SATURDAY 04 OCTOBER 2025

SAT 00:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3yfb8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 00:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct72wm)
Science inspired by Taylor Swift

The launch of Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, has inspired this week’s episode of Unexpected Elements.

First up, we hear how a Brazilian songbird courts its mate as part of a boyband. We then find out about the microbes that dance to survive in their extreme habitat.

Next up, Professor Troy Magney, a forest ecophysiologist at the University of Montana, tells us about his TSWIFT machine and how it can assess the health of the planet’s forests.

Also in the programme, we find out why migratory birds trick weather data, how fish sing, and how hackers used SWIFT bank payments to nearly pull off a billion-dollar heist.

All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Camilla Mota and Godfred Boafo
Producers: Imaan Moin and Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Robbie Wojciechowski and Lucy Davies


SAT 01:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3yk2d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pjxy2s)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qmxbs)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct714q)
How a festival in Saudi Arabia rocked the American comedy world

This week, some of the world’s most influential comedians have travelled to Saudi Arabia, for comedy festival organized by the government of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The bill for the Riyadh Comedy Festival includes superstars like Aziz Ansari, Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and Louis CK. And the event has attracted significant backlash, with critics accusing the participating comedians of helping Saudi Arabia to “comedy-wash” its record on human rights and free speech.

We speak to the comedian Gianmarco Soresi, who has been highly critical of peers who chose to play the festival, and from BBC security correspondent and resident Saudi Arabia expert, Frank Gardner.

Producers: Xandra Ellin and Valerio Esposito
Executive producers: James Shield and Annie Brown
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins


SAT 02:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3yntj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pjy1tx)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qn12x)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 02:32 Stumped (w3ct6zjt)
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and the Women’s World Cup

Alison Mitchell is in Guwahati and Mumbai to sample the sights and sounds as the long-awaited Women's World Cup gets underway. Joining Alison are the ABC's Brett Sprigg and Akashvani's Charu Sharma.

We speak exclusively to BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia about the growth of women's cricket in India, and whether handshakes will be exchanged ahead of India's match against Pakistan in Colombo.

Plus, President of the Assam Cricket Association, Taranga Gogoi, tell us about the prestige of being asked to assume hosting duties in place of Bangalore.

Photo: Stumped presenter Alison Mitchell with India fans outside the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India. (Credit: BBC)


SAT 03:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3yskn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 03:06 Outlook (w3ct6whf)
Outlook Mixtape: Saved by the bell

Dr Katriona O'Sullivan from Coventry in the UK was born to parents addicted to heroin. She was neglected and, at times, not even fed. But, thanks to the encouragement and nurturing of two influential teachers, Katriona's life took a very different turn - she became a university professor and even made a speech at the United Nations. Katriona's written a book about her life called Poor.

Riyad Aljoboury is a teacher from the Iraqi town of Hamam Al Halil. It's located around 30 kilometres southeast of the city of Mosul which, between 2016 and 2017, was at the centre of an intense battle by Iraqi forces to flush out the Islamic State group. After the group stormed into Riyad's town in 2014 he was forced to teach English to their children. He spoke to Anu Anand in 2017.

Tito Quiroz used to wave up at the inmates of the prison next door to his university in Ensenada, Mexico, and they'd wave back from their cell windows. Then, one day, he got the opportunity to go inside to teach them his passion, the violin. Tito endured the somewhat intimidating atmosphere inside, and found an audience desperate to learn. One man in particular - Arturo Reyna - would use the music he was imbued with to turn his life around. Outlook reporter Clayton Conn went to meet them in 2019.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: June Christie

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Cassette tape. Credit: Getty Images)


SAT 03:50 Witness History (w3ct744d)
The acquittal of OJ Simpson

It’s 30 years since American football star OJ Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.

Ron Shipp was a close friend of OJ Simpson's and also a police officer, he decided to testify against him in the criminal trial.

In 2017, Ron spoke to Rebecca Kesby about why he wanted to testify.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.

(Photo: OJ Simpson at his double murder trial. Credit: VIince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images)


SAT 04:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3yx9s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 04:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct72wm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 today]


SAT 05:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3z11x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pjyf29)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qndb9)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 05:32 Trending (w3ct72tn)
Deepfaking disability

A growing industry of content creators is teaching people how to make money from AI models, promising quick profits. Their strategy: steal content, alter faces with AI, and funnel users from Instagram to adult platforms. And one trend has caught the internet’s attention - Down’s Syndrome deepfakes.

Rowan Ings and Nathalie Jimenez dive into the growing world of AI deepfakes, how it works, and hear from victims about the human cost of turning AI into a business of exploitation.

Reporters: Rowan Ings and Nathalie Jimenez
Producer: Nathalie Jimenez
Editor: Flora Carmichael


SAT 05:50 More or Less (w3ct6vzg)
Is the world getting less miserable?

