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 1, 2025 • 55min
Woodside Energy hits the gas as fossil fuel deadlines loom
Is America’s threat to slap India with a 50 percent tariff driving the south-Asian power into the arms of Beijing?Just a few years ago India and China were exchanging fire across their borders, but now it's all smiles between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sino-India expert Manoj Kewalramani explains the geo-political manoeuvring underway at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.With the government just weeks away from announcing a refreshed 2035 emissions target, investigative journalist Marian Wilkinson examines the power plays and politics behind the proposed expansion of Woodside’s North West Shelf Gas Project for the latest Quarterly Essay: Woodside vs The Planet: How a Company Captured a Country. 100 days out from the social media ban for under-16’s taking effect, there are fresh concerns about how the tech giants will be able to police the new rule. The ABC's national technology reporter Ange Lavoipierre looks at the shortcomings and whether they could render the ban ineffective.
Aug 29, 2025 • 55min
Concerns parents poisoning kids with melatonin gummies
Compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Aug 28, 2025 • 55min
March for Australia wants to 'take our country back', but who are they?
As a search continues in Victoria’s High Country for a fugitive sovereign citizen accused of gunning down two police officers, the debate over nationwide anti-immigration marches planned for this weekend turns ugly.
Aug 27, 2025 • 55min
Bringing Indigenous languages back from the dead
Compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Aug 26, 2025 • 55min
The Government takes 'bold action' against Iran
Compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Aug 25, 2025 • 55min
The influencers selling a holiday in Afghanistan
Compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Aug 22, 2025 • 55min
The world's cemetries are running out of space, would you consider water cremation?
Compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Aug 21, 2025 • 55min
Is the AI bubble about to burst?
Compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Aug 20, 2025 • 55min
The ultimate nerd to riches story
Michael Rowland brings you compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Aug 19, 2025 • 55min
M. Gessen describes America's slide to autocracy and why we should make the dingo our best friend
Michael Rowland brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
