Over to You: Recent Episodes
BBC World Service
The BBC’s recent announcement of substantial cuts across the organisation will affect World Service listeners, as three programmes face closure. We put your questions to Jon Zilkha, controller of BBC World Service English, and explore what the changes mean for audiences.
We also go behind the scenes at the Wimbledon Championships to discover how the World Service’s flagship sports programme, Sportsworld, prepares for an action-packed month of live sport.
Not by the Playbook explores the inspiring stories of athletes who have overcome adversity and achieved success in unconventional ways. Presenter Qasa Alom speaks to its presenter, Katie Smith, about how the programme reveals the human stories behind sporting achievements.
Presenter: Qasa AlomProducer: Simon JarvisA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The East Asia region, comprising of China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia and Taiwan, is undeniably a key player on the world stage.
We go behind the scenes of The Fifth Floor, the programme that brings the news from the BBC World Service language services. We hear how people in Seoul are reacting to the comeback of BTS, the superstar South Korean boyband, whose first tour since 2022 kicks off in April.
Hong Kong cinema has influenced film-makers around the world. For a recent In the Studio episode, film-maker Shan Ng followed Kwan Pun Leung, one of the cinematographers of the Hong Kong and 20th Century classic, In the Mood for Love. We hear what Shan learnt following a fellow film-maker and what surprised her about Kwan's process.
In November 2025, the BBC World Service launched a new visualised podcast, Asia Specific. Presented by veteran journalist, Mariko Oi, it covers the Asia Pacific region, of which East Asia is part of. Mariko tells Qasa why a podcast for the region was essential and the stories they hope to cover.
And finally, in February, the director general Tim Davie warning that the network would run out of funding if a deal was not agreed with the government. His warnings set the Over to You inbox alight with questions and concern. Qasa speaks with the head of the school of journalism, media and culture at Cardiff University, Dr Matt Walsh and explores what all this means for the World Service.
A recent Heart and Soul told the story of how a boy, Carlo Acutis, who died from cancer nearly 20 years ago has been declared a saint. We hear your feedback on this documentary and also from the show’s presenter, William Crawley. How did he approach this sensitive topic?
Plus, major schedule changes are only two weeks away, we look at which WS shows are ending.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The World Service has launched a news sports show that it says will “tell the stories beyond the scoresheet”. We hear your views on whether More Than The Score will appeal to sports fans who are interested in the bigger picture. And we meet one of its presenters John Bennett plus the show’s producer, Jonathan McKeith.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The Global Story has had a revamp and makeover. In a special edition, we examine the editorial changes and ask one of its presenters Tristan Redman and executive producer Annie Brown why the focus is now so emphatically on the US and its relationship with the world.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
People Fixing The World is all about discovering the people and the projects trying to make the world a better place. But what qualifies a project to be on the programme and how much scrutiny is applied? We talk to presenter Myra Anubi and editor Jon Bithrey and hear what listeners make of the programme.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
World Book Club usually interviews authors about their work, with questions from the audience. But September’s edition featured an author who died nearly a century ago. We’re joined by presenter Harriet Gilbert to talk about the show's special episode on Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Will they do something similar with other deceased authors?
Plus, already announced major programme changes will take effect soon, but listeners have already been in touch concerned about what’s happening with Business Matters.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
BBC Trending is the show that investigates stories related to online trends, social media, and viral phenomena. We speak to its editor about a recent edition focussing on North Korea - and a listener asks about the programme’s wider editorial remit and why there are not more uplifting news stories?
Plus BBC Sounds has finally been given a date for its turn off - we hear your initial thoughts on its replacement.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The BBC has introduced a paywall for people looking at parts of its website from within the United States. We hear listeners’ reactions to being asked to pay for something they previously got for free, whilst others outside the US ask if it sets a precedent for the rest of the world. We are joined from New York by the BBC Studios executive in charge of the project, Rebecca Glashow.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The BBC News Persian service has provided expertise and analysis to the whole of the BBC, in spite of being banned from Iran. We hear how journalists with BBC News Persian have been broadcasting reports about the situation in Iran and we are joined by the head of its service.
Plus, The Killing Call tells of the murder of Indian music star Sidhu Moose Wala. The executive editor of World Service documentaries tells us of the various challenges producers faced in its making.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The World Debate broadcast last weekend considered the rapidly changing international landscape under President Trump. Is the world a safer or more dangerous place, it asked. We hear listeners' views on how the debate shaped up and we are joined in the studio by a BBC news editor who oversaw the broadcast.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
My Song, My Home is a new musical podcast series from BBC Learning English. It offers global audiences an opportunity to learn English by meeting local musicians from across the UK and listening to them and their original songs. We get lyrical with the series’ editor!
Plus, a listener delights in a recent Witness History on the invention of the automatic electric rice cooker!
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
It’s a brand new sports show but one that tries to defy traditional convention when it comes to the interviews it features. We hear listeners’ thoughts on Not By The Playbook and we are joined by its producer Joel Hammer. Plus, why did the Africa Daily podcast recently end?
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The Interview is a successor show in the World Service schedule to HardTalk and every week hears from what it regards as a titan of business, politics, finance, sport and culture. We hear what listeners think and we’re joined in the studio by the show’s editor Sam Bonham to learn where the interviews are sourced from.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We go behind-the-scenes with the team from Americast, the show that gives you an insight and analysis on what is happening in American politics and beyond. We talk to presenter Justin Webb and the series editor Purvee Pattni and hear your feedback.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The proposed switch from BBC Sounds to a new BBC app has been weighing heavily on the minds of some listeners. Many of you have been unhappy.Well it seems listener power has prevailed and there has been an important change! We bring you the BBC’s update.
