Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2024)

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

3d 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

11d 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

14d 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
Oona Chaplin reveals her grandfather’s blacklist 8:58

20d ago8:58

8:58

Listeners react to Hollywood Exiles, a new podcast that explores how Charlie Chaplin became embroiled in what was known as the “Hollywood blacklist”.We speak to the show’s producer about how the presenter, the star’s granddaughter Oona Chaplin, became totally immersed in the production process.Plus, we air more of your feedback responding to recent…

1
Your reaction to schedule and programming changes 8:58

28d ago8:58

8:58

As the clocks change in many parts of the world this weekend (30th March), BBC WS English announces schedule changes - and we hear your initial reactions.Plus and after nearly a year of intense fighting in Sudan, how did the BBC World Service finally get its correspondents safely onto the front line? Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A…

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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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 …

1
Michael Crick, broadcaster and author on GB News, Nigel Farage, impartiality, Newsnight and his career 32:00

5M ago32:00

32:00

It was once aid that the five most terrifying words in the political lexicon were “Michael Crick is in reception”. Michael has worked extensively across the main public service broadcasters – starting at ITV. He then moved to Channel 4 becoming political correspondent and Washington Correspondent. He joined the BBC as a reporter at Panorama and eve…

1
Do listeners enjoy World Service's arts programmes? 8:58

6M ago8:58

8:58

We examine arts programming on the BBC World Service as we talk to the teams behind two of its long-running shows: In the Studio and The Cultural Frontline. Do you enjoy these arts series? Or does arts programming in general leave you cold? Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service…

1
Sophie Chalk, VLV policy adviser discusses the implications of the new Media Bill on public service broadcasting 34:34

6M ago34:34

34:34

Sophie Chalk is the policy adviser for VLV (Voice of the Listener and Viewer), an independent charity representing the interests of the audience in supporting high-quality broadcasting in the UK. Earlier this year, they appeared before the DCMS select committee’s inquiry into the future of Public Service Broadcasting. Have their concerns been taken…

1
Ritula Shah, former BBC Radio 4 presenter of the World Tonight on overpaid news presenters, BBC cuts and news centralisation 32:26

6M ago32:26

32:26

Ritula Shah spent 35 years at the BBC as a producer on 'Today,' presenting 'The World Today,' 'Woman’s Hour,' 'PM,' and chairing 'Any Questions.' However, Ritula is best known for her decade-long tenure as the presenter of the ‘World Tonight' on Radio 4 until earlier this year. We discuss why she left, covering the Israel/Hamas conflict, impartiali…

1
Richard Sambrook ex BBC Director of News, the World Service and Global News on coverage of the Israel/Gaza conflict, newsgathering and transparency 28:55

6M ago28:55

28:55

Richard Sambrook, the former BBC Director of News, the World Service and Global News is now emeritus Professor of Journalism at Cardiff University. We discuss Tim Davie, the BBC director general's appearance before the 1922 parliamentary committee, the BBC's coverage of the Israel/Gaza conflict, their news gathering process and transparency, BBC cu…

1
Edward Stourton, BBC presenter and former foreign correspondent discusses journalism and religion 34:54

6M ago34:54

34:54

Edward Stourton has worked in broadcasting for more than forty years, and has been a foreign correspondent for the BBC, ITN and Channel Four. He was a one of the main presenters of Radio 4’s Today programme for ten years and still regularly presents The World at One, The World this Weekend and Analysis. He’s also been the main presenter of Sunday –…

1
Roger Mosey, former BBC editorial director on BBC Israel-Gaza war coverage and use of the word 'terrorist' 21:19

7M ago21:19

21:19

Roger Mosey was head of BBC TV News and is a former editor of the Today programme. We discuss the BBC's reluctance to use the term "terrorist" and the BBC's coverage of the Israel-Gaza war. “You have to recognise that you can't be morally neutral, you can't think that everything is a 50 50 call. So it's tough doing it. I think this is about the mos…

1
My Favourite Moments 43:57

7M ago43:57

43:57

After three seasons of At Your Service and a Summer Series, host Dua Lipa looks back on the podcast series so far and recounts some of her favourite conversations she’s had with an amazing range of guests. Hear Dua share her behind-the-scenes view on the making of the show, and what it was like to move from interviewee to interviewer for the first …

1
Sir Mark Thompson, former BBC Director General and soon to be CEO and chair of CNN, the US news channel, discusses democracy and free speech 45:59

7M ago45:59

45:59

By the time he was 40, Sir Mark Thompson had held some of the top jobs at the BBC. He went on to become Chief Executive of Channel 4 before returning to the corporation as Director General in 2004. In 2012 he went on to The New York Times where he turned around its fortunes. Another challenge now beckons - CEO and chair of CNN, the US news channel …

1
Richard Ayre, former senior BBC Executive and former Ofcom content board member on the new BBC social media guidelines, Ofcom and Russell Brand 29:44

7M ago29:44

29:44

Richard Ayre, former controller of BBC editorial policy and a former member of the OFCOM content board is now the chair of the independent press regulator Impress. On this week's programme we discuss the newly published BBC social media guidelines in response to the Gary Lineker controversy last March. We also look at Ofcom's regulation of GB News …

1
Katy Searle, former BBC director of news programmes and current affairs on Russell Brand, news cuts, Ofcom and GB News 30:18

7M ago30:18

30:18

Katy Searle has recently left the BBC after a long career in news – over three decades. She was in charge of all of the BBC’s political output for 8 years up until last year, during which time huge savings had to be made. More recently Katy was director of news programmes and current affairs. We discuss the Russell Brand scandal, Ofcom's decision o…

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