SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2026

SAT 00:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0klxq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 00:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct8kcv)
Fashionably late

News of an Australian library book finally finding its way home 150 years after it was borrowed has the Unexpected Elements team thinking about things that get forgotten, filed away or simply turn up much later than expected.

We start with the story of a meteorite from Mars that spent millions of years travelling through space before ending up in a university drawer. Then, we investigate why scientists believe California may be centuries overdue for a massive earthquake known as "The Big One".

Next, Martin Woodward from GitHub joins us to explain how millions of lines of computer code are being preserved deep beneath the Arctic in a vault designed to protect humanity's digital knowledge for generations to come.

Plus, we hear about the penguin vaccinators working to protect Australian wildlife from bird flu, discover if smells, tastes and touch can be measured, and explore the dying art of reading a book.
All that, plus many more, unexpected elements.

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producers: Lucy Davies, Ella Hubber, Imy Harper and Robbie Wojciechowski


SAT 01:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0kqnv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 01:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7ygx4q3)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 01:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmm82y7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct8m95)
The end of Harry and Meghan’s American dream

The Duke of Sussex told the BBC last year that he, “can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back.” So what’s changed?

Prince Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, plan to move back to the UK later this month. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are due to start at a British school in September. They are not expected to resume their roles as working Royals.

Prince Harry and Meghan left the UK in 2020, and in the years since have had various achievements and controversies, including high-profile legal battles with the UK press and the government.

We ask the journalist and royal commentator Sarah Hewson about the successes and failures of brand Sussex in the US, Prince Harry’s ongoing concerns about security, and whether he can repair relationships with his family.

Producers: Xandra Ellin and Sam Chantarasak

Executive producers: Martine Powers and James Shield

Mix: Travis Evans

Digital producer: Matt Pintus

Senior news editor: China Collins

Photo: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a World Health Organisation roundtable in Amman, Jordan, February 25, 2026. Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Wire


SAT 02:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0kvdz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7ygx8g7)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 02:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmm86pc)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:32 Stumped (w3ct99fn)
Can Bangladesh do the unthinkable?

Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in the first Test at Darwin, a result few saw coming. Nikesh Rughani, Jim Maxwell and Charu Sharma discuss whether Bangladesh were simply too good, or Australia was below par. Jim, however, sees no reason to panic and believes the Aussies will bounce back in the second Test.

Plus, former South African batter and Rotterdam Dockers co-owner Jonty Rhodes joins Stumped to discuss the new European T20 Premier League, which gets underway next week. Featuring six franchise-based city teams across the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland, Jonty says the new venture can play a major role in helping cricket grow across Europe.

Photo: Mehidy Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh celebrates with team mates after dismissing Steve Smith of Australia during day three of the First Test Match in the series between Australia and Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)


SAT 03:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0kz53)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 03:06 Outlook (w3ct8hpx)
Outlook Mixtape: Strangers on a Train - part 1

The newborn baby found at a New York subway station, the Australian train announcer who brings cheer to passengers with his Elvis impersonations and the woman who donated her eggs to a complete stranger after just minutes chatting on a London underground train.

In 2000, Danny Stewart was on his way home from work when he found a newborn baby boy wrapped up warm and hidden in the corner of a New York subway station. When the baby's parents couldn't be found, Danny and his partner Peter Mercurio applied to adopt the baby. Just hours later, the judge allowed the shocked couple to take the boy home. Danny and Peter had never discussed raising a child together, but soon found themselves on an extraordinary journey. They shared their story with Anu Anand in 2020. Peter has written a book about their experience called Our Subway Baby.

At one Melbourne train station, there's a train announcer who's determined to brighten the morning commute. Anastasios "Taz" Dimtsis is known for singing Elvis numbers to the delight of passengers. Reporter Joel Carnegie went to meet him in 2017.

On her way to a night out, Gini Bhogal ended up having an incredibly personal conversation with a stranger on a packed London underground train. The woman called Anita opened up about her early menopause and fear of never having children. Gini immediately made a remarkable offer to donate her eggs to give Anita a chance at parenthood. It was a decision that bewildered her friends, worried her husband and remained hidden from her traditional Indian parents for decades. Gini tells Asya Fouks how the promise she made that day created an unexpected bond between their two families.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Andrea Rangecroft

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: A transparent 60-minute cassette tape with a white label bearing the words: The Outlook Mixtape. Credit: Getty Images)


SAT 03:50 Witness History (w3ct98f1)
Defeating the screwworm

In the 1950s, scientist Edward Knipling began what would become one of the most successful eradication campaigns in history: the fight against the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that caused devastating injuries to livestock and wildlife across the Americas.

Edward Knipling proposed breeding and releasing millions of sterile male screwworm flies to prevent the insects from reproducing, an approach that became known as the sterile insect technique.

Using archive recordings from the Special Collections of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Library, Gill Kearsley tells the story of how Edward's bold idea transformed pest control.



Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.

When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015 to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.

You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal's worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.

And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.

If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.

(Photo: Larvae of the screwworm fly. Credit: Reuters/Enea Lebrun)


SAT 04:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0l2x7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 04:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct8kcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 today]


SAT 05:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0l6nc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7ygxmpm)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 05:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmm8kxr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct9087)
Keeping traditions

Tamaki talks about her daughter’s Seijin no Hi, Japan’s Coming of Age Day, the annual January celebration for young adults in the country who have turned 20 years old in the past year.

In a letter to her daughter, she looks back on the day and everything it brought with it: the excitement, the realisation that her daughter is stepping into adulthood, and the beautiful kimono that her daughter wore.

Tamaki tells Namulanta Kombo that even though she never attended her own coming-of-age ceremony, she is keen to make sure her children, even while growing up abroad, still feel connected to the traditions she loves.

To find out more about Dear Daughter, to take part, or read our privacy notice, please go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Or you can contact the team via WhatsApp on +44 800 030 4404.


SAT 05:50 More or Less (w3ct9994)
How much of the world isn’t owned by anyone?

Sometimes world events of massive practical significance lead our minds towards some lovely impractical thoughts. So it was for loyal listener, Nigel.

Pondering the conflict in Iran, and the maritime ownership of the Straits of Hormuz that has become its focus, his mind wandered to an altogether bigger and - honestly - far less important question.

“How much of the world surface actually doesn't belong to anyone?” he wondered.

To try and answer Nigel’s question, we enlisted the help of Mark Cooper-Jones, one half of YouTube duo Map Men.

If you’ve seen a number in the news that you think we should take a look at, or have a interesting statistical question like Nigel, get in touch: moreorless@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Lizzy McNeill
Producer: Josh McMinn
Series producer: Tom Colls
Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound mix: James Beard
Editor: Richard Vadon


SAT 06:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0lbdh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 06:06 Weekend (w1730c5pph2lptz)
A review of the week with the latest news.


SAT 07:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0lg4m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 07:06 Weekend (w1730c5pph2ltl3)
A review of the week with the latest news.


SAT 08:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0lkwr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 08:06 Weekend (w1730c5pph2lyb7)
A review of the week with the latest news.


SAT 09:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0lpmw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:06 BBC Conversations (w3ct8m41)
Flying with kids: Cabin chaos

Noisy and disruptive children can turn a normal flight into a living nightmare.

Earlier this month, a flight in Canada was cancelled after a young child refused to wear a seatbelt. The incident has opened a debate about how airlines should deal with these situations and how parents should control their children. In our conversations we bring together three parents to share their experiences.

“I don’t feel bad any more after hundreds of flights with my kids behaving like kids,” Charlotte in Vietnam tells us. “You can’t just control your child – it’s not a little puppet or a robot that you sit and ask to do what you want all the time, sometimes they feel off…we all have off days.”

We also bring together three flight attendants to share their experiences of dealing with disruptive passengers, while keeping everyone on board safe.

Presenters: James Reynolds and Luke Jones
BBC producers: Isabella Bull and Akwasi Sarpong
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham
Editors: Arja Haikonen and Harriet Oliver

A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC World Service Outside Source team.

(Photo: Elena's child)


SAT 09:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmm91x8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:32 Americast (w3ct8lzj)
Who is Trump aide Natalie Harp… and why are Democrats targeting her?

Will Donald Trump be forever dogged by his war with Iran and could it come to define his legacy?

And, who is Donald Trump’s executive assistant Natalie Harp, and why are Democrats suddenly talking about her?

A speech by Georgia senator John Ossoff has caught attention after he accused the president of not wanting “to do the job” and instead “travel with Natalie” on Air Force One. It’s thrust Trump’s aide into the spotlight and prompted an angry response from the White House. Why has Ossoff’s comments caused such a strong reaction within the White House, and what does it tell us about the pressure the president is under?