Plus , the true crime podcast series The Con: Kaitlyn’s Baby, is about one apparently pregnant young woman’s desperate lie. We speak with its presenter Sarah Treleaven.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
A number of journalists working for BBC Russian have been labelled “foreign agents”, severely restricting their professional and private lives. We hear from the editor of BBC News's Russian service about the impact.
Plus, a listener has been in touch to praise a moving eyewitness report on Newsday.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The documentary Donald Trump’s New World Order set out to explain the reasons behind these turbulent times. Presenter Jamie Coomarasamy reveals how he overcame the problems of staying up to date when the Trump Administration seems to be announcing new policies day by day? We hear your views.
Presenter Rajan DatarProducer Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We hear listeners’ reactions to the news that in the near future BBC Sounds is to end for international online listeners, and a new BBC app is to launch in its place.
We put your points and questions to the BBC and, with the help of a media expert, investigate what this might all mean for you.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC
Last weekend we aired your comments on news that the BBC World Service was axing a number of shows later this year.This week we have the boss of the WS English Jon Zilkha in the studio to answer your questions and explain why it’s happening and the criteria behind which shows have been chosen to end.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The BBC World Service says that despite a recent increase in grant-aid support from the UK government, the extra cash is not enough to maintain all its English language service programmes.As a result some shows are facing the axe later this year.We’ll tell you which programmes are involved - and also hear listeners’ reactions.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
In a special edition, Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US president was comprehensively covered by all BBC World Service news shows, including a special edition of the Global News Podcast. But what challenges do the Trump presidency present for journalists, including the BBC’s news teams? We’re joined by a senior news editor and we hear listeners’ feedback.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
This week we look at Health Check. With so many issues and breakthroughs to choose from, how do they decide what to cover? We hear from the show’s presenter Claudia Hammond and listeners tell us what they think.Plus how a listener feels a first-hand report on the LA fires burning down a BBC reporter’s own house was “extraordinary radio”.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The Arts Hour’s annual comedy special aired at New Year but how well does comedy translate to a global audience, a listener asks of the show's team.Plus, how a listener in Australia would like to hear more impartial commentators and fewer politicians on World Questions.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
For our first show of the new year, four listeners from Brazil, the US, the UK and Italy set the agenda for what they would like from the BBC World Service in the coming year. Do they want different types of programmes, does news fatigue affect them, and how much do they feel the BBC World Service is still needed in 2025?
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
It is our annual Ask the Controller special as we have the boss of BBC World Service English Jon Zilkha in the studio to answer your questions. How much are budgetary cuts affecting programme quality? What do you like and what concerns do you have about the BBC World Service? And what would you like to hear more of in 2025?
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The latest series in the World of Secrets strand is Finding Mr Fox, an investigation of a miscarriage of justice involving two sailors.But could this series’ conclusion be described as a “spectacular anti-climax”? The show’s two presenters respond to listeners’ comments.
Plus, after a listener recently complained about an annoying echo sound effect used in programme trailers, we air the reverberations that has caused.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
It was billed as too close to call right up to the night itself, but in the end the US presidential election saw a clear victory for the Republicans. We hear listeners' views on World Service coverage of the vote, and are joined in the studio by the team behind the election night show America Decides.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
Hard Talk is a long-standing in-depth interview programme but it is now facing the chop. Listeners give us their views about its proposed closure.And the BBC tells us why the decision to end the show is being taken.
Plus, a listener argues that special effects used in some programme trailers are off putting.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
How do you keep the World Service’s flagship foreign investigations series fresh and relevant? We meet the editor and a producer from the documentary strand Assignment and we hear listeners’ feedback on recent editions, including one on the war in Ukraine.
Plus, we hear listeners' reaction to the news that Hard Talk potentially faces the axe next March.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The Food Chain examines the business, science and cultural significance of food and what it takes to put food on your plate. But is it passing judgement on what people eat? Or simply advising them about what it is they are putting into their mouths? We are joined by its presenter Ruth Alexander and we hear listeners’ feedback.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods is the latest investigative mini-series in the World of Secrets slot. We put your feedback to the series editor Matt Willis and ask him how interviewees now felt able to discuss upsetting accusations of sexual abuse.Warning: the following discussion involves the topic of sexual abuse which some listeners might find distressing.
Plus, how a listener feels the 5th Floor fell short with its analysis on Mexico’s first female president.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
There are now almost 3,000 billionaires in the world today. But how do the super-rich amass their incredible wealth? The podcast Good, Bad Billionaire is back with season two to find out.
We hear listeners’ reactions and questions, including what qualifies a billionaire to be featured on the show - and are there in fact more African billionaires than records reveal? We are joined in the studio by its presenter Simon Jack.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We hear listeners' reactions to the BBC Eye investigation The Midwife’s Confession, which deals with the topic of infanticide in India - and in particular of baby girls. “It’s the responsibility of the BBC World Service to tell this story” says one listener.
We are joined on the line from Delhi by the programme's presenter Amitabh Parashar and editor Ankur Jain.And a warning: some might find the discussion upsetting.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We hear your feedback on how the BBC World Service has covered an incredibly busy summer of sport - from big football tournaments to the Olympics. Over the top - or under-reported?
The network’s head of sport Colin Patterson responds to your comments.
