From Our Own Correspondent

4.7 (81)
NEWS COMMENTARY
UPDATED WEEKLY

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Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.

1 DAY AGO

Trump, Putin and the new global order

Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, the occupied West Bank, Bangladesh, South Africa and India US relations with its Western allies have been upended recently amid a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow. The BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg reveals how the warming of relations has been feted in the pro-Putin press, while ordinary Russians are seemingly more cautious. As the first stage of the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel comes to an end, Israel's defence forces are in the midst of another major operation against armed Palestinian groups in the occupied West Bank. Paul Adams visited one of the region's refugee camps to see what impact Israel’s military action is having on the thousands of people forced to leave their homes. Bangladesh remains politically unstable six months after the violent student-led uprising which brought down long-term leader, Sheikh Hasina. In the absence of political certainty, fundamentalist Islamic groups – previously side-lined in politics – have found fresh impetus, says David Loyn. Johannesburg in South Africa is often framed as one of the world's most dangerous cities - but there are signs of improvement, with both locals and tourists returning to explore areas once regarded as no-go zones. Ed Habershon met the Joburgers trying to change their city’s image. Each year, in the south Indian state of Kerala, ancient folk rituals, known as theyyams, are held in family estates and around temples. Sara Wheeler went to watch the dramatic spectacles, where performers become living embodiments of Hindu deities. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

29 min
FEB 22

Disappeared in Ukraine

Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, the United States, The Gambia and Uzbekistan. Its three years since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during which time hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or injured - though others have simply disappeared without trace. Sarah Rainsford travelled to Ukraine, where she met one woman trying to find out what happened to her parents after they were detained during Russia's occupation of her home town. US President Donald Trump has pledged to curb government waste by cutting spending. Under review are the billions of dollars set aside for research grants, intended for universities and scientific institutions. At the annual gathering of one of the country’s oldest scientific societies, which took place in Boston last week, Sandra Kanthal found a decidedly dampened mood. Each year thousands of people leave sub-Saharan Africa in hope of reaching Europe and forging a better life. It's a dangerous and potentially deadly journey - and for some the challenge is just too much. So what happens after they return home? Alex Last went to The Gambia to find out. The city of Bukhara in Uzbekistan is located on the route of the legendary Silk Road, and in the Middle Ages it became a major intellectual hub of the Islamic world. It's also home to a centuries-old Jewish community, which over generations blended culture with the Muslim community. Post-Soviet emigration means it's now much smaller than it used to be, but Monica Whitlock met one man who is still happy to call Bukhara home.

28 min
FEB 15

Germany's young people and the far right

In Saxony, our correspondent hears why young voters are increasingly supporting the AfD. The party is polling consistently in second place ahead of a snap election next Sunday LONG: Kate Adie presents stories from Germany, the US, Afghanistan, Spain and Morocco. Germany goes to the polls on 23rd February, with the conservative CDU party showing a strong lead. But the far right AfD is consistently polling in second place. The biggest rise in support for the party has been among young voters, and Jessica Parker has spoken to some of them in Saxony to hear why. Mahjooba Nowrouzi returns to Afghanistan, for the first time in nearly 30 years, having fled the oppressive Taliban regime as a young student. She describes how despite initial first impressions, not much had changed with the Taliban back in control once more. This week, Jordan's King Abdullah visited Washington, where he made clear to President Trump that he and other regional leaders were unanimous in rejecting plans to take over Gaza and transfer Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. Tom Bateman followed the encounter between King Abdullah and the President. In Southern Spain, the olive yield has risen substantially after several years of punishing drought. But apart from the challenges of climate change and on-going desertification in Spain, farmers have another worry – crime. Last year in Andalucía over 500 tonnes of olives were stolen. It’s a headache for local law enforcement, as Linda Pressly found out on a visit to the olive groves there. Morocco has long been the film location of choice for many a Hollywood director, with its array of studios and versatile backdrops. But now, as John Kampfner discovered on a recent visit, a combination of tight budgets and technology, suggest that the good times might be running out in the ‘Hollywood of Africa.’ Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Bridget Harney Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