Meanwhile, the US president seems unable to shake off the conflict in Iran, and after threatening US allies Oman and South Korea this week, is this part of a wider strategy, or is Trump actually unraveling?

The US president famously told the conservative influencer Tucker Carlson before the war started that everything will be OK “because it always is”. But with his popularity ratings at an all time low, and midterm elections approaching, there are real concerns that Iran will continue to consume Donald Trump, and his presidency.

In this episode, Sarah and Justin also ask whether there a wider strategy for dealing with the conflict, and how can Donald Trump now extricate America from the war he started.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Top Comment: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001mssm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd


SAT 10:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0ltd0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 10:06 Not by the Playbook (w3ct996w)
The incredible Kathrin Marchand

The 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln once said "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." So this week, with the Paralympics starting in LA in exactly two years time, we can't wait to talk about para sport bringing you some truly outstanding stories from those who hustled their way to the top.

Kathrin Marchand is an athlete who has done something no one else has ever achieved. She rowed for Germany at two Olympics, no mean achievement in its own right. She stepped out of the boat for the final time in 2016 and embarked on a career as a doctor, then aged just 30, and without warning, she suffered a stroke. Sport became part of her rehabilitation and she went on to join an exclusive group of athletes to compete at both the Summer Olympics and Paralympics when she rowed again in Paris. But that wasn't enough for Kathrin! When she took part in cross-country skiing at the Winter Para Games in Milan she became a true one-off!

Pioneering Matt Scott is a 5-time paralympian. He picked up two golds and a bronze as part of the USA's wheelchair basketball team. Having left the court for the final time he is now fully focused on his "Fly Without Limits" foundation. It provides opportunities and adapted wheelchairs for individuals living with physical disabilities who want to compete in sport.

In Spain para sport is now on the rise and it all starts at the grass roots. The Tambien Foundation was set up twenty-six years ago with the aim to provide opportunities for those with disabilities to take part in adaptive sport. And it's starting to show in the medals table! Skier Audrey Pascual Seco, who won two golds at the recent Winter Paralympics, first visited the Foundation when she was eleven years old. This year they launched an adaptive climbing program aiming for more medal success at the Summer Games. Para climbing is making its debut in LA.

The story of US Navy bomb disposal officer Brad Snyder who a year after being blinded by an Improvised Explosive Device while serving in Afghanistan won Paralympic gold in the swimming pool.

Photo: Kathrin Marchand of Team Germany competes during the Women's 10km Para Cross-Country Skiing Standing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games (CREDIT: Luke Hales/Getty Images for IPC)


SAT 11:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0ly44)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7ygyc5d)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 11:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmm99dj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:32 Health Check (w3ct8k2t)
The health threat of rising temperatures

With recent heat waves in many regions of the world, including parts of Asia, Europe and North America, Claudia Hammond speaks to Eran Bendavid, Professor of Medicine and Health Policy at Stanford University, about his global study which suggests that older people face dangers from heat exposure at much lower temperatures than previously thought.

Claudia is joined by genito-urinary consultant and HIV expert, Vanessa Apea to discuss the ongoing mpox outbreak in Madagascar. It is the largest ever outbreak of mpox in the country, with authorities dividing vaccine doses into fifths in order to try and offer some protection to as many people as possible.

In addition, Claudia and Vanessa discuss how inflammatory activity may be underrecognised in people with darker skin tones and they also investigate how the immune system adapts as people reach more than 110 years old!

And we hear from Dr. Sriman Swarup, practicing oncologist based in Phoenix, Arizona, about what doctors minding their own business on a flight really think when they hear the words on the tannoy “Is there a doctor on board?”

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Jonathan Blackwell & Georgia Christie


SAT 12:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0m1w8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 12:06 The Documentary (w3ct9kt0)
China: The rise of a science superpower

Roland Pease explores how decades of strategic investment and diligent educational reform have brought China to the brink of global scientific dominance. As the world’s other scientific superpowers seemingly retreat from their historical high ground, how has China achieved such remarkable progress, both in applied and fundamental sciences? And what might that mean for the rest of us?

Image: A humanoid robot competes in the 1500m final at the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, China on 15 August 2025 (Credit: Tingshu Wan/Reuters)


SAT 13:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0m5md)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 13:06 Newshour (w1730bn5672mzvg)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


SAT 14:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0m9cj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 14:06 Sportsworld (w1730c8zgdhcwj5)
Live sport from around the world with news, interviews and analysis.


SAT 18:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0msc1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7ygz6d9)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 18:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmb4mf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct9087)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 today]


SAT 18:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct8rxk)
Creating the English Premier League

In the 1990s, the biggest clubs in English football decided to form a new league to bring in more revenue.

Spearheaded by the ‘big five’ of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, the top teams broke away from the Football League in 1992.

Backed by the Football Association, the Premier League began on the 15 August 1992, after securing a $500 million TV deal.

David Dein was the vice-chairman of Arsenal in 1992 and was one of the main drivers of the new league. He tells Tim O’Callaghan how it was done.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Players from the 24 clubs in the new Premier League at the launch. Back row: David Hirst, Sheffield Wednesday; Lee Sharpe, Manchester United; Tony Daley, Aston Villa; Vinnie Jones, Chelsea; Mark Wright, Liverpool; John Wark, Ipswich Town; Tim Flowers, Southampton; Tim Sherwood, Blackburn Rovers. Middle row: Ian Brightwell, Manchester City; Ian Butterworth, Norwich City; Hans Segers, Wimbledon; Lee Hurst, Coventry City; Carl Bradshaw, Sheffield United; Gordon Durie, Tottenham Hotspur; David Hillier, Arsenal. Front row: Gary Charles, Nottingham Forest; Andy Ritchie, Oldham Athletic; John Salako, Crystal Palace; Andy Sinton, Queens Park Rangers; Alan Kernaghan, Middlesbrough; Gordon Strachan, Leeds United; Peter Beardsley, Everton. Credit: Sky Sports)


SAT 19:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0mx35)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:06 The Inquiry (w3ct98q2)
Can elections restore Moroccans’ faith in their country?

In September, Morocco’s citizens will go to the polls for the country’s general election. Morocco is a constitutional monarchy, with a multi-party-political system. A new head of government will be appointed by King Mohammed VI, from the winning party, to form a ruling coalition.

But whilst these elections may be seen as an opportunity for Moroccans to shape the next phase of their country’s political landscape, there are concerns about potential voter apathy and wider discontent. Only last year, nationwide protests led by Moroccan youth called for less state spending on infrastructures like the new World Cup stadium and more funding to improve economic opportunities and public services.

Whilst efforts were made to respond to their calls, including proposals to get young people involved in formal politics and increased funding for education and health, there is a sense that there is still little change to people’s daily lives. High unemployment rates and regional inequalities remain as issues. So, is it possible that these elections can restore Moroccans faith in their country?

(Photo: A picturesque view of Rabat, Morocco's capital city. Sunshine with blue skies with a view of Bouregreg River. Credit: Sergio Formoso via Getty Images)

Contributors:
Dr Mohammed Masbah, founder and president, the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis, Rabat, Morocco
Merouan Mekouar, full professor of development studies and social sciences, York University, Toronto, Canada
Intissar Fakir, senior fellow, the Middle East Institute, Washington DC, USA
Ahmed Jazouli, author and independent policy expert in governance, democracy and development, Rabat, Morocco

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier
Producer: Jill Collins
Researcher: Evie Yabsley
Technical producer: Richard Hannaford
Production co-ordinator: Phoebe Lomas
Production management assistant: Liam Morrey
Editor: Tom Bigwood


SAT 19:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmb8ck)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:32 Happy News (w3ct8nwv)
The Happy Pod: AI helped find the siblings I didn’t know about

Avtar Singh, who was born in India and is now 66 years old, grew up not knowing his Kenyan-born mother, because his father had separated from her and not told him anything about her.

One day he typed the few details he had into AI, and found a blog by someone called Nicci Dhamu, who turned out to be his half-sister.

Also, viral baby Milani has become the first giraffe to survive a C-section birth. The team at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Kansas gave her round-the-clock care to make sure she stayed alive.

Plus, 88-year-old Mick Wadge has gained hundreds of thousands of views on social media for sharing his weightlifting journey. He started going to the gym after his wife died.

Sophie Woods has become the fastest person to complete the Via Alpina, one of the world's toughest endurance challenges. And one farmer in Canada is trying to stop food waste through an event called "Ugly Potato Day".

Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.