Presenter Rajan DatarProducer Howard Shannon.A Whistledown Production for the BBC WS
It’s become an institution on the BBC World Service with in-depth, hard-hitting interviews with people in the news.In a special edition, we hear listeners’ views on Hard Talk and meet its regular host Stephen Sackur and ask if its approach always lives up to the show’s combative title?Listeners say they want to know why there are not more women guests and how Stephen knows when to stop pushing if an interviewee does not want to answer. Presenter Rajan DatarProducer Howard Shannon.A Whistledown Production for the BBC WS
It was the biggest gold mine fraud of all time and devastated countless lives. But what really happened? We hear listeners’ feedback on The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam and its presenter Suzanne Wilton tells us how she spent almost 30 years investigating this murder mystery.
Plus, the world’s most popular fruit is under threat. We air a critique of the documentary Going Bananas.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
A listener recently told Over to You that he does not enjoy the science show Unexpected Elements because he feels he is being “talked down to”.
We asked you to tell us what you think about this show and other science programmes on the BBC World Service - and our inbox has been inundated! So it’s a forum for listeners’ forensic dissection of science on the World Service - both critical and positive.
Plus, it has been a busy “summer of sport” and we reveal what listeners made of BBD World Service’s sporting coverage.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The documentary A slogan and a Land, saw reporter Tim Whewell travel from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea - perhaps the most contested piece of land in the world. We hear your views on this road trip and Tim tells us about the challenges he faced in making this two-part series.
Plus, an emotional response to The Inquiry’s report on Easter Island - and just what do the initials O and S really stand for?
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for World Service
Fake news and conspiracy theories are explored in the series Whose Truth - we get your feedback and hear from its presenter, Babita Sharma.
Plus with The Olympics underway, it is proving to be a busy summer of sport. So what do listeners think of the World Service’s coverage on this and other sporting events?
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
We get listeners’ reactions to drama on the radio, as part of the BBC World Service and British Council's International Playwriting Competition. We’re joined by the competition’s winning authors.
Plus the annual Global Audience Measure figures are out, so what do they reveal about who’s listening?
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Last week we aired a candid interview with the departing boss of the BBC World Service. This week listeners react to what Liliane Landor had to say - and reveal their hopes and fears for the future.
Plus, the BBC is currently running a trial using Generative AI - artificial intelligence. We ask what it might mean for you the World Service listener.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
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 ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
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 Whistledown production for BBC World Service
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 story of the Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast 2024.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
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 since the Fifth Floor moved to its new weekend slot but a listener tells us she is not happy with the schedule change.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
We hear how listeners feel about the BBC World Service's reporting on the plethora of elections around the world. By way of a case study, we focus on India and hear about the challenges faced by the corporation in reporting the country’s recent elections.
We are joined from Delhi by the BBC’s director of journalism with the Collective Newsroom, Mukesh Sharma.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
It was back in May 2022 that this programme 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. Extraordinary stories from around the world. Two years on we ask listeners how they feel it has bedded in.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We hear your thoughts on series three of Dear Daughter which bills itself as a “handbook to life”. We are joined by its presenter Namulanta Kombo and producer Lucy Burns.
Listeners ask if the series only appeals to women. Could there be letters from fathers to daughters or sons and express appreciation for the new run having more complicated and difficult conversations.
Plus, a listener in the US feels the World Service’s reporting of the UK’s general election is proving to be too “England-centric”.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
A listener recently told us how he found correspondents' news reports that are repeated across different news shows “irritating”. We hear whether you agree with him. We invited BBC Newshour editor Tim De Faramond to respond listeners and understand why this repetition happens.
Plus, a listener feels a recent History Hour was wrong in its use of terminology. The show’s production team respond.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service
The BBC World Service has launched its Global China Unit, a new team that will focus on reporting stories on the country’s role in the world. Listeners say its opening is vital but also ask if coverage of China will be fair and balanced. We speak with the BBC executive who will help run the team.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The new podcast series Where to be a Woman has been asking: where can women live their best lives? One of the programme’s presenters Sophia Smith Galer and senior journalist Prabhjit Bains tell us why they feel this question is such a pertinent one right now and listeners tell us what they think of the podcast.
Plus, following a recent complaint of changing sounds levels online, several more listeners say they too are suffering the same problem.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
It is the programme that brings you “the biggest guests and hottest sounds from all over Africa.” But can the music show This is Africa cross over and appeal to a global audience? We get your thoughts and hear from its host, DJ Edu.
Plus, how a listener was deeply affected by the documentary El Salvador's Missing Children.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
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 favourite programme: Weekend.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
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 schedule changes.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown Production for BBC World Service
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 Whistledown Production for BBC World Service
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 the BBC World Service
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 the BBC World Service
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 the BBC’s long-term finances.
Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
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 production for the BBC World Service
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
A recent edition of The Explanation asked “Could Puerto Rico become America's 51st state?” We hear your feedback on this series and the show’s presenter Claire Graham gives us her explanation of how news stories such as this are chosen.Plus, listeners query if the World Service is striking the right balance on coverage of US politics and also ask if a recent edition of Crowd Science was just too far-fetched to understand.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The recent women’s football World Cup has been widely hailed as a success for the international game. We hear your thoughts on the BBC’s coverage. Plus, a listener asks if there’s a place for sports reporting in a serious news show.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
A documentary recently told the story of a 14-year-old American schoolboy who is on a mission to prevent billions of batteries going into landfill. We hear your feedback on this positive, solutions-focused programme, and the show’s presenter and producer join us to explain the process of working with young people.
