I copied the first three points of the Archers' FAQ:1.1. What is "The Archers"?
"The Archers" is a fly-on-the-wall documentary -- the world's longest running radio serial, having been broadcast continuously since 1951. Initially proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, as an educational tool, it has now taken on a near religious significance for its listeners. It is possibly the most popular programme on Radio 4.1.2. When is it broadcast?
7.05-7.20pm on any weekday, repeated the following weekday at 1.40-1.55pm. There is a slightly edited omnibus of the previous week's evening broadcasts, at 10.15-11.15am (nearly) every Sunday.1.3. Is it broadcast on the World Service?
No, much to the chagrin of its devoted followers, especially those overseas. The reasons given by the BBC for the decision not to broadcast it on the World Service range amongst: a) it would take up too much air-time; b) it would not be worth the expense; and c) most of the 'natives' would not understand, let alone appreciate, it given i) they don't speak much English, and ii) they have not experienced, and are not ever likely to experience, the British life portrayed in the serial. Much internet cabling has been worn by requests to the BBC to put The Archers on the World Service, but to no avail. The address to write to is: worldservice.letters@bbc.org.uk It is, however, broadcast on the British Forces Network.