29 min
FEB 8

Rebuilding lives in DR Congo

Kate Adie introduces stories from DR Congo, Israel, Ecuador, Malaysia and Germany. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in the DR Congo. Amid the violence, a clinic in Goma is helping civilian casualties recover and rehabilitate. Hugh Kinsella-Cunnigham met some of the people trying to rebuild their lives. Regional leaders in the Middle East are focusing their attention on the second stage of the ceasefire – and the continuation of the hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. Some hardliners in the Knesset are demanding a resumption of the war, which worries families still waiting for their relatives to be released, reports Wyre Davies. Ecuador goes to the polls this weekend, in a vote which is seen by many as a referendum on President Daniel Noboa's hardline war on the country's criminal gangs, which critics say has led to innocent people arrested and detained. Ione Wells reports from the city of Guayaquil. A recent survey in Malaysia revealed more than 70 per cent of young Malaysians are in debt. Officials says this is down to a ‘shopping addiction’ and the growth of ‘flex culture’ on social media. Hannah Gelbart went to find out more about the country's appetite to spend. In an age of translation apps achieving fluency in a foreign language can perhaps seem a futile exercise. Undeterred, Lucy Ash recently moved to Berlin to learn German. After making little progress, she moved to the country’s Baltic coast where she volunteered as a farm hand - and could finally escape the multitude of English-speakers in the capital. Series producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill Image: Naomi at the Shirika La Umoja centre in Goma. Taken by Hugh Kinsella Cunningham

29 min
FEB 1

Donald Trump’s Rapid Start

Kate Adie presents stories from the US, Mexico, Bangladesh, Guatemala and Malaysia Donald Trump marked his return to the White House with a deluge of executive orders and announcements, which included an immigration crackdown, ending federal diversity programmes and withdrawing the US from the WHO. Anthony Zurcher travelled with the president on board Air Force One. In cities across the US, the Immigration Enforcement Agency has been conducting raids and arresting thousands of undocumented migrants, as part of President Trump’s crackdown. Mexico is preparing itself for the potential arrival of tens of thousands of people in the coming weeks. Will Grant reports from both sides of the border. In Bangladesh, deaths related to diseases, such as cholera and rotavirus are considered especially high, because of long-standing issues with overcrowding, poor sanitation and access to clean water. Rebecca Root visited a hospital in the capital, Dhaka, which is leading the way in treatment and prevention. Many of Guatemala’s indigenous communities live outside the major cities, and the stress of living isolated lives has fuelled mental health problems. A group of indigenous women is trying to change that. Jane Chambers went to lake Atitlan to meet them. The Malaysian state of Sabah, in northern Borneo, is a mountainous region covered in dense rainforest. On a recent visit there, Stephen Moss came across the increasingly rare black hornbill – and a new generation of keen birdwatchers. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie Hill

29 min
JAN 25

Israel, Gaza and the ceasefire

Kate Adie present stories from Israel and Gaza, Syria, Denmark, Spain and Poland. After a faltering start, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect last Sunday. Fergal Keane has been reporting on the conflict from the outset and was on Israel's border with Gaza last weekend – here he reflects on the human cost of the war and what the future might hold. Syrians have been embracing their new found freedoms since the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime last year. But, at the same time, the scale of Assad’s intelligence and surveillance operation is now coming to light. Lina Sinjab retraces her own experiences of being arrested by Syria’s secret police. We visit the Danish town of Kalundborg – the main manufacturing centre for the weight loss drug Wegovy. Bob Howard paid a visit to find out more about life in a modern-day boom town Climate change is posing a major challenge for wine producers across the world. Sophie Eastaugh travelled to Catalonia to find out how one of Spain’s oldest family-run wine companies is looking to the past for answers. 80 years ago, Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi extermination camp. Events are being held this week to remember the 1.1m people, mainly Jews, who were murdered there. Amie Liebowitz, a descendant of two women held at the camp, reflects on a recent visit there. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton Smith Production Coordinators: Katie Morrison & Sophie HIll