When you follow the news, particularly in countries like the UK and the US, it sometimes feels like people are less optimistic about their lives than they were in the past.
But a new piece of analysis from polling company Gallup suggests this might just be the local view, not the global one.
Using data from the Gallup World Poll, it suggests that “people in more countries are living better lives and expressing more hope for the future” than at any point in the last decade.

Tim Harford speaks to Gallup’s Benedict Vigers, who wrote the report, to understand what improvements in the “global median for thriving” really means.
If you’ve seen a number in the news you think we should look at, email the team: moreorless@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Tim Harford
Series producer: Tom Colls
Sound mix: Bob Nettles
Editor: Richard Vadon


SAT 06:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3z4t1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 06:06 Weekend (w172zw89jqs6qj0)
Trump tells Israel to stop bombing Gaza

Hamas says it accepts the United States' peace plan in principle. President Trump says he believes they are ready for a "lasting peace." Following the US president's message, the Israeli army said it is scaling down its offensive in Gaza.

Also in today's programme:Japan's governing party is selecting its new leader who could go on to become Prime Minister. And, the debate over whether sharks nets should be deployed in the ocean to keep Australians safe.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Melanie McDonagh, a UK-based journalist, columnist and arts critic and Seyi Rhodes, TV reporter, film producer and trainee teacher based in London in the studio.

Photo: US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu press conference at the White House, Washington, USA - 29 Sep 2025.
Jim Lo Scalzo/ EPA


SAT 07:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3z8k5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 07:06 Weekend (w172zw89jqs6v84)
Israeli army says it is scaling down offensive in Gaza

Israeli army said it is scaling down its offensive in Gaza after US President Donald Trump told Israel it must stop bombing Gaza immediately after Hamas had announced it would agree to his peace plan in principle.

Also on the programme: the continuing mystery in Afghanistan as to why the Taliban shut the Internet off for two days this week; and a chess match between the United States and India today that the organisers hope may get rowdy.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Melanie McDonagh, a UK-based journalist, columnist and arts critic and Seyi Rhodes, TV reporter, film producer and trainee teacher based in London in the studio.

(Photo: Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City, as seen from an undisclosed location along the Israeli-Gaza border, Israel, 30 September 2025. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)


SAT 08:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3zd99)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 08:06 Weekend (w172zw89jqs6z08)
Hamas agrees to release hostages

Israeli media reports a statement from the prime minister's office, saying that the government is preparing for the release of the remaining hostages as the first part of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza. Mr Trump had earlier told Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas agreed to release all hostages, living and dead. But Palestinian civil defence authorities in Gaza say there has been heavy bombing overnight.

Also on today's programme: This week, the comic strip Peanuts is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Our reporter has been speaking to the widow of Charles Schulz. And, due to political inaction on the climate and energy crisis, a couple in East London take matters into their hands and turn the street where they live into a renewable power station.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Melanie McDonagh, a UK-based journalist, columnist and arts critic and Seyi Rhodes, TV reporter, film producer and trainee teacher based in London in the studio.

(Photo:Palestinians walk past a residential building destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept some other terms in a U.S. plan to end the war, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip October 4, 2025. Reuters/Mahmoud Issa


SAT 09:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3zj1f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct6rn4)
Conversations from a year in Gaza and Israel

In this special edition of BBC OS Conversations, we look back over the past 12 months of the conflict between Israel and Hamas through the conversations we have recorded.

It’s almost two years since Hamas militants attacked Israel – killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostage. In response, the Israeli government vowed to destroy Hamas. Since then – according to the Hamas-run health ministry – more than 60,000 people have been killed in air and ground attacks, the United Nations says that most of the population has had to leave their homes, and half a million are facing starvation.

Throughout the conflict, we have spoken to families of those killed by Hamas or taken hostage. “It’s heartbreaking what is happening to our hostages and it’s heartbreaking to see what is happening in Gaza,” Sharone tells us.

One of our producers, Kristina, has also been receiving regular voice notes from 17-year-old Sanabel in Gaza. “October 7th is what I hate the most,” Sanabel says. “Because of this date, I lost everything in my life, literally everything.”

Presenter: Rahul Tandon
BBC Producers: Ben Davis, Iqra Farooq and Kristina Volk
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham

An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the OS team.

(Photo: Sanabel in Gaza. Credit: Sanabel)


SAT 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qnw9t)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 09:32 Pick of the World (w3ct7z5c)
Can we finally talk to animals?

Digital technology is transforming the ways we can understand creature communications - will AI help us even more? Plus the rare butterfly that led one man to his father, and the wondrous power of play.


