Global News Podcast
BBC World Service
The latest from Iran and the Middle East, and the rest of the world’s news, from the BBC World Service. The Global News Podcast brings you the news from across the region and what you need to know from the US. We also continue to bring you stories from around the globe, including expert analysis and insight.Episodes are published twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories.Follow or subscribe now and never miss an episode. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 12, 2026 • 28min
Polls open in first Bangladesh election since uprising
Lise Doucette, BBC chief international correspondent in Tehran, gives on-the-ground coverage of anniversary rallies and presidential remarks. Azadeh Mishiri, Dhaka-based BBC reporter, describes voting scenes, party dynamics and proposed constitutional reforms. Multiple short scenes capture polling booths, regional divides and the referendum questions shaping Bangladesh’s future.
19 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 29min
BBC in Iran for first time since protest crackdown
Lise Doucette, BBC correspondent reporting from Tehran, gives on-the-ground coverage of the Islamic Revolution anniversary and the recent brutal protest crackdown. She describes life in Revolution Square. She speaks with residents about internet blackouts, losses, fears of foreign attack and shrinking basic freedoms.
8 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 30min
Australian police defend handling of Gaza protests
Peter Goffin, journalist covering the British Museum's £4.8m Tudor pendant purchase. Masalia Mudavadi, Kenyan foreign minister addressing recruitment of Kenyans to fight in Ukraine. David Willis, North America correspondent reporting on the Nancy Guthrie search and ransom claims. They discuss police tactics at Sydney Gaza protests, rising global corruption scores, recruitment of fighters from Kenya, and developments in the Guthrie investigation.
22 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 28min
Members of US Congress see the unredacted Epstein files
Rob Watson, BBC political correspondent on Westminster and Labour dynamics. Helena / Eleanor Wilkinson, BBC reporter on royal and political affairs. Peter Bowes, North America correspondent covering the unredacted Jeffrey Epstein files. They discuss Congress viewing unredacted Justice Department documents, limits on copying, potential hearings and depositions, and related royal and legal developments.
18 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 28min
Hong Kong court jails Jimmy Lai for 20 years
Professor Hal Sosabowski, a medicinal chemistry lecturer, explains how alcohol and hangovers affect the brain and workplace performance. Ted Hui, a former Hong Kong legislator now in exile, reflects on Jimmy Lai’s 20‑year sentence and the state of justice and freedoms in Hong Kong. They discuss legal repercussions, international responses and wider political implications.
37 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 28min
Japan's prime minister wins landslide election victory
Caroline Davies reports from Lahore on the colorful Basant kite festival and its safety comeback. Jonathan Head in Bangkok breaks down the forces shaping Thailand’s election and what drove the surprise result. Katie Watson from New Zealand outlines the legal drama as Brenton Tarrant seeks to retract his guilty plea and the court processes that follow.
14 snips
Feb 8, 2026 • 28min
The Global Story: Is ISIS having a resurgence in Syria?
Josh Baker, investigative journalist and filmmaker who has reported on ISIS since its rise, shares on-the-ground reporting and personal frontline experience. He discusses why ISIS has reappeared in headlines, conditions and radicalisation risks inside camps and prisons, the politics of detainee transfers to Iraq, and shifting Syrian and US security dynamics.
54 snips
Feb 8, 2026 • 28min
Winter Olympics disrupted by protests and 'sabotage'
Stephanie Prentice, reporter on France’s fertility drive, and Hugh Schofield, seasoned Paris correspondent, join Ambarasan Ethirajan, on-the-ground international reporter. They discuss violent protests in Milan and environmental housing grievances. They cover alleged sabotage of Italy’s railways causing mass delays and the political fallout from revelations about Jack Lang in France.
17 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 30min
Video with racist clip pulled from Trump social media
Henna Vorkonen, an EU tech official on TikTok rules; Shaima Khalil, Tokyo correspondent on Japan's snap vote; Will Grant, reporting from Havana on fuel shortages; Alan Maloney, film reporter on Ryan Coogler's awards buzz; Joe Inwood, world affairs analyst on the Epstein files' global fallout; Simi Jola Asho, Washington correspondent on reactions to a racially charged clip. They discuss political fallout, global probes, tech regulation, energy shortages and awards season.
12 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 25min
Why Venezuela moves towards freeing political prisoners
Mayini Jones, BBC Africa correspondent reporting from South Africa on HIV and AIDS, discusses how US aid cuts have disrupted clinics and prevention work. The conversation also touches on Venezuela's legislature moving toward an amnesty that could free many political prisoners. Other highlights include Norway's corruption probe, a new cervical test from China, and an art world auction surprise.
