The US Post Master General discusses the fate of the US Postal Service as demand and profits decline.
Professor Bill Marling discusses James M. Cain's American noir classic, "The Postman Always Rings Twice."
And in a week when the people of Martha's Vineyard dealt once again with a presidential holiday, Americana talks finds that not everyone enjoys the attention. Published on August 30, 2011.

Americana: 28 Aug 11: US Postal Service

For a special 45-minute live show, Americana comes from Ground Zero, in downtown New York, where Jonny Dymond will talk with Americans about how their country - and mindset - has changed in the decade since 9/11. Also featuring a round table discussion with journalist and author Peter Beinart, the Gothamist blogger and managing editor John Del Signore, Daily Beast contributor Dana Goldstein and Pastor Vernon Williams, of the Perfect Peace Ministry in Harlem. Published on September 12, 2011.

Americana: 9 Sep 11: Ground Zero

For a better understanding of Washington DC beyond the Capitol, Matt Frei travels to Ward 8, in the south east quadrant of the city. He talks to DC's political legend, Marion Barry. The four-term Mayor of the '70s, '80s and '90s explains some of the current divisions the city faces and talks about his hopes for the District's future.
Hours north and west of Washington DC, Americana calls on North Pole Mayor Doug Isaacson. He survived a recall vote earlier this year, now he has to make it through the holiday season working next door to Santa's headquarters.
In the melting pot of the USA, there are many holiday traditions but nearly every major city hosts a production - or two - of the Nutcracker ballet. Alastair Macaulay, Englishman and Chief Dance Critic for the New York Times, explains his current effort to uncover what it is about Tchaikovsky's work that Americans seem to adore. Published on December 20, 2010.

Americana: 19 Dec 2010: Washington DC beyond the Capitol

Philadelphia's Return to a Balanced Budget:
As Washington insiders wrangle over the annual Federal budget, guest presenter Adam Brookes takes Americana on the road to Philadelphia -- where Mayor Michael Nutter describes how he has steered his city back into the black. Can the Federal government learn anything from Philly?
Virginia's relics of Elizabethan English:
After stopping for traditional cheesesteaks in Philly, Americana rides the mail boat from the mainland to Virginia's remote Tangier Island. It's a place where some say the remnants of Cornish speech from Elizabethan times can still be heard in the language of watermen today but as business on the sea faces challenging times the dialect may soon disappear. Published on February 21, 2011.

Americana: 20 Feb 11: Philadelphia's Balanced Budget

The 2012 election season is under way - and Barack Obama is the man the Republicans need to beat. There are plenty of contenders out there, but has the GOP found the man or woman with the winning combination? This week, Joe Scarborough - the host of MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' and a former Republican congressman himself - is on hand to guide us though the 2012 election.
With the Royal Wedding just around the corner, we'll hear from Americans with very different views about the upcoming nuptials.
Dolly Parton talks about what keeps her smiling, who inspired her unique looks - and, of course, the royal wedding. Published on April 26, 2011.

Americana: 24 Apr 11: Republican 2012 contenders

Americana: inside the USA
An insider’s guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today. From Washington DC and broadcast every Sunday, at 7.15pm. Discussion and insight from some of the best known names and voices in America.

BBC R4 Americana

Popular tracks