The Radio National Hour
ABC
A weekday magazine-style current affairs program hosted by one of Australia's pre-eminent and loved interviewers. Drawing on Fran's extensive current affairs and cultural knowledge, The Radio National Hour takes a thoughtful, deep dive into the important and challenging issues, and brings insightful and engaging conversations with big names in the arts, sport and culture.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 26, 2025 • 55min
China's climate target underwhelmed, but it's complicated
China’s slow and steady emissions reduction target has disappointed climate change experts, but is it better to under-promise and over deliver?
Sep 25, 2025 • 55min
The battle for Bradfield is over
For four months now there’s been a lingering battle for Bradfield - the Sydney seat that delivered achingly close results at the Federal Election. Today the Liberal party candidate, Giselle Kapterian, has withdrawn her challenge to the result, which Teal Independent, Nicolette Boele won by a mere 26 votes.
Sep 24, 2025 • 55min
'Very strong towards NATO', Trump sanctions force against Russian incursions
US President Donald Trump has abruptly changed his tune on Russia saying he thinks European forces should 'shoot-down' Russian aircraft if they violate NATO airspace.
Sep 23, 2025 • 55min
'An itch that's hard to scratch' - PM unlikely to meet with President Trump
Will he, won’t he? Is it a snub or just a scheduling snafu? Donald Trump’s Presidential schedulers have left Australia hanging, throwing that much anticipated meeting with the Anthony Albanese leader into doubt.
Sep 22, 2025 • 55min
Is Palestinian recognition a hollow gesture?
Australia has joined the UK, Canada and Portugal in recognising a Palestinian state, in defiance of allies like the United States. Is it more than a symbolic gesture?
Sep 19, 2025 • 55min
The final nail in America's Democracy coffin?
Are we witnessing the end of democracy in America? That’s the startling claim made by one of Australia’s leading thinkers on US politics, Emma Shortis, after a chain of events that culminated late this week in TV talk show host Jimmy Kimmel being pulled off air for criticising the Trump administration
Sep 18, 2025 • 54min
Ambitious, a con job, offensive: hot takes on the govt's 2035 target
The government has unveiled a 'goldilocks' emissions reduction target for 2035, describing the range of 62-70% as just right, but both sides of politics say its a fairytale, both too much and too little.
Sep 17, 2025 • 55min
Remembering the Sundance Kid, Robert 'Bob' Redford
“One of the Lions has passed …” the film world is in mourning today with news of the death of legendary actor, director and activist Robert Redford.
Sep 16, 2025 • 55min
Children targeted by snipers, fertility clinics bombed: UN report concludes Israel is committing genocide in Gaza
Israel has committed and is continuing to commit genocide in Gaza, according to the "most authoritative assessment" to date.
Sep 15, 2025 • 55min
A PSA for the PSA: prostate cancer screening age set to be lowered
New guidelines for prostate cancer screening are expected to be announced this month, offering men in their 40s the chance to get tested and get ahead of the curse, which impacts 26 thousand Aussie fellas every year.