(Photo: Nicci and Avtar in their late mother’s kitchen. Credit: Nicci Dhamu)

Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson


SAT 20:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0n0v9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 20:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct8h8c)
Grammy-award winning singer and actor Charli XCX

Nikki Bedi meets Booker Prize longlisted Mexican American author Chloe Aridjis to discuss her latest novel, The Shadow of the Object

British actor James Norton, on joining the cast of the hugely popular Games of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

American star of stage and screen Neil Patrick Harris on his latest film role in Sunny Dancer ... set in a summer camp for teenagers with cancer

Swedish pop royalty Robyn on Sexistential, her new album

Afrobeat legend Dele Sosimi on unearthing rare African recordings for a new compilation

And global girl group KATSEYE, born from the TV reality show Dream Academy on the pressure of coping with judgement on social media

Nikki is joined by cultural critic, cineaste and opinion maker Hanna Flint to reflect on this week's cultural highlights

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images


SAT 21:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0n4lf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 21:06 Newshour (w1730bn5672nyth)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


SAT 22:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0n8bk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:06 Not by the Playbook (w3ct996w)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 today]


SAT 23:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0nd2p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7ygzt3y)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 23:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmbrc2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:32 This Is Africa (w3ct8tdg)
Ms Gideon

In the TIA house this week with DJ Edu the Afroboss is Ms Gideon, a rising star from Namibia. She was only 18 when she shared a New York City stage with afrobeats greats like Adekunle Gold and Patoranking, after winning the prestigious New Narrative Africa competition in 2024. Two years on, and she’s signed with Sony Music Africa, the first Namibian artist to join the global label.

Ms Gideon tells DJ Edu that it was her covers of some of her favourite songs that first got her noticed in Namibia. She was then surprised and delighted when her own song, Home, became the first Namibian track to notch up a million views on YouTube in a country of just over three million people.

Ms Gideon also talks about the differences between making music alone and with the support of a label, and shares her dream to collaborate with Tiwa Savage, whose music she adores.

Presenter: DJ Edu
Producers: Penny Dale & Catherine Fellows

DJ Edu's 10in10 tracklist:

Show Me - Hadaya Eliana & Genes1s (Kenya)
Sama Xool - Mia Guisse & VJ (Senegal)
Black Girl Magic - Worldcharming (Nigeria)
By The Time I Wake Up - Lusanda (South Africa)
Dayra Samta - Ibtissam Tiskat (Morocco)
95 Bounce - Novaa 256 (Uganda)
Gossip - LeMmy BiZzy (South Sudan)
Nideke - Alicios ft Ninita (Democratic Republic of Congo)
ABEBI - Crisba (Benin)
Feelings - Ezra Neethings (Botswana)

SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 2026

SUN 00:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0nhtt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:06 BBC Conversations (w3ct8m41)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 00:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmbw36)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:32 The Documentary (w3ct9cjt)
Special forces on trial

South African police detective Frans Mathipa told his boss he feared that he would be killed by the country’s military. Two days later he was found shot dead in his car by the side of a motorway.

At the time of his death, Mathipa had been investigating whether special forces soldiers were behind the disappearance of Abdella Abadigga, a suspected member of so-called Islamic State or ISIS, and his bodyguard. So was Mathipa killed, as his colleagues believe, because of fears about what his investigation threatened to reveal?

Dino Mahtani and Yeshiel Panchia investigate an extraordinary case that sets one arm of the South African state against another.

Presenter: Dino Mahtani
Producer: Ed Main
Executive editors: Nick Norman-Butler and Andy Bell
Editor: Rebecca Henschke
Studio manager: Sam Dickinson

Archive: SABC and Facebook


SUN 01:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0nmky)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7yh01m6)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 01:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmbzvb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct9087)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 on Saturday]


SUN 01:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct8rxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 02:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0nrb2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7yh05cb)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 02:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmc3lg)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:32 Health Check (w3ct8k2t)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Saturday]


SUN 03:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0nw26)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 03:06 The Documentary (w3ct9kt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0nztb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct99cd)
Russia blames the West

Pascale Harter introduces stories from Russia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Brazil.

After it was confirmed that that British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes on Russia, Russia issued a warning to the UK that there "would be consequences". The authorities - and some citizens - are increasingly blaming the West for Russia’s problems at home, as Steve Rosenberg found recently on the streets of Moscow.

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with a record number of cases and deaths in the most recent statistics. Emery Makumeno in Kinshasa finds the battle to bring the outbreak under control is not only about infection and response, but also about tackling disbelief, scepticism and misinformation about the disease.

In Brazil, candidates in this October’s presidential election have kicked off their campaigns. Incumbent President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva - who is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term - returned to a football arena in the industrial heartland where his political career was first launched. Meanwhile, Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, pressed hard on themes of national pride, a war on crime and Brazilians' economic concerns. Ione Wells has been in San Bernado do Campo.

Producer: Polly Hope
Editor: Justine Lang
Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison
(Image: People queue to refuel their cars at a Lukoil petrol station in Moscow on June 30, 2026. Credit: Igor IVANKO / AFP via Getty Images)


SUN 04:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmcc2q)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:32 BBC Inside Science (w3ct9781)
Is the era of the cancer vaccine upon us?

This week Merck (known as MSD in Europe) and Moderna announced that a personalised cancer vaccine had significantly improved the outcomes of melanoma patients. Is the era of the cancer vaccine, at last, upon us? What does that mean? Anne Willis, a cancer cell biologist at the Medical Research Council, joins us to discuss.

In just a few weeks the Royal Society will be putting out the red carpet as the most coveted prize in non-fiction science is about to be awarded. We will be speaking weekly to the shortlisted authors for the Royal Society Trivedi Book Prize, and we are starting with Kit Chapman, author of the Age of Alchemy.

Plus, Penny Sarchet has, like an alchemist of old, been scouring the most obscure texts and journals to bring us the latest science knowledge.

Presenter: Tom Whipple
Producers: Alex Mansfield, Tabitha Taylor Buck, Katie Tomsett, Keiran Manetta-Jones
Editor: Ilan Goodman
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth


SUN 05:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0p3kg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7yh0jlq)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 05:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmcgtv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:32 Asia Specific (w3ct9byw)
The fight to define ‘Asian pop’ at the Grammys

The Grammys created a new category for Asian pop music, but BTS have decided to withdraw from the awards in 2027.

The group says music should be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.

The Recording Academy — organisers of the Grammy Awards — said the creation of several new categories, including Asian pop, is meant to make the ceremony more inclusive.

So, is the new category a long-overdue recognition of Asia’s growing influence on global pop or does it risk putting Asian artists in a box?

In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC music correspondent Mark Savage and Asian pop commentator Andy Trieu about BTS’s relationship with the Grammys, which has for years been grappling with how to best reflect the rise of K-Pop. In the conversation, they try to answer the one question everyone seems to be asking: who gets to define what pop music is.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.

Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

This episode was recorded on 20 August 2026.


SUN 05:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct8rxk)
[Repeat of broadcast at 18:50 on Saturday]


SUN 06:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0p79l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 06:06 Weekend (w1730c5pph2plr2)
A review of the week with the latest news.


SUN 07:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0pc1q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 07:06 Weekend (w1730c5pph2pqh6)
A review of the week with the latest news.


SUN 08:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0pgsv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 08:06 Weekend (w1730c5pph2pv7b)
A review of the week with the latest news.


SUN 09:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0pljz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct99cd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 today]


SUN 09:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmcytc)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 09:32 The Food Chain (w3ct8swf)
The regulars

Do you have a local cafe, restaurant or bar that you go to all the time? Maybe the staff recognise you or know you by name, perhaps you even get special treatment.

In this programme Rumella Dasgupta finds out why people like to return to the same place, and the commercial value to a business of having regular customers.

You can contact the programme by emailing thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk.

Produced by Izzy Greenfield.

(Image: a man sat at a bar chatting to a barman who is wearing an apron and cleaning a glass. Credit: Getty Images)


SUN 10:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0pq93)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct8t15)
The Kansas City cycling revolution

When the BBC’s Richard Hollingham and his producer, Will Grant, arrived with their bikes in Kansas City, Missouri in 2008, it had just been named as the worst city for cyclists in the country. The resulting radio show became a “wake-up call” that has since inspired new cycling groups and millions of dollars of investment in cycling and walking initiatives.

Now the BBC team is back to see what’s improved and what other communities around the world can learn from the city’s experiences. In their travels, Richard and Will join a group cycle, meet volunteers fixing bikes and find out about putting roads on "diets". The team also join a school cycling initiative in a deprived area of the city and learn how bicycles are giving students skills and mobility.

Kansas City has focused on easy to achieve, low-cost solutions that give quick results, but cars remain dominant. Can the city now get even more people on their bikes?