SAT 09:50 Over to You (w3ct6xvw)
Telling the stories beyond the scoresheet

The World Service has launched a news sports show that it says will “tell the stories beyond the scoresheet”. We hear your views on whether More Than The Score will appeal to sports fans who are interested in the bigger picture. And we meet one of its presenters John Bennett plus the show’s producer, Jonathan McKeith.

Presenter: Rajan Datar
Producer Howard Shannon
A Whistledown production for BBC World Service


SAT 10:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3zmsk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 10:06 Not by the Playbook (w3ct8788)
Survival

Katie Smith presents a show all about survival and Dutch triathlete Els Visser knows exactly what it takes to survive against the odds. In 2014, Visser was a medical student travelling in Indonesia when the boat she was on started to sink. She made the decision to swim eight hours to a deserted island where she was finally rescued by a passing boat the next day. This not only saved her life, but it also set her on a career path that she never once imagined would be possible. She shares her story and how surviving a shipwreck led to her becoming a successful triathlete.

Danny Rensch has helped change the way chess is played, but his own path to chess mastery is one of trauma, isolation and resilience to the point he says chess saved him. He shares how chess was his tormentor but also his mentor with this talent for the game taken advantage of when he was younger and growing up in what he describes as a cult. He now says chess has helped provide solace through how he’s now helping others enjoy the game.

Eric Murangwa Eugene explains how football saved his life during the Rwandan genocide. At the time, he was an 18-year-old goalkeeper for one of Rwanda’s top football clubs. He tells Jake Warren why his life was saved when gunmen recognised him as a footballer.

Not by the Playbook also catches up with Kate Hwang – a former Kansas City police officer injured in the line of duty – after her medal success at the World Para Athletics Championships.

Image: Els Visser of The Netherlands celebrates winning the pro women's race during IRONMAN Maastricht-Limburg on August 5, 2018 in Maastricht, Netherlands. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Listen to Not by the Playbook on the BBC World Service every Saturday at 0900 GMT, or find it as a podcast wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Get in touch with us via email and use the hashtag #NBTP on social media.


SAT 11:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3zrjp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pjz4k2)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qp3t2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 11:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct78by)
Will Trump’s Gaza plan achieve ‘eternal peace’?

This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Donald Trump’s plan for peace in the Middle East will work, examines why Russia is risking further conflict in Europe by provoking NATO, and looks at the outcome of the parliamentary election in Moldova.

Producer: Kate Cornell
Executive Producer: Benedick Watt
Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski


SAT 12:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h3zw8t)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 12:06 World Book Club (w3ct74s4)
Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Harriett is joined by Silvia Moreno-Garcia to discuss her chilling bestseller Mexican Gothic.
The story begins when Noemí Taboada, a glamorous socialite from 1950s Mexico City, receives a desperate letter from her cousin Catalina, claiming her new husband is poisoning her. Unsure if Catalina is mad or truly in danger, Noemí rushes to High Place - a decaying English manor transplanted to the Mexican mountains. But is she to be the rescuer, or the unwitting prey of the evil that festers in the bones of the house? High Place, and its inhabitants, want Noemí, and it will take all her courage and ingenuity to save her cousin, and herself. A masterful blend of gothic suspense, startlingly vivid imagery and dark romance, Mexican Gothic has sparked intense fascination from readers around the world - and Silvia Moreno-Garcia will be answering questions from our global audience of book lovers. Why is Gothic literature seeing a resurgence in the 21st century? How does horror allow us to explore themes of colonialism and sexual violence? And where is the very real cemetery that inspired the setting of High House?


SAT 13:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h4000y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 13:06 Newshour (w172zss98dn44lk)
IDF told to prepare for phase one of Trump's plan

Israel's military says it's still operating in Gaza City and has warned Palestinians it's too dangerous to return. Earlier, President Trump told Israel to stop bombing the territory after Hamas said it accepted part of his peace plan -- including the release of all the hostages it's holding. But Gaza's Hamas-run civil defence agency says Israeli attacks continued overnight.

Also in the programme: Japan's governing party has chosen Sanae Takaichi as its leader -- putting her on course to become the country's first woman prime minister; the Czech writer, playwright and former dissident Ivan Klima has died at the age of 94; and Peanuts, the comic strip that gave the world Snoopy and Charlie Brown, is 75 today!


(Photo: There have been regular protests in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, as families of those taken by Hamas demand their return. Credit: EPA)


SAT 14:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h403s2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 14:06 Sportsworld (w172ztqqkzdmr4j)
Live Sporting Action

Sportsworld has live commentary from the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal look to go top of the Premier League table, when they take on West Ham United. There will also be updates of Manchester United against Sunderland, as Ruben Amorim’s side look to get back on track again.

The former Nottingham Forest and Brentford manager Mark Warburton and former Liverpool, Everton and England striker Natasha Dowie will be alongside Lee James to look ahead to those matches as well as the late game between Chelsea and champions Liverpool.