29 min
JAN 18

Escaping the LA Fires

Kate Adie introduces stories from Los Angeles, Cambodia, Argentina, Nigeria and Washington DC. The Los Angeles wild fires have left thousands of people homeless, and caused damage costing billions of dollars. Among those Angelenos who narrowly escaped disaster there is an overwhelming sense of relief - and, for some, a sense of guilt. BBC LA correspondent David Willis tells the story of his own close call. Cambodia’s 12th Century temple complex, Angkor Wat, is the world’s biggest religious site and a huge tourist attraction. Authorities want to increase visitor numbers, which has led to locals living in the jungle around the site being evicted from their homes. Jill McGivering went to investigate. Javier Milei was elected president of Argentina a little over a year ago, following an eccentric campaign in which he promised radical economic reform. Charlotte Pritchard visited a chewing-gum factory in Buenos Aires, to find out what business owners think of the progress the country is making so far. In Nigeria we navigate the bustling urban sprawl of Lagos to find a wildlife sanctuary in an unlikely spot. It's the work of a local school teacher who wants to teach locals about conversation and the importance of biodiversity. Kirsty Lang paid a visit. Washington DC is making preparations for Donald Trump's inauguration next week. As he enters the White House, the Republicans will control of all three branches of government. Paddy O’Connell looks back to his own time working in Washington, when American voters were seemingly much more willing to share support for both political parties. Series producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

29 min
JAN 11

The Israeli and Palestinian schism

Kate Adie presents stories from Israel and the Palestinian territories, South Korea, Canada and Finland. If and when a ceasefire deal is agreed between Israel and Hamas, it is likely to do little to mend the deepening mistrust between many Israeli and Palestinian communities. Jon Donnison has lived and worked in the region for many years, and he reflects on the challenges he faces as a journalist, navigating relationships with friends and contacts who hold starkly different views of the conflict. Feminism is facing a serious backlash in South Korea. Many women who advocate for gender equality are often depicted as man-haters, and are relentlessly trolled by anonymous online attackers - some women have even lost their jobs due to pressure from angry male activists. Jean MacKenzie heard one woman's experience. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation this week after nine years in power. Neal Razzell reflects on Mr Trudeau’s meteoric rise as the darling of the country's liberal voters - and why many Canadians fell out of love with him. Finland's new status as a NATO member was put to the test recently, after a Russian ship was suspected of severing an underwater power cable on Christmas Day. Emilia Jansson was home for the holidays, and reveals how the incident has been met with both fascination and suspicion by Finns. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison

29 min

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At 25, Hannah’s life begins falling apart. An anonymous intruder has made her phone her enemy. Aided by the technology we all rely on, this intruder is watching Hannah, threatening her, even pretending to be her. Feeling increasingly unsafe, Hannah goes to the police, but they can’t stop it. Worse, they don’t even recognise it for what it is: stalking. Hannah doesn’t know for sure who is behind it all, but she suspects an older man she met more than two years earlier at London Fashion Week. Initially, he claimed to have been hacked. Even today, he disputes stalking her. To make sense of what’s happening Hannah turns to a woman she’s known since she was seven years-old, and who also happens to be an investigative journalist. Together with her “ex-step mum” Carole Cadwalladr, they set out to piece together something the police couldn’t: the true identity of Hannah’s stalker. Doing so means untangling a web of deception spanning continents. On her suspected stalker’s trail, Hannah realises nothing about them is as she first thought.

4.6 (47)

TRUE CRIME
The day’s top stories from BBC News. Keeping you informed on the important global events, including the latest on US politics and developments in Ukraine and Gaza. Delivered twice a day at weekends, daily at weekends. Follow or subscribe, so you never miss an episode. Also listen to The Happy Pod, every Saturday, for the happiest stories of the week. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

4.2 (1248)

DAILY NEWS
Peak Danger is Season 2 of Extreme, the BBC podcast about those who chase the impossible... who strive for superhuman status and refuse to accept that life has any limits. Every season tells an unforgettable, action-packed story about people who’ve pushed their minds and bodies to the very edge – but at what cost? A mountain of trouble... In August 2008, around 30 climbers took on K2. Over 2 disastrous days, 11 of those people would lose their lives. This is the story of what really happened. Sitting on the border between China and Pakistan, K2 is a perfect pyramid that pierces through the clouds. It looks like a kid’s drawing of a mountain…but this terrifying peak is anything but child’s play. Newlyweds Cecilie Skog and her husband Rolf Bae loved climbing mountains almost as much as they loved one another. In the summer of 2008, they embarked on a honeymoon like no other, when they decided to climb K2. What happened next would change their lives and the lives of everyone around them…forever. A devastating avalanche scatters high altitude climbers across K2’s steep slopes. Life and death rescue missions quickly get underway. Who can be saved… before time runs out? Historian and podcaster Natalia Mehlman Petrzela returns with a sky-high story of human vs nature, and of survival against all the odds. What does it really take to push yourself to the brink of human possibility? How does it feel to stand with the whole world at your feet? And is it ever worth risking death… in order to feel alive?