Plus, we hear some initial reaction to the World Service's coverage of football's Women's World Cup.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The documentary The Engineers: Lunar Exploration, examined how some of the world’s leading space agencies are working on a project to put astronauts on the moon within two years. We hear what listeners think of this journey into space - and we speak with the programme’s producer about the challenges of making complex science technology understandable.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The Conversation sees two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, tell the stories of their lives. We hear your feedback on this long-running series and ask its host Kim Chakanetsa what she hopes the male audience gets from the show. Plus, we have a response for a listener about coverage of the Women’s Football World Cup.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Where do you draw the line on broadcasting the horrors of animals being tortured? The documentary The Monkey Haters, tells the story of how Macaques are put through unimaginable pain all because people online are willing to pay to watch. It’s possibly one of the most disturbing and upsetting documentaries on animals the Word Service has broadcast. We hear listeners reactions and speak with the programme’s presenter and also its undercover reporter.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
What is it about three ex -footballers having a chat about the game that makes for a good podcast? That's the question we’ll be putting to the producer and one of the presenters of Match of the Day Africa: Top 10 - and to be fair we are talking three multiple trophy winning international footballers here! Plus one listener has a bone or two to pick with the boss of World Service English after his interview on this programme last week.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Last week saw the publication of the BBC’s annual report, which includes the World Service. The World Service Audience is down 12% but we'll be looking into its finer details and asking what it means for you the listener. Do overall audience figures affect the kind of programmes being made? The boss of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha, tells us if that will affect the kind of programmes you hear.
Plus, listeners say their farewells to a stalwart of World Service news, Razia Iqbal, as she leaves the BBC after 30 years.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We are now well into the second month of changes affecting Focus on Africa and its switch to being primarily a podcast with a repeat radio airing later that same day. So how is it going down with listeners? Is it alienating those of you who do not have access to digital platforms? Does it feel less “live”? Or does the focus on it being a podcast mean it can now attract a wider audience from the African diaspora globally? We speak to the editor of Focus On Africa, Alice Muthengi.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service
Until recently the Forum was a weekly show that took an in depth approach to tackling specific topics or historical figures with a team of experts from the realms of technology, art, literature and philosophy among many others. Now it's monthly with a slightly different remit. The show’s executive editor explains how each edition is put together and we hear your thoughts.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production
The production team say they set out to see the world in a new way. So is the WS’s new science show Unexpected Elements achieving its aims? We hear what listeners think as the show beds in - and we speak with the programme’s producer about how to make science appeal to all. Plus: why are there programme trailers in the middle of podcasts?
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
A seven-part drama has been telling the dramatic story of what happened after a tsunami hit the Japanese nuclear plant at Fukushima in 2011. The show’s producer and writer join us to explain how they used actors and dramatisation to bring the disaster to life. But how much poetic licence did they need to use? And listeners give us their feedback.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
World Book Club took to the air over two decades ago and it is still going strong. Each month an author is quizzed by a live audience. We speak with its long-running host Harriett Gilbert and ask how do you make a show appeal to those who are not heavy readers? And listeners give their thoughts.
Plus, how a recent edition of HardTalk on Iranian Kurds hit the nail on the head for a listener in the US.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service
We live in an age of information warfare, weaponised narratives and captured media. So, what agendas are at play behind these? In a new series called The Global Jigsaw, BBC Monitoring tackles one subject in-depth in each episode, examining its portrayal through global media outlets. We ask the show’s editor what inspired this format and find out what listeners make of it.
Plus, did Witness History give due credit to all the Allies taking part in a campaign in North Africa during World War Two? One listener takes issue.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
With the launch of a new unit, BBC Verify, the BBC is now sharing the fact-checking and investigative work its journalists and correspondents do behind the scenes with the audience. We ask the BBC’s director of news content what “transparency” actually means and why it is important?Plus, is the corporation getting repetitive with its use of interviewees? A listener tells us he has heard the same guest in three different programmes.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
Schedule changes earlier this year saw some programmes merged or changed - including the creation of a new technology show. After two months on air, we ask listeners what they think of Tech Life. Is it a change for the better - or worse - from the two programmes it replaced? We ask the show’s producer how it is settling in.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Its mission was to highlight the situation of the Ukrainian people and that country’s culture - but was it mission accomplished? We are talking of course about the Eurovision Song Contest which was recently staged in the UK on behalf of 2022’s winners Ukraine. We speak with the editor of BBC Ukraine Marta Shokalo about how her team provided insight and information to the wider BBC to ensure Ukraine was accurately reflected and sensitively portrayed. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The recent Coronation of King Charles III was a historical event that was comprehensively covered by the BBC World Service. Many listeners contacted us with their views on the coverage and commented on whether there needs to be more discussion, on-air, of the role of the monarchy? Strong views from all round the world. Plus, as the fighting in Sudan continues, we hear how the World Service has launched a pop-up radio station to keep the country informed about events. How was it put together and where has the money come from?Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The Lazarus Heist and its criminal investigation into financial fraud has returned for a second series. Listeners tell us what they think and we ask if there is ever an issue with over-egging the Hollywood- thriller style production in a documentary podcast? The show’s hosts join us to answer your comments.Plus, we need your help following Saturday’s Coronation of King Charles III.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We profile the BBC WS’s online offering: but is it user friendly enough and is it keeping up with ever changing technology? We put these points to the online team.Plus, a fond farewell to one of the English network’s longest serving news presenters, Bola Mosuro, who this week left the BBC after 31 years.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC Word Service