Away from the Premier League, we talk Bundesliga with leaders Bayern Munich against fourth place Eintracht Frankfurt and second place Borussia Dortmund versus third place RB Leipzig.

There will be the latest from qualifying for Formula One’s Singapore Grand Prix, the final round of the Rugby Championship, Women’s Cricket World Cup action between Australia and Sri Lanka and the WNBA finals.

Sportsworld will also be at the World Para Athletics Championships to assess action on day eight and how the competition has played out in India.

Image: Declan Rice of Arsenal passes the ball under pressure from Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United FC at Emirates Stadium on February 22, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)


SAT 18:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h40lrl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pjzzrz)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 18:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qpz0z)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 18:32 Trending (w3ct72tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 today]


SAT 18:50 More or Less (w3ct6vzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 today]


SAT 19:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h40qhq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 19:06 The Global Jigsaw (w3ct85vg)
Nuclear tensions in the Middle East

The narratives and the doctrines built on ever-growing suspicions and fears that are once again stirring the Middle East. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hasn’t just threatened to redraw the map of Europe - it has transformed the global security landscape. The ripple effects have been felt way beyond the continent, reigniting fears not felt since the Cold War - of a new nuclear arms race. In this episode we go back to the beginnings of nuclear ambitions in the Middle East to weigh up the consequences for the world today.

Contributors: Barry Sadid, Shaina Oppenheimer, Florence Dixon, Nihan Kale
Producer: Kriszta Satori, Barry Sadid
Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg
Music: Pete Cunningham


SAT 20:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h40v7v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 20:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct6ztv)
Actor, writer and director Embeth Davidtz

Nikki Bedi talks to American-South African actor, writer and now director Embeth Davidtz about her film, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight and is joined by cultural critic Leila Latif.

Oscar winning Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio and filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson discuss One Battle After Another.

Trinidadian writer Claire Adam talks about her Booker-longlisted novel Love Forms.

US artist Kerry James Marshall reveals his childhood inspiration.

Scottish singer songwriter Annie Lennox reflects on some of her iconic looks.

And actor and writer Eva Victor talks about their directorial film debut, the indie hit Sorry Baby.

Main image: Embeth Davidtz
Photo credit: Sony Pictures


SAT 21:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h40yzz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 21:06 Newshour (w172zss98dn53kl)
Netanyahu claims pressure on Hamas is working

Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said that diplomatic and military pressure have forced Hamas to agree to free the hostages it is holding. As Israel and Hamas prepare to take part in indirect talks in Cairo, Mr Netanyahu thanked Donald Trump for his peace plan.

Also in the programme: protests in Georgia; and 50 years of the Rocky Horror Show.

(Picture: Hostages Square 2-Year Rally - a large banner reads: 'It's Now or Never' - displayed in response to Trump's Gaza peace plan to end the war and the return of all the remaining hostages: The rally was held at Hostages Square to mark two years since the October 7 attacks. Credit: Hostages Families Forum)


SAT 22:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h412r3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 22:06 Not by the Playbook (w3ct8788)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 today]


SAT 23:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h416h7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pk0lhm)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SAT 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qqkrm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SAT 23:32 This Is Africa (w3ct72dh)
Guchi

Ugochi Lydia Onuoha, artist name Guchi, was born in Kaduna, grew up in Abuja and has ended up building a successful career in Lagos. She has managed to stand out from the crowd, and not just because of her signature purple hair.

Her Afrobeat songs are catchy and strike a chord, especially with young women. Her first single, No Be Jazzy, was released in 2019, and she hit the big time in 2021 with her viral hit Jennifer, which at the time of writing has been viewed 77 million times on YouTube.

She has just dropped a new EP – No Skips, Just Feelings – which she says is “no fillers, just raw, unfiltered emotion.”

As she tells DJ Edu, Guchi has achieved all this in spite of pretty overwhelming personal challenges. Her mother suffered brain damage and lost her memory completely when Guchi was a teenager. Guchi takes pride in being successful enough now to make sure her mum is never short of money.

SUNDAY 05 OCTOBER 2025

SUN 00:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h41b7c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct6rn4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:06 on Saturday]


SUN 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qqphr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 00:32 The Documentary (w3ct82kz)
Powering Nigeria

According to the World Bank, more than 85 million people in Nigeria still lack access to electricity - making it the country with the largest energy access deficit in the world. But even among those connected to the grid, many struggle daily to keep the power going. Blackouts are frequent, infrastructure is fragile, and generators have become a lifeline for homes and businesses alike.

Journalist Samuel Okocha hears from Nigerians across sectors about how unreliable electricity affects their lives. He speaks to economists, politicians, and renewable energy experts to understand the roots of the crisis.

