08/08/2014

On 4th August 1914 Britain entered World War I. The BBC marked the date with a variety of programmes exploring the history of the conflict and by broadcasting commemorative ceremonies. Many listeners were moved by the coverage, others questioned whether it was too jingoistic, while some wonder whether the level of analysis is sustainable for the next four years.

Also this week, Roger Bolton meets his teenage crush - Carol Tregorran from The Archers, played by film star Eleanor Bron. Carol hasn't been heard in The Archers for 34 years, but how long will she be staying this time?

And Roger is in Glasgow meeting journalists at the BBC headquarters at Pacific Quay on the day of the first televised debate of the Scottish Referendum campaign. With just six weeks to go before the people of Scotland cast their vote, Roger asks Scotland Correspondent Colin Blane and Special Correspondent Allan Little whether they can give their listeners inside and outside of Scotland the information they want and need. He also meets Louise White, presenter of BBC Radio Scotland's phone-in programme Morning Call, and BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor who deals with allegations of bias from both sides.

Marcus Brigstocke has dealt with plenty of allegations of bias for his brand of close-to-the-bone political satire. His Radio 4 comedy series The Brig Society returned this week and already listeners are divided over whether his analysis of the European Union was refreshingly witty or wilfully one-sided. Which side are you on?

Producer: Lizz Pearson A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.