Misogyny, hate speech and threats - the BBC’s Trending team has lifted the lid on online abuse and trolling on social media. But is it telling us anything new, asks one listener? We hear more of your views and speak with the series editor about the challenges involved in making this eight-part series.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
A row over a Twitter label describing the BBC as "government funded media" has been resolved - it is now to be labelled “publicly-funded”.We hear your thoughts on that Twitter spat and a former senior executive with the corporation tells us why she thinks the BBC was right to fight its corner.Plus, the Lazarus Heist is back for a second series - we hear listeners’ early reviews.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
Last week, we aired an interview with the boss of BBC World Service English about how and why there had been some notable alterations to the schedule, with four shows coming to an end: Digital Planet, Tech Tent, The Cultural Frontline and World Football. Now you tell us what you think of the changes.Plus, listeners ask why is the data lite version of podcasts not available? We’ll investigate.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The BBC World Service has introduced some notable changes to its programming including the end of four regular shows: Digital Planet, Tech Tent, The Cultural Frontline and World Football.We ask the controller of World Service English, Jon Zilkha, for the reasons behind these changes - and get some early responses from you.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
Love Janessa is the podcast series that examines an online so-called “catfishing scheme” which deceives mostly men into falling for and giving money to an apparently beautiful young woman called Janessa. But, the seven-part series asks - just who is Janessa Brazil? We hear your thoughts on the series and we’ are joined by journalist Hannah Ajala who set out to uncover the truth behind this form of fraudulent online dating. Plus the show’s commissioning editor Jon Manel tells us how the BBC World Service handles adult themes.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
Why did Sportsworld fail to make it to air last Saturday ? We explain. Plus, the team behind the Global News Podcast have come up with a show called The Happy Pod. Listeners tell us if this is good news and the programme’s production team explain the thinking behind it. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Last month saw a year since Russia invaded its neighbour Ukraine. The documentary Ukraine: A Year of War brought BBC correspondents together to answer listeners’ questions. In a special edition of Over To You, we hear your feedback whilst the show’s producer tells us how a programme driven by listeners’ questions is put together.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
World Questions is the programme that puts people and their questions right at the heart of the debate. Listeners often ask questions about how programmes are made. This week World Questions series producer is quizzed about a recent edition from Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. What happens behind the scenes? How and why is a particular country chosen? And what determines which audience questions are used?Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
It is billed as a “review of the week with the latest news” - we meet the team behind Weekend and put to them your comments and feedback.Plus, where does the BBC World Service stand on issuing programme transcripts? A listener in the Philippines wants to know.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service
After 85 years, BBC Arabic radio recently ended its broadcasts - we take stock of your feedback with personal recollections of what the radio service meant to you.Plus, we go behind-the-scenes of the BBC’s Pronunciation Department - and hear from newsreader Moira Alderson about how it helps her present a bulletin.Presenter Rajan DatarProducer Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
US police have yet again been in the spotlight after the killing of a black man in Tennessee. But should the BBC World Service have broadcast audio from the attack itself? Listeners give us their views and we hear from Newshour’s editor. Plus, we hear your feedback on the documentary Iran Protests: Tales from the frontline.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
Focus on Africa is changing from broadcasting live to being pre-recorded. But will this affect the quality of its reporting and how it reacts to breaking news stories? We ask BBC Africa to explain.Plus what drives technology coverage on the WS? And listeners once again query that old chestnut of background music!Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Prince Harry has had a very public falling out with the British royal family. And he has chosen to air his grievances in a best-selling book.But should his personal opinions have been given such prominence on the BBC World Service? We question a senior news editor.Plus, was the weekly online news quiz too UK-centric? One reader thinks so. Its compiler comes to its defence!Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
An ambitious 12-part radio drama version of the 1970s novel The Dark Is Rising was broadcast across Christmas and New Year, with each episode corresponding to the ‘real time’ of the novel’s unfolding. We speak to the series’ producer and commissioner to reveal how the spooky drama was made and the challenges they faced for the adaptation. What did listeners think of the radio drama?Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We begin the first show of the new year with your thoughts on what you heard on the BBC World Service over the past 12 months. What subjects in 2022 caught your attention? And what shows perhaps didn't quite hit the nail on the head? The Inquiry, the Documentary, Outside Source, the Forum and Hardtalk all fall under the spotlight.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
BBC World Service English controller Jon Zilkha lays out his vision of how the World Service will develop in 2023, and explains more about how financial cuts and the BBC‘s commitment to a “digital first” approach will affect what you hear.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The controller of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha, responds to your comments, views and questions - be they favourable or critical, in the first of a two-part special edition of Over to You.It has been yet another tumultuous year all over the world and the BBC World Service’s job has been to reflect that - but also to provide insight and diversion from the current affairs agenda. So how well do you think they are fulfilling that brief? Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
This weekend sees the WS celebrates a significant birthday - it’s become a nonagenarian! For 90 years it has been broadcasting in dozens of languages to audiences counted in the tens of millions all over the globe. We hear your memories of your listening experience and what the service means to you.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
We are doing a bit of an audit of Business Matters. How does the programme go about explaining complex business stories in a way that people can understand? Listeners tell us if they think the mix of topics and invited guests is always on the money. Plus, we need your help with your questions for the controller of BBC World Service English.Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
As the Fifa World Cup in Qatar makes global headlines, the weekly documentary recently set out to discover what women in Doha have to say about their lives in this strict patriarchal society. We speak with the show’s producer and hear your comments.