In Abuja, Samuel visits his local barber and other business people to see how they are coping with constant outages. These personal encounters reveal the everyday toll of the crisis - not just on livelihoods, but on dignity and routine. Samuel also reflects on how the power situation affects his own work and daily life.

Amid the frustration, Samuel also finds resilience. Across Nigeria, people are turning to solar energy and small-scale solutions, building their own systems to meet their needs.

Presenter: Samuel Okocha
Producer: Ashley Byrne
A Made in Manchester production for BBC World Service

(Photo: Presenter Samuel Okocha is shown the generator powering Isaac Shedrack's barbers shop in Karu on the outskirts of Abuja. Credit: Samuel Okocha/Made in Manchester)


SUN 01:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h41fzh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pk0tzw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qqt7w)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 01:32 Trending (w3ct72tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 on Saturday]


SUN 01:50 Sporting Witness (w3ct7zs6)
The first Esports tournament

In October 1972, the first ever Esports tournament was held at California's Stanford University. Now a multi-billion dollar industry, thousands of people watch tournaments all around the world, but competitive video gaming was in its infancy in the early 70s.

Called the 'Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics', it was organised by a Rolling Stone magazine journalist who was documenting the early days of computer gaming.

Bruce Baumgart was a 26-year-old student there at the time, and he won the final event. Guy Kilty speaks to Bruce about how the 'Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics' started and how he clinched victory.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You’ll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.

Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women’s World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football’s biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who’ve had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.

(Photo: Bruce Baumgart who won the first Esports tounament. Credit: Bruce Baumgart)


SUN 02:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h41kqm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pk0yr0)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qqy00)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 02:32 Health Check (w3ct6vjx)
Creating human eggs from skin cells

Functional human eggs have been generated using human skin cells in a breakthrough study. What impact could this have on couples with fertility issues? BBC Health Correspondent James Gallagher explains.

How long covid is affecting menstrual cycles. Dr Jackie Maybin, Reader and Consultant Gynaecologist at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian explains her findings.

With a rising trend of parents using unprescribed melatonin to help their children sleep, we examine the risks.

G6PD deficiency affects more than 400 million people worldwide, but new research led by the University of Exeter in the UK reveals that it distorts the standard diagnostic test for diabetes. As a result, potential cases are missed. We ask what can be done to address this issue.

And a new eye drop that’s been improving presbyopia, an ocular condition that often occurs as we age, causing long-sightedness.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Hannah Robins
Assistant Producer: Alice McKee


SUN 03:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h41pgr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 03:06 World Book Club (w3ct74s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


SUN 04:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h41t6w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 04:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct6ts1)
Dubai's hidden sex trade

Pascale Harter introduces stories from the United Arab Emirates, the Dominican Republic, Australia and Spain's Basque country.

Dubai is often called one of the safest cities in the world - but is that true safe for everyone? In the shadows of its shining skyscrapers and shopping malls is a thriving and often exploitative sex trade. Runako Celina has been investigating the suspicious deaths of two women from East Africa who travelled to Dubai with big dreams.

Although the Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, not all new arrivals are welcome. Its government is currently undertaking a sweeping campaign to deport illegal immigrants - in particular, people from neighbouring Haiti. John Murphy met Haitians living in hiding to evade the authorities, and in fear of being sent back.

Globally, shark attacks on humans are very rare - but they do happen. Per head of population, Australia sees the highest number of shark attacks in the world, but that doesn’t stop millions of people enjoying the beaches and the ocean. So, what can Australians’ love of the outdoors, no matter the dangers, teach the rest of us? Katy Watson reports from her local life-saving club in Sydney.

In the Basque country, harvest festival season is underway - including some of the most enduring pagan celebrations in Europe. These champion the land, the people deeply rooted to it, and a rich sense of local pride on Basque food, language and culture. Simon Busch has been joining in the festivities - enjoying cider, sausages, and rhyming couplets on demand.

Producer: Polly Hope
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge


SUN 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qr5h8)
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SUN 04:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct78by)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Saturday]


SUN 05:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h41xz0)
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SUN 05:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pk19zd)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 05:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qr97d)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 05:32 The Documentary (w3ct82kz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:32 today]


SUN 06:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h421q4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 06:06 Weekend (w172zw89jqs9mf3)
Trump says Israel has agreed to ‘initial withdrawal line’ in Gaza

US President Donald Trump says Israel has agreed to an initial withdrawal line in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised.

Also on the programme: billionaire businessman Andrej Babis has won parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic; and the new technology helping football fans with sight problems to get more out of going to live games.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Sari Bashi, an American-Israeli human rights lawyer, also former program director at Human Rights Watch; and Christos Christou, outgoing international president of the humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières.

