Newscast
BBC News
The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's biggest news stories so you're never out of your depth.Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest news, developments in politics in Westminster and beyond.Newscast is hosted by trusted politics and news journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.Catch Newscast seven-days a week and watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer. GET IN TOUCH:
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastYou can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastYou can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 29, 2026 • 26min
How Should the UK Respond to the Global Energy Crisis?
Conversation centers on how the Iran war could push up oil prices and strain UK energy bills. Debate over expanding North Sea drilling versus investing in home-grown renewables. Analysis of different party plans for bill support, taxes and contingency measures. Links to historical oil shocks and potential electoral consequences are explored.
Mar 28, 2026 • 50min
Why Josh Simons Resigned From Government
Josh Simons, a Labour MP and former director of Labour Together who previously worked on responsible AI at Meta, speaks about why he resigned from government. He discusses the controversy over a report into journalists, his decision to hire a PR firm, and accountability for mistakes. He also reflects on his Meta work, concerns about social media harms, and policy steps for protecting young people online.
20 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 34min
The Week: Is There A Path To Peace?
Stephanie Flanders, Bloomberg economist and market analyst. Lyse Doucet, BBC international correspondent with years reporting from conflict zones. They unpack US and Iranian proposals and why talks seem stalled. They explore oil, shipping risks, low‑cost drone and mine tactics, and the wider geopolitical shifts reshaping bargaining power.
7 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 34min
The Social Media Addiction Trial
Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor, gives a market and business view of the verdict. Zoe Kleinman, BBC technology editor, explains the court case, addictive design features and UK regulatory options. They discuss autoplay, infinite scroll and recommendation algorithms. They consider legal fallout for advertisers and big tech, and whether this marks a regulatory turning point for social platforms.
20 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 30min
The US-Iran Briefing Wars
Katie Razzall, BBC Culture and Media Editor, gives a sharp take on the new director general pick and the BBC's organisational challenges. Gary O'Donoghue, BBC Chief North America Correspondent, reports live on US‑Iran communications, White House briefings, troop movements and negotiation dynamics. Short, timely conversations that unpack media strategy and fast‑moving foreign policy developments.
33 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 48min
Are US-Iran Talks Actually Happening?
Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor, outlines market reactions and government choices. Parham Ghobadi, BBC Persian reporter, describes Iran’s internal reporting, digital crackdowns and protester perspectives. Lyse Doucet, BBC chief international correspondent, provides on-the-ground context and diplomatic signals. They debate whether US–Iran talks are real, possible mediators, strategic calculations and economic fallout.
8 snips
Mar 23, 2026 • 34min
Has Trump Backed Down On Iran Threat?
Faisal Islam, BBC economics editor offering market analysis, and Caitríona Perry, Washington-based BBC presenter with on-the-ground US political reporting. They discuss Trump’s delayed threat to Iran and claims of talks. They cover conflicting accounts of contact between the US and Iran. They explore market volatility, oil and energy impacts, and UK contingency planning.
39 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 29min
Is Iran Capable of Hitting the UK?
They examine claims that Iranian missiles might reach major European cities and whether that is credible. They debate global reactions, including a US ultimatum and NATO warnings. They shift to UK domestic concerns about an oil shock, rising energy bills and proposals for temporary profit caps. They discuss North Sea production and political tensions over energy policy.
14 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 35min
Iran Fires Missiles at UK-US Diego Garcia Base
David Miliband, former UK foreign secretary and current president of the International Rescue Committee, speaks about the humanitarian toll of conflict and cuts to UK overseas aid. He discusses Lebanon as a second front, the strain on Western alliances, and how modern missile and drone threats change warfare. Short, sharp takes on policy, diplomacy and the challenges facing relief agencies.
9 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 32min
The Week: The War In Iran Escalates
Jane Corbin, investigative journalist and Panorama reporter, gives on-the-ground perspective. She discusses the timing and risks of filming amid fast-moving conflict. Talks cover strikes on Gulf energy sites, the strategic importance of South Pars, risks to the Strait of Hormuz and market shocks. They explore diverging US and Israeli aims and pathways to de-escalation.
