Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2024)

1
An appraisal of three years at the helm of the World Service 8:59

3d ago8:59

8:59

It’s all change at the top of the BBC World Service as the boss for the past three years leaves. We ask the departing director Liliane Landor about the challenges she faced during her time at the helm. She gives us an honest personal appraisal of the highs and lows - and the challenges her successor faces. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Sha…

1
Prof Dominic Wring on general election coverage audit, media bias, legacy v social media and populism 36:27

1d ago36:27

36:27

Academics from Loughborough University’s Centre for Research in Communication and Culture have conducted news audits for every General Election since 1992, and their audit for this election is out now. We talked to one of its authors, Professor Dominic Wring, about whether the public was well served by the media, whether legacy media still has a ag…

1
Update on Focus On Africa one year on 8:59

7d ago8:59

8:59

We are now into the second year of changes affecting Focus on Africa and its switch to being primarily a podcast. So how is it going down with listeners? We hear your views - including on recent events in Kenya - and are joined in the studio for an update by its news editor, Alice Muthengi. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledo…

1
Dame Elan Closs Stephens former BBC acting chair on what she would like from a new Culture Secretary 38:27

9d ago38:27

38:27

Dame Elan Closs Stephens was the acting chair of the BBC after the resignation of Richard Sharp in June last year until her retirement in March. She was a member of the BBC’s governing body since 2010, first serving as Member for Wales on the BBC Trust, until its dissolution in 2017, and then as the Welsh member of the BBC Board. On this week's epi…

1
How was the series Things Fell Apart actually made? 8:58

15d ago8:58

8:58

We get your comments on one writer’s endless curiosity about the effects of culture wars on ordinary lives. And we ask that journalist, Jon Ronson, about how he approached making the Things Fell Apart mini-series. Plus, a unique broadcast that is unlike anything else heard on the BBC World Service for the world’s smallest audience! We tell the stor…

1
Olivia O'Leary former BBC and RTÉ broadcaster on the UK election, funding PSB's, Newsnight and the future of journalism 32:59

20d ago32:59

32:59

Olivia O’Leary has been a television and radio broadcaster on both the BBC, ITV and RTÉ – the Irish public service broadcaster in her native Ireland. In 1985, Olivia became the first female presenter on BBC’s Newsnight. She later returned to Ireland, presenting once again ‘Today Tonight’ – RTÉ’s flagship current affairs programme. She has also pres…

1
How has Lives Less Ordinary bedded in? 8:59

22d ago8:59

8:59

It was back in May 2022 that OTY reported on the launch of a new weekly podcast called Lives Less Ordinary - from the Outlook team. Producers describe the show as a chance to step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. So how has it bedded in? We hear listeners’ comments and also from its production team. Plus, it has been three months…

1
Adam Boulton ex Sky News political editor on election coverage, Farage media manipulation, impartiality and his career 33:54

24d ago33:54

33:54

Veteran journalist Adam Boulton spent more than thirty years at Sky News, twenty-five of those as political editor. He has been host for General and US elections coverage, invigilated the first leaders’ debate in 2010 and has the distinction of having interviewed every UK Prime Minister since Sir Alec Douglas-Home. He continues to write for Sky but…

1
Peter Snow veteran BBC journalist on the general election campaign, Newsnight and election night coverage 29:32

1M ago29:32

29:32

Peter Snow is a former BBC Newsnight presenter (1980–1997), ITN Diplomatic and Defence Correspondent (1966–1979), documentary maker, and historian. Known for his iconic "swingometer" on election night, we discuss the drama of election night, the current election campaign, Newsnight, and being called a 'traitor'. “I think this election campaign is t…

1
Prof Catherine Johnson discusses what a Labour government might mean for PSB, the Media Bill and digital terrestrial switch off 30:24

1M ago30:24

30:24

Catherine Johnson is the professor of Media and Communications at the University of Leeds, author of the book Online TV, and a member of the Department of Culture, Media and Sports College of experts. With parliament now dissolved, we discuss what happened to the Media Bill and in what form did it survive - what was left in and out? Also, we examin…

1
Jane Martinson ex Guardian media editor on Sir Paul Marshall, media ownership and impartiality 32:10

2M ago32:10

32:10

Jane Martinson, author of ‘You May Never See Us Again: The Barclay Dynasty: A Story of Survival, Secrecy and Succession’ is the former media editor at the Guardian and now Marjorie Deane Professor of Financial Journalism at City University. In the week the general election is called we discussed the potential takeover of The Telegraph by Sir Paul M…