(Photo: Displaced Palestinian children shelter on the side of a road, after Hamas agreed to release hostages and accept some other terms in a US plan to end the war, in the central Gaza Strip, October 4, 2025. Credit: REUTERS)


SUN 07:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h425g8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 07:06 Weekend (w172zw89jqs9r57)
Netanyahu hopes to announce hostage release in the 'coming days'

President Trump has said that Israel has agreed to an 'initial withdrawal line' for Gaza, which has also been shared with Hamas. Writing on social media, Mr Trump said that once the Palestinian group confirms it agrees with the line, there will be an immediate ceasefire and an exchange of hostages and prisoners.

Also in the programme: we speak to Slovenia's President Nataša Pirc Musar who has sanctioned Israel over the war; and Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Sari Bashi, an American-Israeli human rights lawyer, also former program director at Human Rights Watch; and Christos Christou, outgoing international president of the humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières.

(Picture: Demonstrators rally in Tel Aviv ahead of the two-year anniversary October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas, and to demand the immediate release of all hostages and the end of war in Gaza on October 4, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Ammar Awad)


SUN 08:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h4296d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 08:06 Weekend (w172zw89jqs9vxc)
Shock in Gaza as US appears to welcome Hamas response to peace plan

President Trump has said that Israel has agreed to an 'initial withdrawal line' for Gaza, which has also been shared with Hamas. Writing on social media, Mr Trump said that once the Palestinian group confirms it agrees with the line, there will be an immediate ceasefire and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. We speak to our chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet.

Also in the programme: billionaire businessman Andrej Babis has won parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic; and a new exhibition showcasing the work of the war photographer Lee Miller has opened in London.

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Sari Bashi, an American-Israeli human rights lawyer, also former program director at Human Rights Watch; and Christos Christou, outgoing international president of the humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières.

(Picture: A paramedic carries a stretcher as Palestinians inspect the damage at a residential neighbourhood in Gaza City on October 4, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Ebrahim Hajjaj)


SUN 09:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h42dyj)
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SUN 09:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct6ts1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 today]


SUN 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qrs6x)
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SUN 09:32 The Food Chain (w3ct70z1)
Portion size: How much should you eat?

How much food is the “right” amount - and why is it so hard to work that out?

Ruth Alexander explores the world of portion sizes, starting with the rise of “portion distortion” in the United States, where supersized sodas and giant restaurant plates became the norm. Nutritionist Lisa Young explains how this shift happened, and what it’s meant for public health.

In São Paulo, dietitian Marle Alvarenga shares new research comparing Brazil, France, and the US, revealing how culture and globalisation shape what feels like a normal portion. Why are French plates so much smaller - and meals so much slower - than in Brazil or America?

And psychologist Lenny Vartanian in Sydney explains the powerful pull of portion size on our behaviour: why bigger servings make us eat more, even when we know better, and why education alone isn’t enough to change our habits.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

Producer: Izzy Greenfield

Photo: Three spoons showing different portion sizes (credit: getty)


SUN 10:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h42jpn)
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SUN 10:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct6xy4)
Surgery in a backpack

In some places, the nearest safe operating room can be hours or even days away. We find out about a portable operating theatre called SurgiBox that fits in a backpack and inflates in minutes, creating a safe surgical environment for operations almost anywhere. We meet the co-founder of the start-up behind it and see it put to the test, and speak to a surgeon who has used it to save lives far from a hospital. We also hear from Field Ready, whose engineers in Syria are using 3D printing to bring broken hospital equipment back to life, and we hear about Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms — grassroots command centres where volunteers coordinate life-saving help and vital information in the midst of war.

People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer: Craig Langran
Editor: Jon Bithrey
Sound mix: Gareth Jones

(Image:A 'patient' demonstrates the equipment in the Surgibox, BBC)


SUN 10:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qrwz1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 10:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct70tj)
The Kremlin’s reporter

Pavel Zarubin has access to President Putin that other journalists can only dream of. He interviews him regularly, and travels around the world covering huge geopolitical meetings, even posting to his vast social media audience from Putin's meetings with Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and even from under the table of Putin's meeting with Kim Jong Un. BBC Russian's Elizaveta Fokht traces his career from truth seeking young reporter, to being the President's favoured journalist.
Sana Mir is one of Pakistan’s most famous cricket players. She played for her country in 226 matches, captaining the team in 137 of them. Being a woman in cricket in Pakistan was not always easy for her, but she has been very outspoken about the sexism and body shaming she faced as a professional athlete. She recently was the first Pakistani woman to be inducted into the International Cricket Council’s hall of fame, and Nazish Fiaz of BBC Urdu went to interview her.