Plus, a listener wants to know why the BBC ran an advert for an oil company ahead of a report in the Global News Podcast on COP27.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
In a special edition, we look into the art of the news interview. Listeners ask if there is perhaps a different way of doing things? Is there too much pre-empting of what an interviewee is about to say? We are joined by one of the BBC’s senior news editors who reveals the secrets of what makes a good question.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
The Truth About Jazz explains how this music genre helped forge social attitudes. We hear your feedback and speak to the show’s producer. Plus, last week a listener questioned why warnings ahead of disturbing material are needed. We hear listeners' reactions to this question.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The Assignment recently investigated how doctors - many from Nigeria - are being lured to move to the UK, contrary to UN guidelines. We hear listeners’ comments and also from reporter Paul Kenyon about how he made this disturbing edition on what is being called “the brain drain”.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
British politics has been making headlines globally with the country’s third prime minister in only three months. We hear your thoughts on the coverage, including an episode of The Real Story: What’s behind the turmoil in British politics?. W are joined by the BBC World Service’s political correspondent Rob Watson.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
After taking a break, Americast has returned for a new series with three new presenters - and one from the programme’s previous incarnation. We hear listeners’ thoughts and speak to the team about how they report events in the US.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
The debate around Music Life resumes as World Service's schedule reverts back to normal after recent events. We hear from listeners who are both complimentary and critical of the series and the show’s producer joins Rajan Datar in the studio to answer the comments.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
The debate around Music Life resumes as World Service's schedule reverts back to normal after recent events. We hear from listeners who are both complimentary and critical of the series and the show’s producer joins Rajan Datar in the studio to answer the comments.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
The debate around Music Life resumes as World Service's schedule reverts back to normal after recent events. We hear from listeners who are both complimentary and critical of the series and the show’s producer joins Rajan Datar in the studio to answer the comments.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
In the second of two special editions, listeners give us their feedback on the BBC World Service’s coverage of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Did they feel the balance and tone was about right during the period of mourning - or was reporting too dominant with other global stories side-lined? We put your points to the controller of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
In the second of two special editions, listeners give us their feedback on the BBC World Service’s coverage of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Did they feel the balance and tone was about right during the period of mourning - or was reporting too dominant with other global stories side-lined? We put your points to the controller of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
In the second of two special editions, listeners give us their feedback on the BBC World Service’s coverage of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Did they feel the balance and tone was about right during the period of mourning - or was reporting too dominant with other global stories side-lined? We put your points to the controller of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
It is more than a week since the BBC World Service broke into its regular schedule of programmes to bring listeners the sad news that Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, had died aged 96. We hear listeners' comments and feedback on how the BBC World Service reported the events.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
It is more than a week since the BBC World Service broke into its regular schedule of programmes to bring listeners the sad news that Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, had died aged 96. We hear listeners' comments and feedback on how the BBC World Service reported the events.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
It is more than a week since the BBC World Service broke into its regular schedule of programmes to bring listeners the sad news that Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, had died aged 96. We hear listeners' comments and feedback on how the BBC World Service reported the events.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service
A documentary recently looked at Global Britain after Boris Johnson as he prepared to stand down as UK Prime Minister. Listeners tell us what they thought of this profile. And a listener wonders why do the BBC’s news interviewers so often not thank their interviewees?
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
A documentary recently looked at Global Britain after Boris Johnson as he prepared to stand down as UK Prime Minister. Listeners tell us what they thought of this profile. And a listener wonders why do the BBC’s news interviewers so often not thank their interviewees?
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
A documentary recently looked at Global Britain after Boris Johnson as he prepared to stand down as UK Prime Minister. Listeners tell us what they thought of this profile. And a listener wonders why do the BBC’s news interviewers so often not thank their interviewees?
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
What is the real cost of getting to net zero? The Compass has just finished a four-part series which examined the received wisdom of the move to green energy - revealing some inconvenient truths. A listener points out that by highlighting the problems, there is a danger of setting back the shift away from fossil fuels. We put this to the show’s producer.
Plus, a listener asks if it is perhaps time to rethink a long-held approach to the news interview.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
The series Dear Daughter came out of a listener’s desire to write letters to her young child. We hear the story of how this award-winning and highly emotional podcast was born. Plus, after a recent mauling, a listener comes to the defence of Music Life - in part at least.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We examine how the BBC World Service marked a year since the Taliban took control in Afghanistan. What are the challenges facing teams on the ground? And how do you keep listeners engaged? We speak with the head of journalism, Simon Peeks.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service
When thousands of protesters took to the streets of Sri Lanka, what were the challenges of covering this civil unrest? We talk to the BBC’s South Asia correspondent. Plus another in our insightful and often revealing series How I Hear, about your everyday listening habits. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
Ahead of crucial elections in Kenya, we ask the BBC’s deployment editor for East Africa what challenges the team face in reporting on the candidates. And a listener asks if complex issues are being over simplified. And why do some news programmes have technical failures with dropped and garbled calls? We investigate. Presenter Rajan Datar. Producer Howard Shannon.
The Discovery programme recently returned to the Large Hadron Collider under the Swiss-French border, 10 years after the discovery of the Higgs Boson particle. But can you really make complex physics accessible to a general audience? The show’s presenter and series producer Roland Pease answers your questions. Plus, how a simple Ukrainian piano Tweet by the BBC’s Steve Rosenberg in Moscow captivated listeners.
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
The BBC says it is committed to achieving due impartiality in all its output. But new research into its British audience says there is a perception that the corporation is not fulfilling its remit. So where does that leave the BBC World Service?
We investigate what impartiality means to you and speak with the BBCs director of editorial policy and standards, David Jordan.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The Tech Tent bills itself as covering the biggest stories in tech from the BBC’s technology team. Do you agree? We speak with the show’s producer about how topics are chosen. Plus, Himalaya: The Human Story and a listener wants to commend the editorial heights reached in this three-part series.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
As the ramifications emerge on the Supreme Court's decision overruling the constitutional right to an abortion in many states in the US, we’ve been hearing what listeners think about the BBC WS’s reporting. Plus Heart & Soul asked what are the consequences of the Church of England's historic slave plantations in Barbados? We hear from the show’s producer.
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry explain how the show, The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry is put together. But do they get the balance between science and humour right?
