Woman's Hour is a magazine programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in the United Kingdom

Created by Norman Collins and originally presented by Alan Ivimey the programme was first broadcast on 7th October 1946 on the BBC's Light Programme (now called Radio 2). It was transferred to its current home in 1973, where it has been presented by Olive Shapley , Jean Metcalfe (1947, 1958), Marjorie Anderson (until 1972), Sue MacGregor (1970s), Jenni Murray (1987 - present), Martha Kearney (1998 - present) and Sheila McClennon (?-present).

The first 45 minutes of the programme consists of reports, interviews and debates on health, education and political topics ostensibly aimed at women and mothers (but often of general interest). The last 15 minutes are taken up with a drama serial which changes each week.

Woman's Hour was traditionally broadcast in the early afternoon. In the 1990s, however, Radio 4 underwent a major rescheduling programme. Woman's Hour was moved to a morning slot - a change which was extremely unpopular amongst listeners who, for family or other reasons, work only in the morning. The programme is, nevertheless, still broadcast at 10am.

External links

• Woman's Hour (BBC Site)