1
Audio expert Matt Deegan discusses BBC's podcast advertising plans, children's audio and the latest radio listening figures 31:07

2M ago31:07

31:07

Matt Deegan is the co-founder of the award-winning Fun Kids, a digital radio station for families and children, which has just won the bronze award in the Radio Academy’s UK Station of the Year category. Given that the gold award went to BBC Asian Network and the silver to Talksport, this is a considerable achievement for a small independent networ…

1
Jamie Angus, ex director of BBC World Service and 'Today' editor discusses Ofcom, consequences of WS cuts and funding solutions 32:52

2M ago32:52

32:52

Jamie Angus is the former director of the BBC World Service and the former editor of 'Today' and 'Newsnight' who now works in the Middle East. We discuss Ofcom's oversight of broadcasters, the consequences of previous World Service cuts, and the impact of new ones. We also explore long-term solutions to the issue of its funding, which is under revi…

1
Stewart Purvis, former Ofcom regulator challenges Ofcom's conclusions on its audience research and its guidance on politicians as presenters 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

Stewart Purvis, former content regulator at Ofcom and former Editor of Channel 4 News and ITN Chief Executive, discusses Ofcom’s guidance on general election coverage published last week. Stewart delves into the research on which Ofcom based its guidelines, spells out what the guidance means in practice, and reflects on Ofcom as an organisation. “O…

1
Comedian Steve Punt discusses his departure from the BBC Radio 4 satirical news programme 'The Now Show' and the evolution of radio comedy 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis took their bow from BBC Radio 4’s satirical news programme ‘The Now Show’ last Friday after 25 years. Steve Punt discusses the last programme, the development and success of this long-running radio comedy show, the impact of our changing news consumption, political bias, radio comedy’s evolution and the new podcast format…

1
Max Cotton discusses his BBC 'Growing Solo' documentary series on his year long food self-sufficiency experiment and the importance of food and farming literacy 26:59

3M ago26:59

26:59

Max Cotton is a former BBC political reporter who has spent a year finding out if he can grow and produce 100% of his food on his smallholding near Glastonbury. We discuss his BBC Radio 4 documentary series on the experiment 'Growing Solo', as well as exploring food and farming literacy, food security and self sufficiency in the UK. "As a group of …

1
Listener bugbears on truncating news interviews 8:58

3M ago8:58

8:58

We hear listeners’ bugbears about one aspect of news programmes that really annoys them: why do live interviewees sometimes get abruptly cut short by the interviewer? We go behind the scenes to reveal the pressures of live news production with one of the BBC’s news editors, Karen Martin. Plus, a listener tells us what he likes so much about his fav…

1
Rory Cellan-Jones ex BBC Technology Correspondent on Tim Davie’s speech, 'Movers and Shakers', 'Ruskin Park' and #SophieFromRomania 27:31

4M ago27:31

27:31

Rory Cellan-Jones, former BBC Technology and Business Correspondent examines Tim Davie’s, the BBC’s Director General speech on the BBC’s future priorities. He also explores life after the BBC, discussing his, ‘Movers and Shakers’ Parkinson’s podcast, his family memoir ‘Ruskin Park’ and his forthcoming book on #SophieFromRomania - his beloved rescue…

1
How has Stumped evolved over its 10-year innings? 8:58

4M ago8:58

8:58

Stumped is a weekly digest of news, features and debate from the world of cricket - but are you bowled over by it? We hear your comments and are joined by one of its hosts, Alison Mitchell. Plus, a listener asks why, when listening online, the volume level changes so much? Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for…

1
Chris Banatvala, former Ofcom Director of Standards discusses Ofcom, GB News, impartiality and freedom of expression 29:06

4M ago29:06

29:06

In the week that Ofcom finds GB News in breach of its code five times but will face no sanction, we talk to Chris Banatvala, Ofcom’s founding Director of Standards, and Content Board member, who was responsible for drafting and enforcing its codes. He is now an independent member of the Sky News Board, Channel 4’s online independent complaint revie…

1
Magnus Brooke, ITV Group Director of Strategy discusses the future of Public Service Broadcasting and the funding of 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' 29:47