Presenters: Richard Hollingham and Will Grant
Additional production: Anne McNaught

A Boffin Media production for the BBC World Service

Image: A group bike ride in the early evening in Kansas City (Credit: Richard Hollingham)


SUN 10:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmd2kh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct8sqx)
Secret phone calls from a Saudi jail

In a sprawling prison in the Asir province of Southwestern Saudi Arabia, hundreds of young Ethiopian men are currently sitting on death row, not knowing when their name might be called and to be told that it's their turn. In the hope of getting their voices heard some of the prisoners managed to get hold of the phone number for the BBC's Tigrinya language service. One of the journalists working for the service is Aklilu Tsegay and he tells us what it was like to speak to those prisoners, sometimes multiple times a day, when reporting on the story.

In India, July saw some of the biggest protests in the country for many years. The protesters were young people, particularly students, and they came together under an unusual symbol, the cockroach. They call themselves the Cockroach Janta Party or CJP, and they are demanding change to the education system in the country. Starting as an online joke a couple of months ago, the CJP is now one of India's most visible youth movements. Sumedha Paal reports for the BBC in India, and brings us the story.

The Fifth Floor is at the heart of global storytelling on the BBC World Service, bringing you the best stories from journalists in the BBC's 43 language services. We're here to help you make sense of the stories making headlines around the world; to excite your curiosity and to get to grips with the facts.

Recent episodes have investigated Russia’s youth armies and how they make soldiers of Ukrainian children; featured the BBC team who were the first journalists to the site of the Nigerian school kidnappings and reflected the effects of internet blackouts in Iran, Uganda and India.

If you want to know more about Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, and the legacy of Hugo Chavez; or how Vladimir Putin’s network of deep cover spies operates; or why Donald Trump signed an executive order granting white South Africans asylum in the US, we have all those stories and more.

This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world.

Presented by Faranak Amidi.

Produced by Laura Thomas, Caroline Ferguson and Hannah Dean.


(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)


SUN 11:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0pv17)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7yh182h)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 11:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmd69m)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:32 Dear Daughter (w3ct9087)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 on Saturday]


SUN 11:50 More or Less (w3ct9994)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


SUN 12:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0pysc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:06 BBC Conversations (w3ct8m41)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 12:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmdb1r)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:32 Assignment (w3ct8h1k)
Raiders of the lost art

What do the stolen love letters of John Keats have to do with homicide on the streets of New York? Prosecuting both crimes falls under the remit of assistant district attorney Matthew Bogdanos. A retired Marine colonel with both law and classics degrees, he has been the head of the Manhattan District Attorney's Antiquities Trafficking Unit since its creation in 2017. In his time on the job, the office has has seized more than six thousand pieces of stolen art and antiquities from various museums, art galleries and private homes in order to return them to their countries of origin.

In this Assignment, Sandra Kanthal travels to New York to learn more about this special unit of law enforcement and the reasons why one man thinks tracking down stolen treasures of the art world and reuniting them with their rightful owners is vitally important to our past and for our future.

Presenter and producer: Sandra Kanthal
Editor: Penny Murphy
Studio mix: James Beard
Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman


SUN 13:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0q2jh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 13:06 Newshour (w1730bn5672qwrk)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


SUN 14:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0q68m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:06 The Climate Question (w3ct99hx)
How do we save Africa's forests?

African forests are vital for food and economic development, as well as for supporting millions of species of animals and plants. We find out how to protect them better with one of Africa’s top environmentalists!

From the giant Congo rainforest to the Kenyan highlands and the mangroves of Mozambique, Africa’s forests are some of the most spectacular places on Earth. And these sensitive ecosystems are not just important for Africa: they play a vital role in the global climate because they store huge amounts of carbon dioxide and pump out oxygen.

Kenyan environmentalist Wanjira Mathai has been campaigning to protect and nurture forests for decades. She tells The Climate Question about the challenges they now face across Africa from rapid urbanisation, mining and logging. The solution, according to Wanjira, is to place a proper economic value on the environmental services provided by forests and the communities who live in them – whether that’s supplying water and food, or helping to prevent floods sweeping through cities such as Nairobi.

Wanjira Mathai is Managing Director, Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute. She’s been chatting to The Climate
Question host Jordan Dunbar and BBC Senior Climate Reporter Esme Stallard.

Got a question for The Climate Question? Email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com

Producers: Diane Richardson and Melanie Stewart-Smith
Sound Mix: Mike Regaard and Tom Brignell
Editor: Simon Watts


SUN 14:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmdkk0)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:32 Happy News (w3ct8nwv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:32 on Saturday]


SUN 15:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0qb0r)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 15:06 Sportsworld (w1730c8zgdhgx5d)
Live sport from around the world with news, interviews and analysis.


SUN 19:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0qt08)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7yh271j)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 19:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmf58n)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 19:32 Over to You (w3ct99kp)
What makes an expert?

What makes someone an expert, and how do BBC producers decide who has the right expertise to appear on air? In this episode of Over To You, we hear listeners’ views on who they trust and why. We go behind the scenes with The Engineers and CrowdScience to find out how programmes choose their contributors, and explore the editorial principles behind using experts on the BBC. Plus, as more of us encounter experts through TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, we ask how social media is changing who we see as an authority. We also speak to BBC Verify about how it assesses expertise and decides who and what audiences can trust.


SUN 20:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0qxrd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 20:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct8kcv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 on Saturday]


SUN 21:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0r1hj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 21:06 Newshour (w1730bn5672rvql)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


SUN 22:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0r57n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:06 The Climate Question (w3ct99hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 today]


SUN 22:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmfjj1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:32 Assignment (w3ct8h1k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:32 today]


SUN 23:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0r8zs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqn7yh2q11)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 23:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmfn85)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct8sqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:32 today]

MONDAY 24 AUGUST 2026

MON 00:00 BBC News (w1730nks5x0rdqx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 00:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct99cd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllmmmfs09)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 00:32 BBC Inside Science (w3ct9781)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 on Sunday]


MON 01:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59wcr6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 01:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s6ssg)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 01:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxkr0l)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 01:32 Discovery (w3ct8jss)
Women Not Included: Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is often designed around an “average” male body and Dr Ella Hubber wants to understand the consequences this has for women. Alongside journalist Candice Bailey and expert voices, we hear how healthcare workers are forced to adapt to PPE never made for them and how car safety systems fail to reflect the way women’s bodies respond in collisions.

As awareness grows, they also ask what change can look like and if, through better data, and more women’s input, safety equipment can protect us all equally.

Presenter/Producer: Ella Hubber
Researcher: Elliott Prince
Editor: Ilan Goodman


MON 02:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59whhb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 02:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s6xjl)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 02:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxkvrq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 02:32 CrowdScience (w3ct8k7b)
Why am I warm blooded?

CrowdScience listener Matt wants to know why he's warm blooded. He started thinking about this when he was watching some ants during the recent heatwave in Europe and wondered why their blood didn't boil. What are the pros and cons of being warm-blooded like us or cold-blooded reptiles like lizards?

Caroline Steel meets evolutionary biologist Dr Manuel Leal from the University of Missouri in the US, who explains the differences between ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) and endotherms (warm-blooded animals). She discovers that the terms cold blooded and warm blooded are actually misleading, because reptiles can reach a high body temperature and some might even become warmer than us.

She talks to Simon Hodder, Professor of Environmental Ergonomics at Loughborough University in the UK, who describes how our bodies regulate heat, how we cool down when we get too warm and how that's all controlled by our brains.

Caroline also gets to meet some hedgehogs in the wild with Julia Nowack, an ecophysiologist from Liverpool John Moores University, who researches thermoregulation and is monitoring hedgehogs when they hibernate. Changing body temperature is one of the ways that some endotherms survive the winter when it's colder and there's less food around.

So who has the advantage? The warm-blooded endotherms who can heat their own bodies or the cold-blooded ectotherms who rely on the sun? Reptiles can get away with eating very occasionally while mammals and birds have to keep fuelling their energy with food to keep the heat going. That means we can live in most climates and have a better chance of escaping predators, but is it really best?

Presenter: Caroline Steel

Producer: Jo Glanville

Editor: Ben Motley

(Photo: European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) adult animal in a snow covered garden in winter, England, United Kingdom - stock photo Credit: imageBROKER/Kevin Sawford via Getty Images)


MON 03:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59wm7g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 03:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct8t15)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxkzhv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 03:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct8sqx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:32 on Sunday]


MON 04:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59wqzl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 04:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s750v)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 04:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxl37z)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 04:32 The Conversation (w3ct99nw)
The manosphere and its impact on women

Datshiane Navanayagam discusses the impact of toxic masculinity in South Africa and South Korea. The United Nations has raised concern about online communities promoting misogynistic and anti-feminist views saying they’re a serious threat to gender equality. 
 
Kutlwano Mokgwathi is a doctoral researcher from Botswana, studying at the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa - a country with some of the world's highest levels of gender-based violence. Her work is examining the emergence of the “Africana Manosphere” – with a focus on South Africa and Botswana.
 
