From Our Own Correspondent

BBC

4.7 (16)
News Commentary
Every two weeks

Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world

5 days ago

France's 'David and Goliath' Fight Against Wildfires

Kate Adie introduces stories from France, Ecuador, the occupied West Bank, the Thailand-Myamar border and South Korea. Firefighters across Europe have been battling wildfires this week and in the southwest of France, an area four times the size of Paris burnt outside Bordeaux. President Macron said it was the toughest situation the country had dealt with since the Second World War. Newyddion S4C's Gwyn Loader reports from the Gironde region. Despite President Daniel Noboa's tough policies promising to crack down hard on drug trafficking and gang violence in Ecuador, the country is still terrorised by cartels and corruption. BBC senior international correspondent Orla Guerin saw how rampant crime is fuelling a climate of fear. There has been an increase in attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank in recent months. BBC Middle East correspondent Lucy Williamson spent two weeks in the area around Nablus, speaking to Palestinian residents and a hardline Israeli settler about the violence. Since the military coup in Myanmar, the border city of Mae Sot in Thailand has become a haven for refugees, exiled civilians, politicians, and war-weary rebel fighters. BBC Southeast Asia correspondent Jonathan Head sensed a mood of exhaustion in Myanmar's fractured opposition. The South Korean government has spent billions trying to get younger people coupled up, to combat the country's shrinking population - and they're not the only ones. BBC South Korea correspondent Jake Kwon travelled to a mountainside temple where Buddhist monks have been hosting special speed-dating weekends. Series Producer: Emma Close Production coordinators: Gemma Ashman & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
25 Jul

India's 'cockroach' student protests

Kate Adie introduces stories on India's 'cockroach' protests, anger in Ukraine over army recruitment, the Iranian school bombed at the start of the war, fears over voting changes in America's deep south, and the bio-hacking phenomenon in Berlin. The Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, is now one of India's most visible youth movements, driving tens of thousands of students to take to the streets to protest about education, corruption, and a lack of job opportunities. Azadeh Moshiri met demonstrators in central Delhi. President Zelensky’s decision to replace Ukraine's popular defence minister Mykhailo Federov triggered an outburst of anger this week. The country's military is struggling on several fronts - not least when it comes to signing-up new soldiers. Sarah Rainsford reports on the growing hostility around conscription. In Iran we return to the opening hours of the conflict back in February, when a strike on an Iranian school transformed an ordinary Saturday morning into one of the war's defining tragedies - and its deadliest single incident for civilians. Nawal Al-Maghafi returned to the scene in Minab. In Alabama, there is concern that a recent decision by the US Supreme Court could roll back hard-earned civil rights victories which protected the interests of minority African-American voters. Brandon Drenon has been speaking to voters in Tuskegee. And so-called bio-hacking – using data to optimise one’s health, mental performance, and longevity - is being embraced by start-ups across Europe. Simon Busch has been finding out more in Berlin - one of the industry’s thriving hubs. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Gemma Ashman & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
22 Jul

From Vietnam to Vatileaks: A Tribute to David Willey

In this special edition of From Our Own Correspondent, we remember BBC Correspondent David Willey, who reported from around the world for more than half a century, and who died recently. David was a prolific contributor to this programme throughout his life and was still writing for the programme into his 93rd year. In an interview recorded last year for the ‘From Our Own Correspondent at 70’ programme, David tells Today presenter Anna Foster about his early travels reporting from around the world from Libya to China, as well as his long-time role as BBC Vatican Correspondent. This podcast also features some of his most memorable dispatches, including a report on troop morale in Vietnam in the 1970s, a lavish party thrown by Colonel Gadaffi in Libya in 2009 to mark his 40th year in power; insights from inside the Vatican amid the ‘Vatileaks’ scandal of 2012; and recollections from 2023 about when he first met Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi at his estate near Milan, where he got a private tour of the billionaire businessman’s private mausoleum.
18 Jul

Bangladesh's Deadly Measles Outbreak

Kate Adie introduces stories on Bangladesh's deadly measles outbreak, France's military flex on Bastille Day, Albania's 'flamingo revolution', Ecuador's bird-watching boom, and remembering BBC Rome correspondent David Willey. Bangladesh is experiencing a severe measles outbreak, with around 700 people dying of confirmed and suspected cases since March - most of them children. BBC South Asia Correspondent Azadeh Moshiri reports from a hospital, north of the capital Dhaka. France celebrated Bastille Day this week, which marks the beginning of the French revolution. This was the last parade under President Emmanuel Macron, who steps down from office next year – but he made sure to make his mark, showcasing French military power and celebrating unity with its allies. James Waterhouse reports from Paris. In Albania, the pink flamingo has become an unlikely symbol of protest, reflecting environmental concerns over a proposed tourism development that triggered recent protests. But as Guy De Launey discovered, unhappiness among voters runs much deeper. Ecuador is one of the best places to watch birds anywhere in the world, boasting some 1600 species – twice as many as the whole of Europe. Unsurprisingly, birding tourism is thriving. Stephen Moss has been ticking off some rare spots. And veteran BBC correspondent, David Willey, died last weekend at the age of 93. Across a career spanning decades, he reported from around the world - covering communist China, the Vietnam war, and Libya during in Gaddafi era. His former producer, Joanne Cayford, remembers her time working with him during his long-standing role as BBC Rome correspondent. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Gemma Ashman & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
11 Jul