4M ago29:47

29:47

Magnus Brooke is Group Director of Strategy, Policy and Regulation at ITV where profits are down by 60%. The digital revolution is changing broadcasting fundamentally and destroying former business models. So does ITV have a future as a Public Service Broadcaster? We also discuss the Media Bill and the added responsibility on Ofcom's shoulders - an…

1
Peter Taylor, veteran BBC journalist discusses his latest documentary 'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA' 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

One of Britain’s finest reporters Peter Taylor, with numerous books, documentaries and awards spanning a career of over 50 years, on his latest BBC documentary 'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA’. We discuss the human cost of IRA informers, the role of Scappaticci codenamed “Stakeknife”, Operation Kenova and covering Northern Ireland. “T…

1
'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA’, veteran journalist Peter Taylor discusses his latest BBC documentary 0:37

4M ago0:37

0:37

One of Britain’s finest reporters Peter Taylor, with numerous books, documentaries and awards spanning a career of over 50 years, on his latest BBC documentary 'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA’. We discuss the human cost of IRA informers, the role of Scappaticci codenamed “Stakeknife”, Operation Kenova and covering Northern Ireland. “T…

1
Baroness Kidron former film and documentary director on Bridget Jones, the threat of tech giants and ad funded PSBs 28:14

4M ago28:14

28:14

Baroness Kidron is one of the country's foremost drama and documentary directors. Her long list of credits includes ‘Storyville’, 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit', 'Victoria and Abdul' and 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'. She now sits as a crossbench peer and is the founder of the Five Rights Foundation. For the past five years, she has been on…

1
Former film and documentary director Baroness Kidron on Bridget Jones, the threat of tech giants and ad funded PSBs 0:48

4M ago0:48

0:48

Baroness Kidron is one of the country's foremost drama and documentary directors. Her long list of credits includes ‘Storyville’, 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit', 'Victoria and Abdul' and 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'. She now sits as a crossbench peer and is the founder of the Five Rights Foundation. For the past five years, she has been on…

1
Anna McNamee, Sandford St Martin Trust on the Media Bill, religious literacy, commissioning and accessible broadcasting 27:09

5M ago27:09

27:09

Anna McNamee, an award-winning Canadian journalist and writer with a background in BBC radio, is the Executive Director of the Sandford St Martin Trust, dedicated to promoting excellence in religious broadcasting. We discuss the new Media Bill, the importance of religious literacy, the decline in programming on religion and ethics, commissioning pr…

1
The Media Bill, religious literacy, commissioning and accessible broadcasting with Anna McNamee, Sandford St Martin Trust 0:56

5M ago0:56

0:56

Anna McNamee, an award-winning Canadian journalist and writer with a background in BBC radio, is the Executive Director of the Sandford St Martin Trust, dedicated to promoting excellence in religious broadcasting. We discuss the new Media Bill, the importance of religious literacy, the decline in programming on religion and ethics, commissioning pr…

1
Prof Catherine Johnson discusses the decline in PSB revenue, reliance on tech giants for distribution, the Media Bill, Ofcom and BBC funding 28:29

5M ago28:29

28:29

Catherine Johnson, Professor of Media and Communications at the University of Leeds, author of the book ‘Online TV’, and a member of the Department of Culture, Media and Sports College of experts discusses the decline in PSB revenue, reliance on tech giants for distribution, the Media Bill, Ofcom and BBC funding. “I think part of the problem is tha…

1
The decline in PSB revenue, reliance on tech giants for distribution, the Media Bill, Ofcom and BBC funding – we talk to Prof Catherine Johnson 0:50

5M ago0:50

0:50

Catherine Johnson, Professor of Media and Communications at the University of Leeds, author of the book ‘Online TV’, and a member of the Department of Culture, Media and Sports College of experts discusses the decline in PSB revenue, reliance on tech giants for distribution, the Media Bill, Ofcom and BBC funding. “I think part of the problem is tha…

1
David Lloyd co-founder of Boom Radio and local radio expert discusses changes in BBC local radio and Ofcom's oversight of them 26:10

5M ago26:10

26:10

In the week the BBC announced that it's preparing to launch new spin-off digital radio stations for Radios 1, 2, and 3 to provide more choice to audiences underserved by the BBC, we're talking to the co-founder of Boom Radio - a station that emerged to fill the gap left by Radio 2. David Lloyd, who has worked in radio for over 40 years, from LBC to…