Presented by Faranak Amidi

Produced by Rebecca Moore and Caroline Ferguson


SUN 11:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h42nfs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pk21g5)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qs0q5)
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SUN 11:32 Trending (w3ct72tn)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:32 on Saturday]


SUN 11:50 More or Less (w3ct6vzg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 05:50 on Saturday]


SUN 12:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h42s5x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 12:06 The Global Jigsaw (w3ct85vg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 19:06 on Saturday]


SUN 13:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h42wy1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 13:06 Newshour (w172zss98dn71hn)
Syria holds first elections since Assad

Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December -- but the vast majority of the population can't vote and the president is choosing many of the candidates.

Also, can the US-led peace plan for Gaza work? We'll hear about the key negotiations due to begin in Cairo and ask whether it's feasible to expect Hamas to disarm. And a bigger question: when does anti-Zionism equate to anti-Semitism?

Plus a legendary guitar goes on display in a shop in London.

Picture: Voting begins for representatives of Syria's new parliament in Damascus on October 5, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi)


SUN 14:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h430p5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:06 The Climate Question (w3ct702g)
What do ice cores tells us about climate change?

What can ice cores tell us about the atmosphere millions of years ago?

These cylinders of ice, drilled from glaciers and ice sheets around the world, preserve precious clues about our changing climate and records such as rainfall, temperature and greenhouse gases, even volcanic eruptions. But what can the past tell us about the future?

Host Graihagh Jackson hears from two ice core experts about their icy adventures in Antarctica, the Himalayas and beyond.

Dr Liz Thomas is Head of Ice Cores Research at the British Antarctic Survey and is currently working on an ice core that may be the oldest ever.

Lonnie Thompson is a pioneer in the field whose first ice core finds date back to the 1970s. He is Distinguished University Professor of Earth Sciences. Senior Research Scientist, Byrd Polar Research Center, The Ohio State University. Professor Thompson also appears in a documentary called The Canary.

Presenter: Graihagh Jackson
Producers: Diane Richardson and Nik Sindle
Production coordinator: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck
Sound mix: Tom Brignell and Louis Griffin
Editor: Simon Watts


SUN 14:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qscyk)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 14:32 Happy News (w3ct6tyv)
The Happy Pod: The teenager empowering thousands to succeed

An 18-year-old entrepreneur who has helped more than twenty thousand teenagers get skills, training and mentoring has been recognised with a global student prize. Adarsh Kumar grew up in poverty in rural Bihar and says he was inspired by wanting to solve the problems he saw around him - and the example set by his hardworking single mother. He plans to use the ten-thousand-dollar prize to help improve the lives of even more people - and believes the first step in changing the world is to change his home state.

Also: we find out how teenagers who've been struggling with school attendance are learning important life lessons - from three-year-olds. The scheme pairs them with a nursery child to give them a sense of responsibility and helping others.

We celebrate the winner of Fat Bear Week in Alaska - which saw tens of thousands of people around the world vote for the brown bear who'd done best at gorging on salmon and berries to prepare for winter. How new technology is helping Premier League football fans with sight problems, the jollof rice wars heat up with a record breaking dish in Nigeria, and the people spreading joy over the internet through memes.

Plus, an inspirational speech from a 12-year-old who wants to improve understanding about autism. Leo Bird says he's not broken, just different, and that's why his friends love him.

Presenter: Jannat Jalil
Music composed by Iona Hampson

(Photo: Adarsh preparing a Skillzo workshop. Credit: Varkey Foundation)


SUN 15:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h434f9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 15:06 Sportsworld (w172ztqqkzdqrsr)
Live Sporting Action

It’s a busy day in the English Premier League, and Sportsworld has commentary from west London as Brentford take on Manchester City. There will also be updates and reaction from the day’s four other games, while the former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani joins Delyth Lloyd to look back over all the weekend’s games. The team also look over all the week’s big European talking points in EuroStars.

Away from football, Sportsworld will round up all the action on the final day of competition at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, bring you the latest from Women’s Cricket World Cup, and have reaction to Formula One’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Image: Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester City FC at Gtech Community Stadium on January 14, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)


SUN 19:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h43mdt)
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SUN 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pk30f6)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qszp6)
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SUN 19:32 World of Secrets (w3ct854n)
Death in Dubai

Death in Dubai: 2. Not the first to die

Monic’s relative heads to the UAE, like her, in pursuit of a dream. But soon after, news of her death shatters everything. Devastated and distrusting of the police’s account, Michael takes the search for truth into his own hands leading to a dramatic confrontation.

This episode contains strong language.

Presented by investigative journalist Runako Celina.

Season 9 of World of Secrets, Death in Dubai, is a BBC Eye investigation, produced in association with Thread Studios, for the BBC World Service.

Please note, the image is being used for illustrative purposes only and the person depicted in it is a model.

If you feel distressed by the references in this story, please speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support such as Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

For UK listeners, details of organisations offering information about or support after sexual abuse, or with feelings of despair, are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Here’s a link to the BBC Eye documentary film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/bbcdeathindubai

If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n12t256jg


SUN 20:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h43r4y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 20:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct72wm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 00:06 on Saturday]


SUN 21:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h43vx2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 21:06 Newshour (w172zss98dn80gp)
Georgia to outlaw main opposition parties.

