BBC Radio 4 Extra is the BBC’s primary broadcaster of its spoken-word archive, offering extended and companion programming to BBC Radio 4, as well as catch-up access to long-running shows like Desert Island Discs.  As a station rooted in storytelling, drama, and archive content, the brief was to create an audio identity that reflected its rich, intelligent character—while remaining accessible and recognisable across a variety of contexts.

Composer Toby Jarvis was commissioned to develop a complete suite of audio assets for BBC Radio 4 Extra.  The deliverables included a range of audio idents, all designed to support the station’s varied and archive-rich schedule.

A key creative decision was to develop one distinctive melodic theme as the foundation of the station’s sound.  This melody was then reimagined across multiple idents to reflect different moods and programme types—ensuring brand consistency while allowing flexibility in tone and emotion.

The result was a unified sonic identity that felt both classic and contemporary, with variations designed to suit everything from light entertainment to drama and factual content.

The new suite of audio branding gave BBC Radio 4 Extra a cohesive, flexible, and recognisable sonic presence. Each element was designed to support the station’s mission: to bring the BBC’s spoken-word archive to new audiences with clarity, warmth, and character.