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
May 21, 2024 • 33min
Lost in Translation: Scarlett Johansson v AI
BBC's health reporter, Jim Reed, joins a discussion on compensation for infected blood victims. Scarlett Johansson expresses shock at OpenAI's chatbot using her voice. Is AI posing a threat to acting? The podcast explores the controversy and implications of AI technology in the entertainment industry.
May 20, 2024 • 36min
The Biggest Treatment Disaster in NHS History
The podcast discusses the infected blood scandal in the NHS, with accusations of HIV and hepatitis transmission due to failures and cover-ups. PM apologizes for the tragedy. Guest speakers share personal stories of victims. The emotional toll and ongoing inquiries are explored, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in healthcare.
May 20, 2024 • 20min
Breaking Newscast: Iran’s President killed in helicopter crash
BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet discusses the implications of Iran's President's death in a helicopter crash. Topics include succession, Iran's political landscape, Israel's response, Western goals, and global influence.
May 19, 2024 • 29min
What can we expect with the infected blood report?
The podcast discusses the infected blood scandal, government compensation plans, and Labour's NHS waiting list cut pledge. They also cover defence spending, phone hacking, and nostalgic journalism. Additionally, they share funny anecdotes about politicians' breakfast habits and potential fry-off competitions.
May 18, 2024 • 32min
Can Rishi Sunak turn it around?
Leonid Volkov, a close ally of Alexei Navalny, discusses the challenges of political leadership, the fight for democracy in Russia, and geopolitical complexities. The episode also includes personal anecdotes about unexpected encounters with politicians and banter among the hosts.
May 17, 2024 • 30min
Putin, Is It Xi You’re Looking For?
Security correspondent Gordon Corera joins the discussion on Putin's visit to China and its impact on global relations. Topics include strategic alliances, China's disruptive intentions, and security concerns surrounding engagement with China. The podcast provides insights into the intertwined dynamics of world politics and the implications of the leaders' recent meeting gestures.
May 16, 2024 • 32min
Starmer’s Six Steps!
Keir Starmer unveils Labour's key policies including economic stability and more hospital appointments. Shadow environment secretary Steve Reed joins the discussion. Rishi Sunak braves the panel on ITV's Loose Women. The podcast also explores unexpected encounters with politicians at gigs and nightclub settings, and analyzes Starmer's authenticity and potential as a prime ministerial candidate.
May 15, 2024 • 28min
Assassination attempt… Slovak PM “fighting for his life”
Europe editor Katya Adler discusses the assassination attempt on Slovak PM Robert Fico. They delve into the details of the politically-motivated attack, the alleged assailant being detained, and the implications of the incident. Chris joins to talk about early prisoner releases in England.
May 14, 2024 • 37min
Weighing Up Diet Drugs
David Aaronovitch and Dr Ellie discuss the potential benefits of obesity jabs in reducing heart attack risks. They also talk about the new Co-op Live arena and its impact on the music industry. The podcast explores the journey of semaglutide from a diabetes drug to a weight loss wonder, highlighting regulatory challenges and the need for further research.
May 13, 2024 • 39min
Better The Sunak You Know?
Rishi Sunak's shifting personas and Labour's accusations, Birth Trauma Inquiry findings, challenges in addressing healthcare issues, and plans to improve maternity services are discussed in this episode.