1
Co-founder of Boom Radio and local radio expert David Lloyd discusses changes in BBC local radio and Ofcom's oversight of them 1:16

5M ago1:16

1:16

In the week the BBC has announced that it's preparing to launch new spin-off digital radio stations for Radios 1, 2, and 3 to provide more choice to audiences underserved by the BBC, we're talking to the co-founder of Boom Radio - a station that emerged to fill the gap left by Radio 2. David Lloyd, who has worked in radio for over 40 years, from LB…

1
Sir Craig Oliver former BBC editor and No 10 director of communications on Bashir emails, impartiality, Sir Robbie Gibb, GB News and mental health 30:33

5M ago30:33

30:33

Sir Craig Oliver is a former editor of BBC News at Six and Ten and was the Downing Street director of politics and communications under David Cameron. We discuss the release of the BBC Bashir emails, impartiality, Sir Robbie Gibb’s position on the BBC board, GB News and his career. “I don’t think we need GB News ….. what we're realising increasingl…

1
Former BBC editor and No 10 director of communications Sir Craig Oliver on Bashir emails, impartiality, Sir Robbie Gibb, GB News and mental health 0:57

5M ago0:57

0:57

Sir Craig Oliver is a former editor of BBC News at Six and Ten and was the Downing Street director of politics and communications under David Cameron. We discuss the release of the BBC Bashir emails, impartiality, Sir Robbie Gibb’s position on the BBC board, GB News and his career. “I don’t think we need GB News ….. what we're realising increasingl…

1
Alan Rusbridger former Guardian editor in chief discusses his Prospect article "How the government captured the BBC" 26:49

6M ago26:49

26:49

Alan Rusbridger, former Guardian editor and now editor at Prospect magazine has written an article with the headline ‘How the government captured the BBC'. Has it? We discuss the concept of impartiality, the government appointed board member Sir Robbie Gibb’s attempt to interfere in the appointment of the chair of Ofcom, his influence on the corpor…

1
Former Guardian editor in chief Alan Rusbridger discusses his Prospect article "How the government captured the BBC" 0:38

6M ago0:38

0:38

Alan Rusbridger, former Guardian editor and now editor at Prospect magazine has written an article with the headline ‘How the government captured the BBC'. Has it? We discuss the concept of impartiality, the government appointed board member Sir Robbie Gibb’s attempt to interfere in the appointment of the chair of Ofcom, his influence on the corpor…

1
Jim Naughtie BBC Special Correspondent discusses the US election, challenges of reporting when democracy is at stake and media integrity in the UK 30:31

6M ago30:31

30:31

Jim Naughtie has covered each US presidential election over the past five decades. He was a political correspondent on The Scotsman and then The Guardian, before becoming a presenter of Radio 4’s The World at One and then of The Today Programme – which he stood down from in 2016. Currently, he is a Special Correspondent for BBC News and presents Ra…

1
BBC Special Correspondent Jim Naughtie discusses the US election, challenges of reporting when democracy is at stake and media integrity in the UK 0:53

6M ago0:53

0:53

Jim Naughtie has covered each US presidential election over the past five decades. He was a political correspondent on The Scotsman and then The Guardian, before becoming a presenter of Radio 4’s The World at One and then of The Today Programme – which he stood down from in 2016. Currently, he is a Special Correspondent for BBC News and presents Ra…

1
Investigative journalist Andy Webb on his struggle to obtain BBC emails relating to Martin Bashir's Diana interview 38:15

6M ago38:15

38:15

The circumstances surrounding the securing of the Panorama interview with the late Princess of Wales have been one of the biggest controversies to beset the BBC. On this week’s programme we’re taking stock on the imminent release of emails by the BBC which concerns its handling of the Martin Bashir scandal. There has been quite a battle in the cour…

1
Andy Webb investigative journalist, on his struggle to obtain BBC emails relating to Martin Bashir's Diana interview 1:32

6M ago1:32

1:32

The circumstances surrounding the securing of the Panorama interview with the late Princess of Wales have been one of the biggest controversies to beset the BBC. On this week’s programme we’re taking stock on the imminent release of emails by the BBC which concern its handling of the Martin Bashir scandal. There has been quite a battle in the court…