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon
How a BBC World Service documentary got the inside story on life at the top of the North Korean regime. We speak with the show’s producer about the challenges of revealing a former deputy ambassador - and defector’s - story. And is the BBC on course to become the world’s greenest broadcaster?
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
It involved four days of celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee - with a series of outside broadcasts, special documentaries and themed shows. But did you have to be a royalist to enjoy the special programming? And was the reporting sufficiently impartial? We are joined by the controller of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha, to answer those questions and more.
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon
Surviving the Siege of Mariupol told of the experiences of Mariupolchanka FC, a professional women’s football team in southern Ukraine. Listeners tell us what they thought about this compelling story. Plus, Hidden Sport took its audience on a global journey to discover the world’s lesser-known sports. But how were the sports chosen? We find out. Presenter Rajan Datar. Producer Howard Shannon.
BBC World Affairs editor and seasoned observer of the geopolitical state of our planet for many decades, John Simpson, is now hosting his new series Unspun World. We ask John what he thinks this new show offers that other World Service programmes do not.. Plus, listeners give us their feedback on his current programme.
Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon
BBC presenter Laura Trevelyan explores her family’s slave owning past in Grenada. Listeners give us their thoughts on her deeply personal documentary and Laura herself tells us what it was like to make. Plus, last weekend the BBC World Service celebrated Eurovision in Music Life - we hear from the show’s producer about uncovering the event’s song-writing secrets.
Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon
Made by Whistledown Productions for BBC World Service
We find out about the launch of a new podcast called Lives Less Ordinary from the team who produce Outlook and ask what lies ahead? But some listeners are unhappy that this new series means the end of Outlook’s own podcast.
Plus the documentary The Grand Egyptian Museum - a listener complains it sounds like it was scripted by the Egyptian Tourism Board and was insufficiently critical.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The Climate Question programme recently gave young delegates a global voice six months on from the COP 26 environmental conference in Scotland. We hear what listeners thought of putting youth activists centre stage - and we talk to the show’s presenter about how the young delegates were challenged on their views.
Plus, more on creating a BBC account - our listener debate continues!
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon
Who Killed My Grandfather is the story of the assassination of a leading Yemini politician in Beirut in 1974. The documentary’s presenter Mai Noman answers your questions about her journey to uncover the truth behind the killing of her grandfather Mohamed Noman almost 50 years ago. And listeners tell us how it has helped them connect the strands of history.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
We return to the ongoing issue which is worrying many listeners: disinformation. Has the war in Ukraine made tackling it a more urgent priority? How does the BBC’s team differentiate between fact and fiction, and is social media in some way to blame? We ask the BBC’s disinformation editor, Rebecca Skippage, where priorities lie.
Plus, was the right terminology used in the documentary series Black Music in Europe? A listener in Kenya says not.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
BBC correspondents are having to document truly horrifying sights in the aftermath of a partial Russian retreat in Ukraine. But are their reports too distressing to listen to? And how does the coverage of this war compare to that of the ongoing conflict in Yemen for instance? Listeners put these and other comments to the director of the BBC World Service, Liliane Landor.
Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon
Listeners give us their thoughts on The Explanation - and the show’s presenter gives us her explanation of how news stories are chosen. Plus, should the fracas with Will Smith at this week’s Oscars have had so much coverage? Some listeners say it should not have been so prominent.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
We speak to the team behind OS Conversations to ask how subjects are chosen. Plus, BBC Learning English and how for millions it is something that has proved to be invaluable.
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon
A Whistledown production for BBC World Service
We continue to get your feedback on the BBC World Service’s coverage of the war in Ukraine. We are joined by BBC News global commissioner Liz Gibbons. A listener questions not the quality but the quantity of coverage. And would the BBC ever embed any of its reporters with the Russian army? Plus we explain how Ukrainecast has joined forces with Global News Podcast to answer your questions about the conflict.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
We take a look at the coverage of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The foreign editor for BBC News, Paul Danahar, joins us in the studio to respond to listeners' comments and questions. How do the BBC’s reporters on the ground fact check stories? And what measures are in place to keep correspondents as safe as possible?
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
We look at the coverage of the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine. The controller of BBC World Service English Jon Zilkha joins us in the studio to respond to listeners’ comments and questions. How do you maintain "balance" and impartiality in reporting armed conflicts? Is it the BBC’s role to actively counter disinformation from Russia? Is there a risk the media might end up demonising ordinary Russians?
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
Listeners' thoughts on the four part series Women Building Peace and the story of those trying to bring calm to conflict zones around the world. We speak to the show’s presenter. Plus, more on our ongoing debate about background music in programmes! Listeners ask if revealing the title of what is being used is the answer.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
Listeners ask if an exclusive BBC interview with one of the world’s leading tennis player, Novak Djokovic, should have been so dominant in news programmes. Plus Comedians versus the news is back for a new series - but is it being welcomed with open arms by listeners?
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon
Your reactions to the moving documentary Music that Survived the Nazis - its presenter and producer join us to explain how the programme was made. Plus, with the Winter Olympics underway in China, one listener worries about the freedom of the foreign press to report the bigger picture.
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon
Your reactions to the news that future BBC funding is to be up for discussion. How might it affect the World Service? Plus listeners give their fond farewells as we say goodbye to a familiar voice on BBC Outside Source, Nuala McGovern.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
More or Less is the a show that explains and sometimes debunks, the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life. Listeners put their comments to the programme’s host Tim Harford. Plus, evidence of listener power, when a complaint from Mozambique prompted the BBC World Service to install a brand new transmitter!