Iran: The Funeral of Ayatollah Khamanei

Kate Adie presents stories on the burial of Ayatollah Khamanei in Iran, a diplomatic correspondent's return to Moscow, a pioneering therapy centre in Ukraine's West, Italian lessons in Argentina and the restoration of the Casbah in Algiers. The streets of major cities across Iran have been lined with mourners attending the funeral procession of former leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei. But as the coffin was transported between cities, renewed attacks on tankers in the strait of Hormuz threw the region into more turmoil, prompting a heavy US response. Lyse Doucet has been in Tehran. Ukraine has been escalating its attacks deeper into Russian territory on refineries and ports. Plumes of black smoke stretching across the Moscow skyline have brought the war with Ukraine closer to home for everyday Russians. James Landale has been back to the Russian capital. Meanwhile Russia has launched devastating attacks across Ukraine and in Kyiv's centre killing dozens of civilians. And hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are living with the physical and psychological scars of war. Lucy Ash has been to a pioneering psychological retreat. Two-thirds of Argentina's population can trace their roots back to Italy. Their ancestors arrived during the 19th and 20th century when Argentina was one of the fastest growing countries in the world. But, as the economy stutters, Italian Argentines are increasingly returning home to Europe, finds Jane Chambers In Algiers, the ancient ‘Casbah’ – the historic citadel and medina - has been the focus of multiple forsaken plans for its regeneration. But now, at last, a restoration is gathering pace, says Philip Sweeney. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Gemma Ashman & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Vadon
4 Jul

Venezuela Earthquakes: Rescue and Recovery

Kate Adie introduces stories on Venezuela's earthquake recovery efforts, the rapid start of Hungary's new PM, a post-Soviet reunion at a border-town bazaar, and does the American Dream still hold up as America celebrates 250 years of independence. In Venezuela, family and friends have joined rescue workers in trying to find survivors after two earthquakes hit the country’s north last week. It was the country’s deadliest natural disaster in a century. Will Grant returned to his old neighbourhood in the capital Caracas, where he met locals still searching for news of their loved ones. Hungary's new Prime Minister Peter Magyar has been in office for less than 60 days, but has quickly set about rolling back laws and dismantling institutions built up by former strongman PM Viktor Orban, Such is this political whirlwind, it's become must-see TV. Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest. The break- up of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the independence and redrawing of the borders of its fifteen republics, including central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Ibrat Safo, who grew up in Uzbekistan, tells the story of how his family became separated for decades - and how a new border-town bazaar became the scene of a poignant reunion. And it’s the 4th of July – which this year marks 250 years of American independence. This year’s anniversary has prompted much introspection about what the USA stands for as a nation, and recent surveys have found a shrinking number of Americans still believe in their country as the land of opportunity. Asma Khalid reflects on her own family’s pursuit of the American Dream. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
27 Jun

Afghanistan’s Secret Schools for Women

Kate Adie introduces stories on Afghanistan's secret schools, the tension around Jerusalem's holy sites, how Jamaica is bouncing back from Hurricane Melissa, Thailand's snakebite problem, and some nervous laughter in Moscow's comedy clubs. In Afghanistan women are facing ever tighter restrictions in almost every aspect of public life. Yogita Limaye has been in Afghanistan where she spoke to a young woman determined to keep her dreams alive by covertly flouting Taliban rules. In Israel, Wyre Davies reports on how the decades old agreement known as the 'Status Quo' is under threat, as Israeli nationalists flout the rules that govern Jerusalem's holiest site, which is known to Jews as the Temple Mount, and to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary). Last October, Hurricane Melissa - one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record - hit Jamaica, killing at least 45 people, and causing widespread devastation across the island. Eight months on, communities are rebuilding and recovering - Antonia Windsor went to visit them. In Thailand’s capital Bangkok, emergency service a receive snake-related call roughly every 15 minutes. Rebecca Root spent time with experts exploring the rise of human-snake encounters - and why their work on anti-venom production is vital. And after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow enacted new laws that made public criticism of the war a potential imprisonable offence. For the country’s comedians – for whom political satire has long been a staple of their performance - there’s now a tricky tightrope to tread, reports Ben Tavener in Moscow. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
27 Jun • Subscribers Only

