet like it. Where else can you find such diversity in programming ranging from dramas and plays, comedy and current affairs, book readings, historical discussions, religion, science, even obscure subjects like “owl droppings” or cultivation of olives are covered! It is so rich in its programming that one is spoilt for choice. Just this week there was rather a good discussion on the show “In Our Time” with Melvyn Bragg on the subject of the Abbasid Caliphs, this show has in the past covered other Muslim friendly subjects such as Islam in Spain featuring our very own Dr. Tim Winter. You can catch a podcast of the current show here or download the podcast here Some of my other favourite shows that I manage catch on the way home from work at 6.30pm are:

Just a Minute hosted by Nicholas Parsons in which four celebrity guests are given a subject to talk about without repetition, deviation or hesitation to sometimes hilarious results.

I Am Sorry I Haven’t a Clue: an antidote to Panel Games a sort of an improv show where guests are given various tasks and situations to do to comic affect.

Start the Week with Andrew Marr is also very informative discussing many contemporary and literary issues.

There are many many other excellent programmes to keep you educated, entertained and informed, it is a real alternative to TV. I just cannot praise Radio 4 enough for its diversity and quality. The BBC is the best!

wa’as-salam

Mas’ud
www.masud.co.uk