Sungsook Moon is a sociologist at Vassar College in New York State. She grew up in Seoul, and her research focuses on gender in South Korea. The country ranked the highest out of 30 countries for how citizens perceive tension between men and women, according to a study by King’s College London. But what is driving the country’s gender-divide and how is misogyny taking shape online?

Produced by Elena Angelides

(Image: (L) Kutlwano Mokgwathi, courtesy Kutlwano Mokgwathi. (R) Sungsook Moon, courtesy Sungsook Moon.)


MON 05:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59wvqq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 05:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0gxxg)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


MON 06:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59wzgv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 06:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0h1nl)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


MON 07:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59x36z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 07:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0h5dq)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


MON 08:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59x6z3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 08:06 The Interview (w3ct8kln)
María Fernanda Espinosa, UN secretary general candidate: The UN risks becoming irrelevant

“Sometimes we confuse activity with impact. And here I think the way we measure results should be different. How many lives has the UN saved? How many people has the UN helped to live out of poverty? How many people have we prevented from conflict? How many people were we able to support?”

The BBC’s Anne Soy speaks to María Fernanda Espinosa, Ecuador’s former foreign minister and a candidate to become the first woman secretary general of the United Nations.

She is seeking the role at a time when the UN faces severe financial pressure, falling international aid budgets and questions about its influence over major conflicts.

Espinosa believes the organisation remains essential, but warns that it could become irrelevant unless it changes how it works. She describes the choice facing the UN as “reform, transform or die”.

The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Russia’s nuclear envoy Mikhail Ulyanov and UNICEF chief Catherine Russell.

You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Anne Soy
Producer: Osman Iqbal, Sharon Hemands and Farhana Haider
Editor: Damon Rose


(Image: María Fernanda Espinosa. Credit: Getty)


MON 08:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxll7h)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct8gg7)
Are Europe and China heading for a trade war?

Europe is taking an increasingly tough line on trade with China, accusing Beijing of subsidising exports and flooding European markets with cheap goods. Businesses and governments warn that Chinese competition is putting European industries and jobs at risk, while China's growing dominance of supply chains is adding to concerns in Brussels. Ed Butler asks whether these accusations are fair, what Europe can do about them, and whether the two sides are heading for a new trade war.

Producer/presenter: Ed Butler

You can email the team: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk

(Photo: A staff member prepares for the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and EU Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera during China-EU Sixth High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue, Beijing, 14 July 2025, Credit: Reuters)


MON 08:50 Witness History (w3ct8r3r)
Uruguay's water referendum

On 31st October 2004, Uruguayans voted to enshrine water as a human right in their constitution, the first country in the world to do so.

The so-called water referendum was organised by an alliance of residents' associations, trade unions, scientists, and environmentalists.

Campaigners on horseback criss-crossed the country, they held community meetings in towns and villages across Uruguay and collected 283,000 signatures, the number required to make the government hold a plebiscite, which they overwhelmingly won.

The campaign began when two local water companies were privatised and residents complained that those who could not afford the fees were cut off from the water supply.

Six years after Uruguay’s referendum, the United Nations General Assembly declared water and sanitation a universal human right and 30 countries have since included the right to water in their constitutions.

Carmen Sosa, a member of the water workers trade union, tells Grace Livingstone how they galvanised the country.

Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.

When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015 to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.

You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal's worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.

And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.

If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.

(Photo: Carmen Sosa. Credit: Grace Livingstone)


MON 09:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59xbq7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 09:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s7rrh)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 09:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxlpzm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 09:32 CrowdScience (w3ct8k7b)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


MON 10:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59xggc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 10:06 The History Hour (w3ct99ll)
The battle of Mandalay and the New World screwworm

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History episodes from the BBC World Service.

Our guest is Dr Elisabeth Fondren, Associate Professor of Journalism at St John's University in New York, USA.

We start by hearing some groundbreaking frontline reporting from the Battle of Mandalay in World War Two.

Then, we hear how in 1950s Canada, a controversial government scheme saw the relocation of nearly 30 thousand people.

Next, a pioneering scientist on his role in the fight against a flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm in the 1950s.

Plus, the extraordinary life and times of India's "Queen of Melody", Asha Bhosle.

Then, the formation of the English Premier League in 1992.

Finally, how, an Australian recipe book brought novelty birthday cakes to the masses in 1980.


Contributors:
Dr Elisabeth Fondren - Associate Professor of Journalism at St John's University in New York, USA.
Douglas Cleverdon - BBC radio producer (Archive).
Don White - one of thousands relocated under a Canadian government scheme (Archive).
Edward Knipling - entomologist known for his development of the Sterile Insect Technique (Archive).
Asha Bhosle - celebrated Indian playback singer (Archive).
David Dein, co-founder, English Premier League.
Agnes Lee - former home economist at The Australian Women's Weekly.


(Photo: British and Indian Troops of the 14th Army in Burma, March 1945. Credit: Keystone/Getty Images)


MON 11:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59xl6h)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 11:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s807r)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 11:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxlygw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct8mcg)
The Global Story

.


MON 12:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59xpym)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 12:06 Outlook (w3ct8hxq)
America’s most wanted – my family on the run, part 1

In some ways Zayd Ayers Dohrn’s childhood was normal; his parents went to work and played with him in the park. Though in other ways it was anything but: moving between safe houses, fleeing in the night as the FBI moved in. His parents were the leaders of a violent revolutionary group called the Weathermen and then the Weather Underground, which the US government classed as a domestic terror group. They opposed the Vietnam war and racism in American society.They drew attention to their cause through bombing campaigns targeting government institutions from police stations to the Pentagon. The group were largely white college graduates.They worked with militant black organisations such as the Black Liberation Army to organise bank robberies and jailbreaks.

By the time Zayd was born his parents had been fugitives for several years. They taught him how to identify the FBI agents who were looking for them and how to lose a tail if he was being followed. For Zayd, as a small child, it was a game – but one with potentially serious consequences as his parents' activities could see them sent to prison for years. However, they wanted him to go to school and for him to do this they decided to hand themselves in.

Presenter:Jo Fidgen
Producer: Julian Siddle

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: The photo shows FBI wanted posters for both of Zayd’s parents, on each there is the caption 'Wanted by the FBI', their full names Bernardine Rae Dohrn and William Charles Ayers and the charges: interstate flight, mob action and conspiracy. Underneath there are photos of them, headshots and a full-body shot taken in 1969. Also information such as height, weight, eye and hair colour and their social security numbers. Credit: FBI)


MON 12:50 Witness History (w3ct8r3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 13:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59xtpr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 13:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s87r0)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 13:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxm5z4)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 13:32 The Conversation (w3ct99nw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 14:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59xyfw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 14:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khcyrny)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


MON 15:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59y260)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 15:06 The Interview (w3ct8kln)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 15:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxmfgd)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct8gg7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


MON 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct8d3q)
World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.
From global trade, to oil and food prices and the rise of artificial intelligence, to the corporate crashes and standout entrepreneur start-ups, the BBC World Service brings you trusted reporting. We’ll explain how the top stories impact your own finances.


MON 16:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59y5y4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 16:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgzmvsx)
2026/08/24 15:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


MON 17:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59y9p8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 17:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgzmzk1)
2026/08/24 16:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


MON 18:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59yffd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 18:06 Outlook (w3ct8hxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


MON 18:50 Witness History (w3ct8r3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 19:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59yk5j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 19:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s8z6s)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 19:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxmxfx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct8rk9)
2026/08/24 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


MON 20:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59ynxn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 20:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct99cd)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 20:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxn161)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 20:32 Discovery (w3ct8jst)
Women Not Included: Urban Planning

On every street corner, at every bus stop, in every public toilet the message is clear: this city is not built for women.

Along with journalist Chhavi Sachdev, Dr Ella Hubber explores how urban design often fails to reflect the realities of women’s lives. They unpack issues like why women spend longer queuing for toilets, how safety concerns shape the way women move through cities, and why transport systems built around linear commutes fail those juggling care, work and home.

As awareness grows, they also ask what change can look like. More inclusive planning, policies shaped by lived experience, and cities finally designed to work for everyone.