4.3 (28)

PERSONAL JOURNALS
The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past. History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium for Joan of Arc to become a saint? And was Catherine the Great really all that great? Whether you want to explore ancient landmarks like Stonehenge and Machu Picchu, dance through the history of Broadway and Bollywood, or find out how the Tudors rose to power, Greg and his guests promise to teach you something new that you won’t have heard in history lessons. Previous episodes of You’re Dead To Me have covered everything from royals to revolutionaries, actors to activists and divas to dictators. Take a stroll through the history of high-heeled shoes or get the scoop on the history of ice cream. Maybe you’d like to paint like the cave artists of the Palaeolithic era, work out like a Victorian bodybuilder, or fight like a Spartan? We’ve even hosted a special, live episode with the BBC Concert Orchestra to explore the dramatic life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Whatever your historical interests, Greg and his guests make even the trickiest topics easy to follow. Join them for a history lesson that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening - with no homework required.

4.8 (671)

HISTORY
Season 7: World of Secrets presents: The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam. Also: Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape. And: The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. Delve into a World of Secrets: the global investigations podcast from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Latest season: World of Secrets presents, The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam. It was the biggest gold discovery in history…until it wasn’t. In 1995, Canadian mining company Bre-X announced to the world it had found a significant amount of gold deep in the jungles of Indonesia. Stock prices soared as investors worldwide fought to stake their claim. But when Bre-X’s chief geologist mysteriously fell from a helicopter over the jungle, the story of the billion dollar discovery began to unravel. Nearly three decades later, no one has ever been held accountable. Now, host Suzanne Wilton takes listeners from the jungles of Indonesia to small town Alberta, Canada, to investigate what really happened and find out more about the man behind the biggest goldmine fraud of all time. Produced for the BBC World Service and CBC by BBC Scotland Productions. The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam was first published in May 2024. Previous seasons of World of Secrets: Season 6: The Bad Guru. A yoga school in London. A guru running from the police. How did Miranda get sucked in? Journalist Cat McShane investigates the international yoga movement headed by Gregorian Bivolaru, the spiritual guide arrested by French police in November 2023 and charged with human trafficking, organised kidnapping, rape and organised abuse of weakness by members of a sect. Season 5: Finding Mr Fox. Investigating a plot to smuggle around a hundred millions of dollars’ worth of drugs from Brazil to Europe and the miscarriage of justice that followed. But where is the man Brazilian police believe to be at the centre of it all? Season 4: Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods. Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed – then owner of Harrods, one of the most famous shops in the world – is accused of rape and attempted rape by women who worked for him. Now they refuse to be silenced any longer. Season 3: The Apartheid Killer. All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. They were killed during a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, in the South African city of East London – by one person. He killed so many, he lost count. In piecing together this story, we expose the disturbed past and racial injustices of South Africa itself. Season 2: The Disciples. The cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua. A story of miracles, faith and manipulation, told by people from around the world, who gave up everything for one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Lured by TB Joshua’s claimed healing powers, they live as disciples in a guarded Lagos compound, cut off from family and friends. Season 1: The Abercrombie Guys. An investigation into claims of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. He and his British partner were accused by several men, recruited for sex events they hosted around the world.

4.7 (235)

DOCUMENTARY
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world. History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation. If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements. Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets. Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis? In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.

4.4 (841)

HISTORY

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4.7

out of 5

81 Ratings

Excellent

2022-07-07

adagshdjdjskd

My favourite BBC news cast. Nothing like getting it from the man on the spot.
Thank you!

2017-12-26

Jokin Z

I enjoy very much all the dispatches included in this program. Kudos to you for providing unbiased and illustrated stories.
Love it!

2015-10-15

Illadelph55

Been loving this for years! Great behind the scenes look at news.
News with soul indeed...

2010-11-09

Hamidski

From our own correspondent adds the human dimension to the otherwise sterile and flat delivery of most newscasts. The correspondents add names, places, gestures and generally give you a sense that you are listening to a proper life experience, which is a nice break away from the scrolling ticker or the ephemeral top 10 news being read at the moment. It's also nice to see that foreign correspondents have a mind of their own. I always look forward to the next episode.