Afghanistan's secret schools for women

Kate Adie introduces stories on Afghanistan's secret schools, the tension around Jerusalem's holy sites, how Jamaica is bouncing back from Hurricane Melissa, Thailand's snakebite problem, and some nervous laughter in Moscow's comedy clubs. In Afghanistan, women are facing ever tighter restrictions in almost every aspect of public life. Yogita Limaye has been in Afghanistan where she spoke to a young woman determined to keep her dreams alive by covertly flouting Taliban rules. In Israel, Wyre Davies has a report from Jerusalem on how the ‘status quo’ at one of the holiest sites for Islam and Judaism, the Al Aqsa mosque compound, known by Jews as Temple Mount, is under threat from Israeli nationalists. Last October, Hurricane Melissa - one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record - hit Jamaica, killing at least 45 people, and causing widespread devastation across the island. Eight months on, communities are rebuilding and recovering - Antonia Windsor went to visit them. In Thailand’s capital Bangkok, emergency service a receive snake-related call roughly every 15 minutes. Rebecca Root spent time with experts exploring the rise of human-snake encounters - and why their work on anti-venom production is vital. And after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow enacted new laws that made public criticism of the war a potential imprisonable offence. For the country’s comedians – for whom political satire has long been a staple - there’s now a tricky tightrope to tread, reports Ben Tavener in Moscow. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

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Global investigations from the BBC. Gripping stories from around the world – delve into a World of Secrets. Latest season: DNA detectives track down the British soldiers who fathered children in Kenya then disappeared. The mothers and children were left without support. We join the quest for justice. Also, previously on World of Secrets: The Darkest Web: Two US special agents infiltrate the dark web to rescue children. With access to the elite global team who hunt down people creating and trading in child sexual abuse materials. Death in Dubai: A woman falls from a tower block and her name starts trending. But behind the online rumours lies an even darker reality. And The Abercrombie Guys: Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch.

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Documentary
The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

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Daily News
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 Misha Glenny 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 Nefertiti. 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.

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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.

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Next on Intrige: Lockerbie One of the world's longest running conspiracies. Who was really behind the Lockerbie bombing? On 21 December 1988, a plane explodes over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people. A Libyan man, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, is convicted. Despite a global investigation Megrahi's conviction, and the failed appeals that followed, are still tainted - for some - with doubt and conspiracy theory. Myles Bonnar wants to find out why. Now, almost four decades on; fresh evidence and a new trial. The alleged bomb maker Abu Agila Masud is in custody, with a trial expected to begin any day. He denies any involvement in the Lockerbie bombing. Journalist Myles Bonnar (Dead Man Running, Shiny Bob) picks apart the original investigation and finds himself in a world full of militant groups, top secret files and grieving families who will never give up on the pursuit of the truth. Intrigue: 'Jaw-dropping', 'gripping', 'bingeable,' 'thrilling' - dramatic true stories and investigations that reveal how the world really works.

4.4 (8)

True Crime
They steal billions: Cyber Hack investigates the alleged cyber gangs and the heists and hacks they’re accused of carrying out. No one is said to be safe. From Hollywood studios, to international banks, from crypto exchanges to hospitals and diamond companies, law enforcement agencies say they cause chaos around the globe. Who will be next? And where is the money going? Latest season: A global campaign of cybercrime nets a ruthless gang of hackers millions of dollars but leaves hospitals helpless, businesses on the brink and a country on its knees. That’s until an act of apparent revenge exposes a giant trove of their secret communications. Previously on Cyber Hack: Evil Corp. The Russian Evil Corp is accused of being a family crime gang, responsible for stealing hundreds of millions of dollars. Law enforcement agencies say they are “the most pervasive cybercrime group to ever have operated”. No one is off limits – not even a group of nuns in Chicago. The Lazarus Heist. This hacking group is said to be behind the biggest crypto heist in history, stealing billions of dollars in the process. Investigators blame North Korea’s state-backed hackers The Lazarus Group, and say the stolen money is being used to finance its nuclear weapons and missile development programs. Pyongyang denies involvement. Among the Lazarus Group’s many targets are Hollywood’s Sony Entertainment and the Bank of Bangladesh. ATMs are cleaned out of money, while its operatives live double lives in a hacker hotel. But where does the money trail lead?

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True Crime

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Kate Adie

Host
Pascale Harter

Host
Caroline Wyatt

Host
Gwyn Loader

Guest
Azadeh Moshiri

Guest
James Waterhouse

Guest
Guy De Launey

Guest
Stephen Moss

Guest
Joanne Cayford

Guest
Lyse Doucet

Guest

4.7

out of 5

16 Ratings

Beautiful

07/12/2020

dj bigdan

Podcast I’m a father of 1 daughter 24 years old in all my life I have love psychology even being night club DJ for all my life it to it helps me to understand when people get drunk to get in the mind why people keep drinking even when is not good they keep drinking Thank you for your education 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧❤️
Correspondingly comprehensive

01/11/2006

stemcells

A high quality podcast, with down to earth detailed accounts of various regions of the world, delivered in a timely newsworthy manner. The news behind the news, it gives eye-witness accounts of people and events that shape headlines. Moreover, the correspondents provide their own voice to their carefully crafted words, delivering the journalistic equivalent of "haute quisine" in a poetical manner. Wordy wit may make the story seem a little contrived, but the good certainly overrides the bad and emphasis is placed on clarity. There are few places where one can gain such a wealth of knowledge in such a delightfully succinct and enjoyable manner.