1
Full interview with Stewart Purvis former Channel 4 News editor and Ofcom regulator on the big issues facing the BBC in the New Year including the Martin Bashir controversy 32:05

6M ago32:05

32:05

Stewart Purvis, a former Editor of Channel 4 news and ITN Chief Executive was also one of the content regulators at Ofcom and oversaw standards cases involving the BBC between 2007 and 2010. In 2005 he was a member of a BBC commissioned independent panel assessing the impartiality of BBC news and current affairs coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian …

1
The Reith Lectures: A tradition since 1948 9:53

6M ago9:53

9:53

The Reith Lectures are an annual tradition, started in 1948 by the BBC’s first director general. In a special edition, we hear your thoughts on the programme, and we’re joined by the man who gave this year’s address. We also talk to the BBC executive who commissioned it. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for th…

1
Ask the BBC World Service English controller 2023 26:28

7M ago26:28

26:28

In a specially extended edition, we have Jon Zilkha, the controller of BBC World Service English, in the studio to answer listeners’ questions about what they’ve heard on the World Service in the past year. Some are happy - others feel there’s work to be done! Topics include news coverage of the Middle East conflict, proposed schedule changes and t…

1
Stewart Purvis former Channel 4 News editor and Ofcom regulator on the big issues facing the BBC in the New Year including the Martin Bashir controversy 3:36

7M ago3:36

3:36

Stewart Purvis, a former Editor of Channel 4 news and ITN Chief Executive was also one of the content regulators at Ofcom and oversaw standards cases involving the BBC between 2007 and 2010. In 2005 he was a member of a BBC commissioned independent panel assessing the impartiality of BBC news and current affairs coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian …

1
Mark Damazer former BBC Trustee on Samir Shah's nomination as BBC chair, the Lineker tweets and government's strategy towards the BBC 41:12

7M ago41:12

41:12

Mark Damazer is a former BBC Trustee, deputy head of BBC News and controller of Radio 4, now chairs the Booker prizes. In the week that the Government's nomination for BBC chair, Dr Samir Shah, is scrutinised by the DCMS select committee we discuss his appointment, what will be in his in-tray, the Lineker tweets, the Government's decision to renege…

1
David Aaronovitch broadcaster and journalist on BBC coverage in the Middle East, BBC's role in public service media, cuts and journalism 43:56

7M ago43:56

43:56

David Aaronovitch, worked for the BBC in a senior capacity before becoming a writer for the Independent and later a columnist on the Times. He's made numerous documentaries and currently presents BBC Radio 4’s The Briefing Room. He publishes longer articles on his substack 'Notes from the Underground' and contributes to Tortoise Media. We discussed…

1
Pat Younge former chief creative officer at BBC TV and non exec director at ITV Studios on the future of PSB, diversity in broadcasting and coverage of Israel-Gaza war 29:47

8M ago29:47

29:47

Pat Younge is a former chief creative officer of BBC Television and a Non Executive Director at ITV Studios Ltd. Amongst his many roles he’s also currently Chair of the Cardiff University governing body and runs his own production company. In our interview we discussed why he is also chair of the British Broadcasting Challenge - why it was set up, …

1
Greg Childs, former BBC executive producer on the crisis in children's programming, the importance of public service content and solutions 27:04

8M ago27:04

27:04

Greg Childs worked for over 25 years at the BBC, mainly as a director, producer and executive producer of children’s programmes. He created the first Children’s BBC websites and, as Head of Children’s Digital, developed and launched the children’s channels, CBBC and CBeebies. Greg left the BBC in 2004 and worked across other broadcasters. He's now …

1
Is news fatigue something you worry about? 8:58

8M ago8:58

8:58

We hear listeners’ thoughts on the BBC World Service’s reporting of the ongoing events in the Middle East. We ask if the war in Ukraine really has dropped out of the news headlines and discuss the issue of “news fatigue” with the head of journalism at World Service English, Simon Peeks. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown p…

1
Tim Cook: What it takes to run Apple, the world’s largest company 43:20

8M ago43:20

43:20

In a rare podcast appearance, Apple CEO Tim Cook joins Dua Lipa to dive into the profound impact of artificial intelligence, the ever-evolving tech landscape and their response to climate change. Join Dua as she discovers Tim’s personal journey, from his life growing up to his philanthropic endeavours, as well as his perspective on tackling global …

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