

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

36 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 30min
Will The Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal Change Hollywood Forever?
Scott Bryan, a TV critic and broadcaster, joins to dissect Netflix's jaw-dropping $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros' film and streaming operations. They explore how this could reshape film distribution, affecting cinemas and award eligibility. The conversation also dives into the challenges of viewer habits amidst Netflix's dominance in streaming. Shifting gears, they tackle the recent Eurovision controversy with multiple countries pulling out over Israel's participation, raising questions about broadcasting ethics and audience reactions.

17 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 29min
The Week: Starmer’s Budget Defence, Donations, and is Brexit Back?
Kay Burley, former Sky News presenter, reflects on her esteemed broadcasting career while dissecting political currents in the UK. She discusses Keir Starmer's strategic budget defense, noting positive reactions from Labour MPs and the public’s focus on benefits. The conversation turns to Starmer's shifting tone on Brexit, hinting at warmer EU relations, though real progress remains elusive. Burley also critiques the parliamentary exchanges and the implications of a £9 million donation to Reform UK, spotlighting the chaotic dynamics shaping current politics.

10 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 33min
Putin ‘Morally Responsible’ For Novichok Death
In this engaging discussion, Tom Symonds, a BBC news correspondent with firsthand experience of the Salisbury incidents, delves into the inquiry that deemed Putin 'morally responsible' for the death of Dawn Sturgess. Alongside Marie Lennon, a local journalist and host of the Salisbury Poisonings podcast, they explore the harrowing details of how Dawn was exposed to the deadly Novichok. Alex Forsyth, a local government expert, elaborates on the unexpected postponement of mayoral elections, revealing political tensions and implications for candidates.

28 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 45min
Is Russia Really Ready For War With Europe?
Join Europe editor Katya Adler, who analyzes EU politics and diplomacy, and The Economist's defense editor Shashank Joshi, as they explore Russia's alarming assertion of readiness for war with Europe. They dissect Putin's strategic messages, highlighting Russia's preference for battlefield gains over negotiations. BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam sheds light on the UK government's moves towards a new European defense fund and potential closer ties with the EU, revealing the economic implications of these shifts.

9 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 39min
The Jury’s (Kind Of) Out
Dominic Casciani, a BBC Home and Legal Affairs correspondent, discusses proposed reforms to jury trials, highlighting the shift of minor cases to magistrates and the implications for court backlogs. He emphasizes the potential efficiency of judge-only trials for fraud and complex cases while preserving jury trials for serious crimes. Meanwhile, John Fingleton, an independent regulator and author, critiques the UK's nuclear sector, revealing how regulatory complexity hinders infrastructure projects and advocating for broader reform in risk management and regulatory practices.

15 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
The Budget: Starmer Defends The Chancellor
Join Simon Jack, BBC business editor, as he dives into the recent UK–US pharmaceuticals deal, exploring its implications for NHS funding and the healthcare sector. He explains how the agreement secures zero tariffs on UK pharmaceutical exports for three years, but at a cost of increased NHS spending. Simon also discusses the possible effects of this deal on future investments in the UK pharma industry and reflects on the recent resignation of OBR's Richard Hughes, shedding light on the importance of fiscal oversight.

50 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 32min
The Budget: Rachel Reeves Denies Claims She Lied in the Run-Up
Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, faces tough questions about whether she misled the public regarding the UK’s finances and her fiscal policies. Joining her is Henry Zeffman, BBC's chief political correspondent, who breaks down the implications of Reeves' claims and the timing of the Office for Budget Responsibility's forecasts. The discussion includes a closer look at Labour's manifesto promises, the impact on public trust, and the controversial budget trade-offs. They also address the mixed reactions from the public regarding increased contributions.

16 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 43min
The Budget: Did Rachel Reeves Mislead the Public in the Run-Up?
Luke Sullivan, former political director for Keir Starmer, shares insider insights into the political fallout from Rachel Reeves' budget speech. He discusses allegations of misleading statements about public finances and examines the internal Labour Party response. Sullivan explains the complexities of budget projections, potential manifesto compromises, and how party dynamics are shaped by poll ratings. He also highlights the long-term political risks and emphasizes the need for competence as Labour navigates its future.

10 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 29min
The Week: Send Funding, Workers Rights And A Big Drop In Legal Migration
This week’s discussion dives into the implications of changes to SEND funding, which could significantly impact children across the UK. The hosts explore how Labour might position themselves to reverse tax rises later in their term. A startling drop in legal migration figures sparks conversation about its political ramifications. They also touch on the government's shift in employment rights protections and increasing pressures for businesses amid wage changes. Lastly, they discuss the unbudgeted defence spending commitments ahead of elections.

10 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 35min
The Budget: What Does It Actually Mean For You?
Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times, and Helen Miller, Director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, join to delve into the intricacies of the latest budget. They discuss the implications of higher taxes and the government's claim of lifting children out of poverty amidst rising costs for households. They explore how tax changes affect high earners, the challenges facing pensions, and the long-term pressures on education funding. It's a deep dive into what these fiscal decisions really mean for everyday citizens.