Producer Howard Shannon Presenter Rajan Datar
QAnon and the plot to break reality. We speak to reporter and presenter Gabriel Gatehouse about his new series The Coming Storm and a journey that took him into the dark undergrowth of modern America. Listeners tell us what they think about what he discovered.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
Every week Ros Atkins analyses one of the big issues in the news. But what is his programme? A bite size documentary or an extended news feature? Listeners quiz Ros on how his series is made. Plus we hear about the welcome return of the drama set in a market in Nigeria!
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
We meet the man behind the music show This Is Africa. Listeners quiz DJ Edu about selecting songs and his motivation in promoting African musicians. Plus, we stick with the musical theme as we get your thoughts on a show where artists interview artists.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The COP26 climate conference in Scotland is well underway. Listeners tell us what they think of the BBC’s coverage so far - both complimentary and critical. And we look into the complex logistics of making sure the BBC’s correspondents are in the right place at the right time and that they get on air.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The Story of Aids recalls the early years of the HIV crisis, as told by the people who lived through it. We hear your comments and speak with the show’s producer about the sensitivities involved in making the series.
Plus, a listener inspired by our recent interview with Lyse Doucet offers her feedback on the BBC’s reporting of Afghanistan.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The Proms are back, but what are the challenges of broadcasting classical music globally? We hear from the Proms producer. Plus, listeners give us their thoughts on series two of 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter, a show that bills itself as “amazing things humans have learnt from the animal kingdom”.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
As the Olympics draw to a close, listeners tell us what they think of the BBC’s coverage. What’s it like broadcasting when there is no live crowd? The World Service’s sports editor answers.
Plus, a listener wonders why a recent panel debate on Cuba failed to have any contributors from Cuba itself.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The Lazarus Heist tells the story of one of the most daring bank thefts ever attempted. We hear your thoughts and talk to the series editor. Plus, a day in the life of a BBC disinformation specialist.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
I'm Not a Monster is the story of an American mother living in the heart of the Isis caliphate. We hear your thoughts and talk to the podcast's host. Plus a listener to The Fifth Floor asks why some interviews seem to come to an abrupt end.
Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon
Is a disproportionate amount of time given over to stories from the US? One listener shares his views US focused programmes. Plus, Africa Eye specialises in reports from across the continent. But what makes the team tick? We go behind-the-scenes.
And Comedians vs The News - we asked listeners to give the second series a second chance. They tell us whether producers have got it right this time!
Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon
What exactly is The Climate Question, the new BBC World Service podcast and weekly programme, asking? We quiz its presenters how they handle the politics of this topic - and how rigorous the show is in presenting contrasting schools of thought? Plus, what has happened to The Why Factor? We find out.
Presenter Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The immersive documentary: listeners tell us what they think of a genre without a presenter that adopts some of the techniques used in drama. Plus the BBC’s announced record Global Audiences. But how does this kind of data benefit you?
Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.
Live football is back on air, but for the most part, live spectators aren’t. We ask the editor of BBC World Service sport about the challenges in the wake of Covid-19. Is it better with or without fake crowd sounds?
Plus, making art accessible for disabled artists on the Cultural Frontline.
Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.
Reporting the continuing global threat of coronavirus. We ask the BBC’s China correspondent Stephen McDonell how he goes about getting access to the people and places affected, and does he worry his reports might cause unnecessary panic?
Plus, your reaction to news that World Update is soon to be old news.
Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon
The BBC World Service has merged all of its music shows into just one weekly show, Music Life. The commissioning editor responsible tells us why this decision was taken.
Plus the ongoing story of how iPlayer Radio is being replaced by BBC Sounds. What’s the latest situation as regards international listeners?
Presented by Rajan Datar Produced by Howard Shannon
How BBC Monitoring has played a key role in helping BBC news teams to learn what is happening on the ground on the Turkey-Syria border.
Plus, listeners react to a BBC Africa Eye investigation into sexual harassment by lecturers at some of West Africa’s top universities.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
An edition of Heart and Soul was about the ethics of having large families but was its highly personal presentation too one-sided? The programme’s producer answers your concerns. Plus, our digital doctor Anna Doble is here to solve your digital dilemmas.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The second series of '50 Things That Made The Modern Economy' has more programmes about game changing inventions, ideas and innovations - but is it fact or opinion? Plus might the BBC World Service consider publishing programme transcripts?
Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.
This week we are devoting the whole programme to your thoughts about how the BBC World Service reports on science. Do shows such as Discovery, Science In Action, Health Check, Click and Crowd Science do it for you? And how might science coverage change in the future? The BBC’s science programmes editor Deborah Cohen joins us in the studio. Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.
This week we’re giving over the whole programme to the topic of podcasts. Have they added a new dimension to the way you listen to the BBC World Service? Or do you not understand what’s different about them? And do those without a computer or a smartphone with internet access feel left out? We have the BBC’s podcast commissioning editor for World Service English, Jon Manel, here to answer your queries.
Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon
The Indian general election is the biggest democratic poll ever held in the world, and in response, the BBC in India has launched its most comprehensive election analysis ever. Listeners want to know how the World Service is battling the threat of fake news.
Plus, whatever happened to the Fifth Floor’s Fifi Haroon?
Presented by Rajan Datar.
Produced by Howard Shannon, Whistledown Productions
The documentary Not#MeToo, I'm French investigated the evidence and specific roots of sexism in France. But is that country the worst example in the world? Listeners make their point, and the show’s presenter answers.
Plus, is one’s listener’s dissatisfaction with BBC Sounds and the lack of an online pop-out player about to be remedied?
Presented by Rajan Datar Produced by Howard Shannon, Whistledown Productions