Presenter/producer: Ella Hubber
Researcher: Elliott Prince
Editor: Ilan Goodman


MON 21:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59ysns)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 21:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khczlwv)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


MON 22:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59yxdx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 22:06 The Interview (w3ct8kln)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 22:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxn8p9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 22:32 The Conversation (w3ct99nw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 23:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59z151)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 23:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s9g69)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 23:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxndff)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct8fnd)
First broadcast 24/08/2026 21:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

TUESDAY 25 AUGUST 2026

TUE 00:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59z4x5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 00:06 The History Hour (w3ct99ll)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59z8n9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 01:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s9ppk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 01:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxnmxp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct8mcg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59zddf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6s9tfp)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 02:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxnrnt)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:32 Assignment (w3ct8h1l)
Brazil’s gambling addiction

The figures are startling. 2.1 million Brazilians have a clinical addiction to betting. 7.5 million are problem gamblers. Women now comprise 40% of all gamblers, having been 25% just a decade ago. Online sports and casino betting have exploded in Brazil to make it one of the largest gambling markets in the world. The self-help group Gamblers Anonymous says it's receiving thousands of calls each month and millions of Brazilians are estimated be suffering financial, emotional or relationship problems as a result of betting.

Camilla Mota talks to football fans in Sao Paulo on why they’re gambling on their team’s result. She also speaks to a man who gambled away $75, 000 on a corporate credit card over just one weekend and a businesswoman who locked herself in the toilet of her family home in order to bet in secret. Camilla also meets two psychiatrists offering treatment to addicts at a special clinic. What can be done to protect problem gamblers while at the same time avoid driving legal gambling underground?

Produced by Bob Howard
Studio mix: Neva Missirian
Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: Casino. Credit: John Lamb via Getty)


TUE 03:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59zj4k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 03:06 Outlook (w3ct8hxq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Monday]


TUE 03:50 Witness History (w3ct8r3r)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59zmwp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sb1xy)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 04:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxp052)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:32 In the Studio (w3ct8l5q)
Felt art that looks good enough to eat

Lucy Sparrow stitches life into everyday objects, creating a vibrant world of felt that looks just like the real thing. Following the success of her New York City bagel store and British fish and chip shop, she has now recreated a Walmart convenience store in Arkansas, USA, complete with TV dinners and vintage VHS films from the 1980s.

Anna Bailey follows Lucy and her small team in the east of England as they cut out, stitch and paint 20,000 individual felt items for the exhibition, including smiling cauliflowers and bananas. Lucy has been making things from felt since childhood and wants to celebrate the everyday objects which fill our lives. But a word of warning: although her art looks soft and appealing, in this programme Lucy will be talking about her lived experience of an eating disorder and her struggles with her mental health.


TUE 05:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59zrmt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 05:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0kttk)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


TUE 06:00 BBC News (w1730nksk59zwcy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 06:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0kykp)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


TUE 07:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b0042)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 07:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0l29t)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


TUE 08:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b03w6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct8t16)
Peanuts for the People

In the 30 years since its invention the ready to use therapeutic food plumpy'nut has saved the lives of millions of children and protected countless others from the effects of malnutrition.

But the story of how it transformed treating the world's starving children is one of both persistence and inspiration. The brainchild of two Frenchmen; Doctor Andre Briend and Michel Lescanne, a food processing engineer, they set out to put the power to feed children back into the hands of parents. With the help of organisations like UNICEF they created a system of manufacture and distribution that would not only feed the hungry but benefit the economies of the countries where plumpy'nut was needed.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Reporter: Jewel Kirungi
Producer: Peter McManus
Editor: Steven Hobson


TUE 08:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxph4l)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct8gr8)
Business Daily

The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.


TUE 08:50 Witness History (w3ct9869)
Auschwitz: An SS officer’s photo album

In 2007, an abandoned photo album revealed the chilling normality of life at the Nazis’ most notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz.

The 116 black-and-white images had been sent to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, in Washington DC, to be considered for their archives.

In the photographs, SS officers are seen laughing, singing and celebrating, while a short distance away hundreds of thousands of people, mainly Jews, are being murdered.

Among those pictured are Rudolf Höss, the camp commandant, and German doctor, Josef Mengele, known as the Angel of Death.

Archivist Rebecca Erbelding tells Jane Wilkinson that the photos are an important reminder of how casually those running Auschwitz approached their work.

Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.

When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015 to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.

You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal's worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.

And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.

If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.

(Photo: SS officer Karl Höcker relaxes at Solahuette, 1944. Credit: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, courtesy of anonymous donor)


TUE 09:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b07mb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sbnnl)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 09:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxplwq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:32 Assignment (w3ct8h1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 10:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b0ccg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 10:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct8h8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


TUE 11:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b0h3l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sbx4v)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 11:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxpvcz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct8mhz)
The Global Story

.


TUE 12:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b0lvq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 12:06 Outlook (w3ct8jc8)
Outlook

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.


TUE 12:50 Witness History (w3ct9869)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 13:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b0qlv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sc4n3)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 13:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxq2w7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:32 In the Studio (w3ct8l5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 14:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b0vbz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 14:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khd1nl1)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


TUE 15:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b0z33)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct8t16)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 15:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxqbch)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct8gr8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


TUE 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct8d87)
World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.
From global trade, to oil and food prices and the rise of artificial intelligence, to the corporate crashes and standout entrepreneur start-ups, the BBC World Service brings you trusted reporting. We’ll explain how the top stories impact your own finances.


TUE 16:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b12v7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 16:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgzqrq0)
2026/08/25 15:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


TUE 17:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b16lc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 17:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgzqwg4)
2026/08/25 16:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


TUE 18:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b1bbh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 18:06 Outlook (w3ct8jc8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


TUE 18:50 Witness History (w3ct9869)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 19:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b1g2m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6scw3w)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 19:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxqtc0)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct8rpt)
2026/08/25 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


TUE 20:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b1ktr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:06 Assignment (w3ct8h1l)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 20:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxqy34)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:32 Tech Life (w3ct8jyb)
Tech Life discovers and explains the ways technology is changing our lives, wherever we are in the world.


TUE 21:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b1pkw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 21:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khd2hsy)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


TUE 22:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b1tb0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct8t16)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 22:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxr5ld)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:32 In the Studio (w3ct8l5q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 23:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b1y24)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sdc3d)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 23:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxr9bj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct8fsx)
First broadcast 25/08/2026 21:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST 2026

WED 00:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b21t8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 00:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct8h8c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


WED 01:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b25kd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 01:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sdlln)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 01:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxrjts)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct8mhz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b299j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 02:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sdqbs)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 02:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxrnkx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 02:32 The Climate Question (w3ct99hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 03:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b2f1n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 03:06 Outlook (w3ct8jc8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Tuesday]


WED 03:50 Witness History (w3ct9869)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b2jss)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 04:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sdyv1)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 04:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxrx25)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 04:32 The Documentary (w3ct9bd8)
How did we get here: Israel and the Palestinians

Jonny Dymond explores the contested history of the region from ancient times to the present day through conversations with an array of leading historians and BBC specialists.

How Did We Get Here: Israel and the Palestinians is a Long Form Audio production for BBC World Service


WED 05:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b2njx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 05:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0nqqn)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


WED 06:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b2s91)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 06:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0nvgs)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


WED 07:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b2x15)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 07:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0nz6x)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


WED 08:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b30s9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 08:06 The Interview (w3ct98hb)
The Interview

Conversations with people shaping our world. The best interviews from the BBC.


WED 08:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxsd1p)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct98sc)
Business Daily

The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.


WED 08:50 Witness History (w3ct988k)
Peace People: The Northern Ireland campaign group born from tragedy

It is 50 years since a peace movement began in Northern Ireland spawned by the killing of three children. There had been seven years of sectarian violence.

On 10 August 1976, Anne Maguire was walking along Finaghy Road North in West Belfast with her children when an out-of-control car plunged into them. It was driven by a member of the Irish Republican Army paramilitary group who had been fatally wounded at the wheel by British Army soldiers chasing him.

Six-week-old baby, Andrew, who was in his pram and eight-year-old Joanne, who was on her bicycle were instantly killed. Their brother John, just two-and-a-half, died the following day in hospital.

The children’s uncle, Gerry Grehan, tells Josephine McDermott about the life-changing tragedy and how it resulted in the Peace People, founded by Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Betty Williams and Ciaran McKeown.

Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.

When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015 to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.

You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal's worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.

And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.

If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.


WED 09:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b34jf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 09:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sfkkp)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 09:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxshst)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 09:32 The Climate Question (w3ct99hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 10:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b388k)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 10:06 The Documentary (w3ct9kt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


WED 11:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b3d0p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 11:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sft1y)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 11:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxsr92)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct8ml7)
The Global Story

.


WED 12:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b3hrt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 12:06 Outlook (w3ct8jl1)
Outlook

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.


WED 12:50 Witness History (w3ct988k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 13:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b3mhy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 13:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sg1k6)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 13:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxszsb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 13:32 The Documentary (w3ct9bd8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 14:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b3r82)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 14:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khd4kh4)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


WED 15:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b3w06)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 15:06 The Interview (w3ct98hb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 15:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxt78l)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct98sc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


WED 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct8dbh)
World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.
From global trade, to oil and food prices and the rise of artificial intelligence, to the corporate crashes and standout entrepreneur start-ups, the BBC World Service brings you trusted reporting. We’ll explain how the top stories impact your own finances.


