From Our Own Correspondent gives BBC journalists the opportunity to describe what it is really like covering a story and gives them an opportunity to write and broadcast at length, to convey a real sense of the colour and importance of their assignment.

It also offers them the chance to pass on some of their own feelings about a story they are covering or about an event in their own lives. Fergal Keane’s Letter To Daniel, an essay about the birth of his newborn son, broadcast on From Our Own Correspondent, was one of the most successful and moving despatches of recent times. Diana Goodman’s account of the appalling conditions in some of Russia’s homes for children also touched a chord, resulting in a huge mailbag.

From Our Own Correspondent, first broadcast in 1955, can be amusing and entertaining, and is always rewarding.

Producers: Tony Grant and Mike Popham

Broadcast times

• Radio 4 (UK only): 1130-1200 Saturday and Thursday
• BBC World Service 15-minute edition (times in GMT):
  • Europe, Former Soviet Union, Middle East and the Americas – Wednesday 1615, Thursday 0030, 1145
  • Africa – Thursday 1230, 2115
  • Asia – Wednesday 1515, Thursday 0030, 0815
• BBC World Service 30-minute edition:
  • Europe, Former Soviet Union, Middle East and the Americas – Saturday 1730, Sunday 0330, 0915
  • Africa – Saturday 2130, Sunday 0730
  • Asia – Saturday 1901, 2301, Sunday 0430