Newscast
BBC News
The BBC's daily news podcast, Newscast dives into the day's big stories so you're never out of your depth.Newscast picks the brains of BBC News experts so you're ready if someone picks yours, covering the latest developments in politics in Westminster and beyond.Newscast is hosted by trusted journalists including Adam Fleming, BBC Political Editor Chris Mason, Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.Catch Newscast seven-days a week and watch on BBC One at 23:40 on Thursday night or later on BBC iPlayer. GET IN TOUCH:
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastNewscast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Newscast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Americast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Newscast (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.Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Send us a message or voicenote via WhatsApp to 03301239480
Email Newscast@bbc.co.uk
Or use the hashtag #BBCNewscastNewscast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Newscast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Americast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Newscast (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.Americast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 31min
Old Newscast: Vladimir Putin elected Russian president for the first time, 2000 (Part 1)
Join Steve Rosenberg, BBC's Russia editor with deep insights into Russian politics, and Catherine Belton, a Washington Post reporter and author specializing in Russian affairs. They delve into Vladimir Putin's unexpected rise to the presidency in 2000 amidst the chaos of the 1990s. Topics include Boris Yeltsin's surprise resignation, the influence of oligarchs, and Putin's strategic decisions during the election. The discussion highlights how a struggling nation thirsted for stability, leading to Putin's ascent as a new leader.
28 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 46min
Live at Edinburgh Fringe: Israel’s Gaza City Plan, JD Vance's Fishing Trip & Kemi's Cheating Confession
In this lively discussion recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe, James Cook, Scotland Editor, shares insights on the intricate dynamics of Scottish politics. Des Clarke, host of Breaking The News, brings humor into the mix while Ailbhe Rea, Associate Editor at Bloomberg UK, analyzes the political ramifications of Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza plan and Keir Starmer's response. The trio also dives into Kemi Badenoch's confession about exposing a cheating classmate, blending serious topics with comedic anecdotes from the festival.
7 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 48min
Live at Edinburgh Fringe: John Swinney On Trump, Scottish Independence And The Loch Ness Monster
John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, shares fascinating insights in a lively discussion. He recounts his encounter with Donald Trump, blending golf stories with political reflections. Swinney dives into the Scottish independence movement, highlighting the need for a clear electoral mandate. The conversation takes a whimsical turn when he discusses Scotland's most famous cryptid, the Loch Ness Monster, and its cultural significance. The atmosphere is vibrant, capturing the spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe while addressing pressing political issues.
Aug 6, 2025 • 47min
Live at Edinburgh Fringe: Masterchef, An AI MP & What The Polls Are Saying in Scotland
Kirsty Wark, a renowned Scottish journalist and former Newsnight host, and James Cook, BBC Scotland editor, engage in a lively discussion at the Edinburgh Fringe. They dive into the controversy surrounding BBC's MasterChef and Kirsty's role in exposing issues within the show. The duo also debates the ethical dilemmas of introducing AI into political roles, while analyzing Scotland's shifting political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections. With humor and insight, they navigate the complexities of current affairs and the festival's unique atmosphere.
9 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 53min
Live at Edinburgh Fringe: Why is Trump talking about actress Sydney Sweeney?
Sarah Smith, a seasoned journalist and former BBC News Washington correspondent, joins James Cook, BBC News' Scotland Editor, for a lively discussion from the Edinburgh Fringe. They dive into the surreal experience of covering Donald Trump and the chaotic energy of media reporting. The conversation touches on Trump's eyebrow-raising comments about nuclear submarines and the cultural impact of celebrity endorsements, particularly focusing on a controversial commercial. Humor and politics intertwine as they explore Scottish identity and the challenges of live broadcasting.
9 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 56min
Live at Edinburgh Fringe: Brian Cox and James Graham!
Brian Cox, a celebrated Scottish actor known for his extensive film and stage work, joins forces with James Graham, a British playwright famous for his political dramas. Together, they dive into reimagining the 2008 financial crisis for the stage, with Brian portraying economist Adam Smith's ghost. Their conversation also touches on the impact of Storm Floris on the festival and tackles the rising ticket prices at the Edinburgh Fringe, emphasizing the need for greater accessibility in theater.
Aug 2, 2025 • 31min
Old Newscast: The Expenses Scandal, 2009 (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, journalist Chris Hope, known for his work on the MP expenses scandal, joins BBC's Jo Coburn, a seasoned political reporter. They delve into the scandal’s aftermath, revealing how it shattered public trust in politicians. Topics include intense scrutiny of MPs, the push for greater transparency, and the role of social media in reshaping political journalism. Hope and Coburn reflect on the scandal’s lasting effects on accountability in politics and how it sparked a transformative shift in British political culture.
9 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 43min
Old Newscast: The Expenses Scandal, 2009 (Part 1)
Chris Hope, political editor at GB News and former Whitehall editor at The Telegraph, joins Jo Coburn, a seasoned journalist and broadcaster, to delve into the explosive MPs' expenses scandal of 2009. They discuss the dramatic leak that revealed questionable expense claims and changed public trust in politics. Hear about the 'John Lewis List,' the absurdity of claims like the duck house, and the intense backlash MPs faced. This conversation reveals how financial mismanagement led to a political crisis and a demand for accountability.
8 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 33min
The Battle For Car Finance Compensation
Dharshini David, Deputy Economics Editor at the BBC, and Theo Leggett, BBC's International Business Correspondent, discuss a landmark Supreme Court ruling impacting car finance compensation. They analyze the court's finding that lenders aren't bound to prioritize customer interests, shifting the landscape for consumers. The conversation dives into the secrecy of commission payments and its implications for consumer rights. Additionally, the duo examines President Trump's increasing tariffs and their potential ripple effects on global markets.
8 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 23min
Trump v Carney (Again)
Gary O’Donoghue, Chief North America Correspondent, joins the discussion on Canada recognizing a Palestinian state and the diplomatic repercussions it has with the U.S. The podcast dives into Trump's fierce response and its potential fallout on trade deals. O'Donoghue unpacks Canada's geopolitical struggles at the UN while addressing varied international reactions. The chat humorously contrasts the serious nature of politics with pop culture, highlighting the amusing intersections between celebrity news and political life.