WED 16:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b3zrb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 16:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgztnm3)
2026/08/26 15:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


WED 17:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b43hg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 17:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgztsc7)
2026/08/26 16:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


WED 18:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b477l)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 18:06 Outlook (w3ct8jl1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


WED 18:50 Witness History (w3ct988k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 19:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b4bzq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 19:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sgs0z)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 19:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxtq83)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct8rs2)
2026/08/26 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


WED 20:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b4gqv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 20:06 The Climate Question (w3ct99hx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 20:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxtv07)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 20:32 Health Check (w3ct8k2v)
Health Check

Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.


WED 21:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b4lgz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 21:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khd5dq1)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


WED 22:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b4q73)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 22:06 The Interview (w3ct98hb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 22:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxv2hh)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 22:32 The Documentary (w3ct9bd8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 23:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b4tz7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 23:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sh80h)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 23:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxv67m)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct8fw5)
First broadcast 26/08/2026 21:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

THURSDAY 27 AUGUST 2026

THU 00:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b4yqc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 00:06 The Documentary (w3ct9kt0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


THU 01:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b52gh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 01:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6shhhr)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 01:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxvfqw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct8ml7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Wednesday]


THU 02:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b566m)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 02:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6shm7w)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 02:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxvkh0)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 02:32 The Documentary (w3ct9chj)
LA: Rising from the ashes

On 7th January 2025, the Altadena and Pacific Palisades neighbourhoods of Los Angeles suffered two of the most destructive fires in the city’s history. Twenty-one people died and 15,000 buildings were destroyed over a combined area the size of Paris.

The city is still reeling from the scale and intensity of the fires, and the challenge of rebuilding areas in which almost nothing remains standing. As the first tentative shoots of recovery begin to appear, Jonathan Glancey meets locals, including architects Scott Uriu and Michael Kovac. Like Dustin Bramell, co-founder of the Case Study: Adapt programme, they lost their own homes in the fires. Others, like architect and social justice advocate Steven Lewis, or Cynthia Siegler and Alex Athenson, founders of the Foothill Foundation Catalogue, saw their neighbours and communities displaced. Now they’re trying to help replace what has been lost while looking for better ways of building, in a land where earthquakes, drought and fire are an ever present threat.

As man-made climate change and urban growth worsen the risk and impact of fires, Jonathan asks experts including Dan Turner, a retired fire chief and executive director of Cal Poly’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Institute, and architecture critic Frances Anderton if and how this city can reshape itself for a better future.

Presenter: Jonathan Glancy
Producer: Michael Umney
Executive producer: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for the BBC World Service

(Photo: The ruins of a house stand surrounded by scorched trees after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on February 2, 2025. by Ali Matin via Getty Images)


THU 03:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b59yr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 03:06 Outlook (w3ct8jl1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Wednesday]


THU 03:50 Witness History (w3ct988k)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b5fpw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 04:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6shvr4)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 04:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxvsz8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 04:32 The Food Chain (w3ct70yx)
Should I eat breakfast?

High prices, busy lives and the rise of intermittent fasting mean more people are skipping breakfast. This week, Ruth Alexander speaks to three experts in nutrition about whether that matters. She finds out what it’s best to eat for your first meal of the day and when is best to have it.

Experts Courtney Peterson, a researcher in intermittent fasting and associate professor at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in the United States.. Professor Alexandra Johnstone, a nutrition scientist based at The Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland snd Marianella Herrera, an associate professor in public health nutrition at Central University of Venezuela and visiting lecturer at Framingham State University in the US, share their insights.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

Producer: Izzy Greenfield
Image: A bowl full of cereal and a spoon (credit: Getty)


THU 05:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b5kg0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 05:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0rmmr)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


THU 06:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b5p64)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 06:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0rrcw)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


THU 07:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b5sy8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 07:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0rw40)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


THU 08:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b5xpd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 08:06 The Inquiry (w3ct98q3)
How has the Cockroach Janta Party changed India’s politics?

In July 2026, tens of thousands of students took to the streets in India’s capital, demanding reforms to education. The protests followed the leak of medical entrance exam papers but quickly grew to reflect wider concerns about job opportunities for graduates.

The movement became known as the Cockroach Janta Party. What began as an online campaign developed into a youth-led protest movement, attracting prominent activists and drawing international attention.

As the protests grew, they posed a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, which has been in power for more than a decade. The movement has brought together people from different parts of Indian society and highlighted dissatisfaction over job opportunities and prospects for young people.

So how has the Cockroach Janta Party changed India’s politics and what does it mean for its future?

(Photo: Students celebrate the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in Amritsar on July 25, 2026. 14 students all protesting with one arm in the air making peace signs. They are holding multiple placards and an Indian flag. Credit: NARINDER NANU via Getty Images)

Contributors
Ruchi Gupta, executive director of the Future of India Foundation, India
Sadanand Dhume, senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, US
Rahul Verma, fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, India
Dr Chietigj Bajpaee, senior research fellow for South Asia in the Asia-Pacific Programme at Chatham House, UK

Presenter: Tanya Beckett
Producer: Matt Toulson
Researcher: Evie Yabsley
Technical producer: Cameron Ward
Production co-ordinator: Phoebe Lomas
Production management assistant: Liam Morrey
Editor: Tom Bigwood


THU 08:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxw8ys)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct8glr)
The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.


THU 08:50 Witness History (w3ct98bt)
Hurricane Luis hits Antigua

On 4 September 1995, Hurricane Luis hit the Caribbean island of Antigua.

Two people were killed and three-quarters of homes were destroyed.

Authorities said it set the island back by a decade.

Resident Eli Fuller tells Jen Dale about the havoc caused by the hurricane.

Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.

When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015 to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.

You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal's worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.

And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.

If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.

(Photo: The aftermath of Hurricane Luis. Credit: Eli Fuller)


THU 09:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b61fj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 09:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sjggs)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 09:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxwdpx)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 09:32 The Documentary (w3ct9chj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 10:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b655n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 10:06 The Explanation (w3ct98mv)
The Media Show

Where the world is explained. Making sense of the big stories - looking behind the spin. Exploring the important questions about long-running stories and the latest global news. An honest, unvarnished, explanation of the world.


THU 10:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxwjg1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 10:32 Happy News (w3ct8nwv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:32 on Saturday]


THU 11:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b68xs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 11:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sjpz1)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 11:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxwn65)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct8mfq)
The Global Story

.


THU 12:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b6dnx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 12:06 Outlook (w3ct8j4h)
Outlook

True stories of ordinary people and the extraordinary events that have shaped their lives.


THU 12:50 Witness History (w3ct98bt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 13:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b6jf1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 13:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sjyg9)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 13:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxwwpf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 13:32 The Food Chain (w3ct70yx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 14:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b6n55)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 14:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khd7gd7)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


THU 15:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b6rx9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 15:06 The Inquiry (w3ct98q3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 15:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxx45p)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct8glr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


THU 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct8d5z)
World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.
From global trade, to oil and food prices and the rise of artificial intelligence, to the corporate crashes and standout entrepreneur start-ups, the BBC World Service brings you trusted reporting. We’ll explain how the top stories impact your own finances.


THU 16:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b6wnf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 16:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgzxkj6)
2026/08/27 15:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


THU 17:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b70dk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 17:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhgzxp8b)
2026/08/27 16:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


THU 18:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b744p)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 18:06 Outlook (w3ct8j4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


THU 18:50 Witness History (w3ct98bt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 19:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b77wt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 19:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6skny2)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 19:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxxm56)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct8rmk)
2026/08/27 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


THU 20:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b7cmy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 20:06 The Documentary (w3ct9chj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 20:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxxqxb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 20:32 BBC Inside Science (w3ct9782)
A weekly show exploring science, its mysteries, and the debates it sparks.


THU 21:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b7hd2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 21:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khd89m4)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


THU 22:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b7m46)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 22:06 The Inquiry (w3ct98q3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 22:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxxzdl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 22:32 The Food Chain (w3ct70yx)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 23:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b7qwb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 23:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sl4xl)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 23:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxy34q)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct8fqn)
First broadcast 27/08/2026 21:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2026

FRI 00:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b7vmg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:06 The Explanation (w3ct98mv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Thursday]


FRI 00:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxy6wv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:32 Happy News (w3ct8nwv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:32 on Saturday]


FRI 01:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b7zcl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 01:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6slddv)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 01:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxybmz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct8mfq)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Thursday]


FRI 02:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b833q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6slj4z)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 02:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxygd3)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:32 Tech Life (w3ct8jyb)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Tuesday]


FRI 03:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b86vv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 03:06 Outlook (w3ct8j4h)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Thursday]


FRI 03:50 Witness History (w3ct98bt)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b8blz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6slrn7)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 04:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxypwc)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct9841)
Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin is one of the biggest names in Gospel music, with 20 Grammy awards, and a career that spans over 30 years. From classics like ‘Why we sing’ to the mainstream hit ‘Stomp’, so many of his songs are loved by Christians around the world.

Gospel fan and radio presenter Swarzy Shire wants to learn more about the man behind the music and how his faith has kept inspiring that music.
Despite many public ups and downs, Kirk reveals why his faith has been a constant source of support in his life. From being adopted as a young child to facing public criticism, he always returns to his faith in God and shares how he finds comfort in similar stories reflected in people’s lives from the Bible.

[Kirk Franklin, Photo Credit: Matt Otty]

Presenter: Swarzy Shire
Producer Miriam Williamson
Producyion Coordinator: Mica Npeomuceno


FRI 05:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b8gc3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 05:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0vjjv)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


FRI 06:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b8l37)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 06:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0vn8z)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


FRI 07:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b8pvc)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 07:06 Newsday (w1730c1hxz0vs13)
Live news, business and sport from around the world.


FRI 08:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b8tlh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:06 The Interview (w3ct98kl)
The Interview

Conversations with people shaping our world. The best interviews from the BBC.


FRI 08:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxz5vw)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct8g9q)
Business Daily

The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.


FRI 08:50 Witness History (w3ct98f2)
The hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73

On the 5 September 1986, hijackers took over a Pan-American Airways flight during a stop-over at Karachi Airport in Pakistan.

The armed Palestinian terrorists wanted to fly the plane to Cyprus and Israel, to free members of their organisation who were jailed there.

But, after the pilots escaped the cockpit, the plane stayed on the ground for 16 hours with almost 400 passengers on board.

When the power on the plane ran out – the hijackers began to shoot indiscriminately. 22 people were killed and more than 150 injured.

Madhvi Bahunga was a Pan-American Airways flight attendant, who was on the plane that day. She speaks to Tim O’Callaghan.

Witness History is a short BBC World Service podcast about history that takes you inside big moments from the past through first-hand testimony and archive. Each weekday, in around nine minutes, we revisit one moment that helped shape the world and hear it through the voice of someone who was there. Scientists, artists, campaigners, soldiers, leaders and everyday people tell their true stories.

When you subscribe to Witness History, you’ll be taken inside turning points in world affairs from West Africa’s fight back against Boko Haram in 2015 to the behind-closed-doors talks that led to the US-Cuba “thaw” and the surprise announcement of restored relations.

You’ll discover what it was like to experience disasters and how people recovered from them, including the Tabasco floods in Mexico, Portugal's worst train disaster, and the huge clean-up after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

You’ll explore culture and ideas too: Sweden’s Expedition Robinson, often credited as the first modern reality TV game show; the friendship between The Beatles’ George Harrison and Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar; and the night a tiger attack brought Las Vegas superstars Siegfried and Roy’s show to a sudden end.

And if you’re curious about inventions, we’ll tell you how air fryers, BlackBerry, YouTube, Alexa, GPS, superglue, the shopping cart (shopping trolley) and bubble tea were created.
If you’re new to Witness History, the appeal is simple: real voices, one strong true story, and a fresh way to understand today through events from history – all in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of tea or a walk around the block. Join millions of BBC World Service podcast listeners around the globe and enjoy the insight, context and detail Witness History will bring you.

(Photo: Flight 73 the day after the hijacking at Karachi Airport. Credit: Kraipit Phanvut/AFP via Getty Images)


FRI 09:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b8ybm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6smccw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 09:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxz9m0)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:32 BBC Inside Science (w3ct9782)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Thursday]


FRI 10:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b922r)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 10:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct8kcw)
Unexpected Elements

The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way with Unexpected Elements.


FRI 11:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b95tw)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6smlw4)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 11:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxzk38)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct8m96)
The Global Story

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FRI 12:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b99l0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 12:06 Outlook (w3ct8hpy)
Outlook Mixtape: Strangers on a Train - part 2

Tales of a mysterious man and a lovestruck fellow commuter, a young student doctor from India who responded to the desperate call of a woman going into labour, and a London train driver on how he got the voice that would make his fortune.

In 2004, Zöe Folbigg was regularly commuting into London from her home in Hitchin, north of the British capital. While waiting for the 8.21 train one morning she spotted a handsome stranger and couldn't take her eyes off him. After pining for him for months, she plucked up the courage to ask him out on a date, but he already had a girlfriend. Then months later, he got back in touch.

One Saturday night in 2017, Gray Davis was on his way home on the New York subway with his wife and mother when they saw another passenger get pushed on to the tracks. The professional ballet dancer used the strength and skills he'd gained from years of dancing to leap to the rescue.

Natalia Paruz took up playing the musical saw after a bad car accident. She now plays the unusual instrument in New York's subway stations. Reporter Colm Flynn went to meet her in 2017.

Redd Pepper was working as a train driver on the London Underground when his incredibly deep booming passenger announcements got him noticed by talent spotters. In 2018, Redd told Matthew Bannister how he became a voice over artist adding drama to Hollywood movie trailers.

In 2017, Indian medical student Vipin Khadse became a hero when he delivered a baby on a packed train. The labour was complicated, but luckily Vipin had a surgical blade and was in Whatsapp contact with his training mentors who guided him through the difficult delivery. Matthew Bannister heard Dr Khadse's story.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Andrea Rangecroft

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: A transparent 60-minute cassette tape with a white label bearing the words: The Outlook Mixtape. Credit: Getty Images)


FRI 12:50 Witness History (w3ct98f2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 13:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b9fb4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6smvcd)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 13:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwxzslj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct9841)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 14:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b9k28)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 14:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khdbc9b)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


FRI 15:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b9ntd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:06 The Interview (w3ct98kl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 15:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwy012s)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct8g9q)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


FRI 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct8d1g)
World Business Express - Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world. The stories that matter: World Business Express brings you the essentials on the fast-changing global economy. What forces are driving the markets and industry? Hear unique insight from top CEOs, investors, economic thinkers and small business bosses.
From global trade, to oil and food prices and the rise of artificial intelligence, to the corporate crashes and standout entrepreneur start-ups, the BBC World Service brings you trusted reporting. We’ll explain how the top stories impact your own finances.


FRI 16:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b9skj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 16:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhh00gf9)
2026/08/28 15:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


FRI 17:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5b9x9n)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 17:06 Outside Source (w1730c6jhh00l5f)
2026/08/28 16:06 GMT

A vibrant account of the day’s events with explanation and reaction from those involved.


FRI 18:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5bb11s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 18:06 Outlook (w3ct8hpy)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


FRI 18:50 Witness History (w3ct98f2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 19:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5bb4sx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6snkv5)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 19:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwy0j29)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct8rh1)
2026/08/28 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


FRI 20:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5bb8k1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:06 BBC Conversations (w3ct8m42)
BBC Conversations

How major news stories are affecting the lives of people around the world


FRI 20:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwy0mtf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:32 CrowdScience (w3ct8k7c)
How do electric fish make electricity?

Some fish can deliver electric shocks that are four times more powerful than the electricity in your plug sockets at home. Crowdscience listener Mouhammed in Cameroon was stunned by this, so he charged us with finding out how they do it.

Presenter Caroline Steel heads to Bayreuth in Germany to meet some eels who have this amazing ability. Dr Stefan Schuster and Susanne Proschke introduce us to their collection of electric fish, and help us conduct some experiments to work out how the fish are wired.

We’ll be diving into electric fishes' anatomy, learning how a specialised organ allows them to generate massive voltages of electricity, and we’ll discover how the design of a common household battery was inspired by them.

Harold Zakon from the University of Texas will help us understand their evolutionary history, while Brazilian ecologist Nonato Junior takes us on a journey into the currents of the Amazon River where electric eels live.

And we answer a question that has boggled philosophers, thinkers, and scientists for over 2000 years. If these fish can stun a human, a crocodile or even a horse, how do they survive the electric shocks themselves?


FRI 21:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5bbd95)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 21:06 Newshour (w1730bn5khdc6j7)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


FRI 22:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5bbj19)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:06 The Interview (w3ct98kl)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 22:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwy0w9p)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct9841)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 23:00 BBC News (w1730nksk5bbmsf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:06 The Newsroom (w1730bqnm6sp1tp)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 23:30 BBC News Summary (w1730nllzwy101t)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct8fl4)
First broadcast 28/08/2026 21:32 GMT

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.