The prime minister of Georgia has announced plans to outlaw the main opposition parties. Irakli Kobakhidze was speaking a day after anti-government protesters tried to storm the presidential palace. We hear from opposition activist Giga Lemonjava.

Also in the programme: Israel and Hamas prepare for indirect talks; and inside legendary guitar shop Regent sounds.

(Picture: Georgian opposition parties supporters clash with riot police during a rally after local elections in Tbilisi, Georgia, 04 October 2025. Credit: EPA)


SUN 22:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h43zn6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:06 The Climate Question (w3ct702g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 today]


SUN 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qtbxl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 22:32 Pick of the World (w3ct7z5c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


SUN 22:50 Over to You (w3ct6xvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]


SUN 23:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h443db)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl96pk3hdq)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


SUN 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qtgnq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


SUN 23:32 The Fifth Floor (w3ct70tj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:32 today]

MONDAY 06 OCTOBER 2025

MON 00:00 BBC News (w172zwwv2h4474g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 00:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct6ts1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnj6qtldv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 00:32 Science In Action (w3ct6yfy)
A mystery satellite has been jamming GPS in Europe

Scientists detect for the first time an unknown source of GPS interference coming from space. Also, as AI begins to design more and more DNA sequences being manufactured synthetically, how can those manufacturers be sure that what their customers are asking for will not produce toxic proteins or lethal weapons? And… how camera traps in polish forests reveal that the big bad wolf is more scared of humans than anything else.

For that last few years instances of deliberate jamming and interference of GNSS signals has become an expected feature of the wars the world is suffering. Yet this disruption of the signals that all of us use to navigate and tell the time nearly always emanate from devices on the ground, or maybe in the air. But in ongoing research reported recently by Todd Humphreys of University of Texas at Austin and colleagues around the world is beginning to reveal that since 2019 an intermittent yet powerful signal has been causing GPS failures across Europe and the North Atlantic. The episodes have been thankfully brief so far, but all the signs suggest it comes not from soldiers or aeroplanes, but from a distantly orbiting satellite somewhere over the Baltic Sea. It may not be malevolent, it could be a fault, but the net of suspicion is tightening.

A team of scientists including some from Microsoft report today in a paper in the journal Science an investigation to try to strengthen the vetting of synthetic DNA requests around the world. As AI-designed sequencies increase in number and application, the factories that produce the bespoke DNA are in danger of making and supplying potentially dangerous sequences to customers with malicious intents. But how do you spot the bad proteins out of the almost infinite possible DNA recipes? Tessa Alexanian of the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science, and one of the authors explains some of the thinking.

Finally, Liana Zanette of Western University in Ontario and colleagues have been hanging around in Polish forests scaring wolves. Why? Because as wolf numbers rise in protected reserves, more and more human-wolf interactions occur. And a suspicion has arisen that the legal protection they enjoy has led to them losing their fear of humans in a dangerous way. Not so, says Liana’s team, blowing away the straw arguments and setting fire to the political motivation to reduce their protection status. Wolves are still terrified of Nature’s apex predator – us.

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Alex Mansfield
Production Coordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

(Image: Simulation screen showing various flights for transportation and passengers. Credit: Oundum via Getty Images).


MON 01:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf864r)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyv7l54)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh0ykf4)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 01:32 Discovery (w3ct6swj)
The Life Scientific: Jacqueline McKinley

How much information can you extract from a burnt fragment of human bone?

Quite a lot, it turns out - not only about the individual, but also their broader lives and communities; and these are the stories unearthed by Jacqueline McKinley, a Principal Osteoarchaeologist with Wessex Archaeology.

During her career, Jackie has analysed thousands of ancient burial sites across the British Isles, bringing to life the old traditions around death via often cremated human remains. She's also assisted criminal investigators with forensic analysis, and contributed to some of the UK's best-loved archaeological TV shows.
And one thing she’s absolutely clear about: far from being macabre, osteoarchaeology is more about the living, than the dead...

In conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Jackie talks about the stories we can derive from skeletal remains, how western attitudes to death have gone through a major recent shift, and why she's kept some of her late father's bones.

Presented by Jim Al-Khalili
Produced for BBC Studios by Lucy Taylor
Reversion for World Service by Minnie Harrop


MON 02:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf89ww)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyv7px8)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh0yp58)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 02:32 CrowdScience (w3ct6st8)
Why are some animals black and white?

Listener Jude in Canada wants to know why some animals are black and white. Why do zebras risk being so stripy? Why do pandas have such distinct marking? And do they have something in common?

Presenter Caroline visits Pairi Daiza, a zoo in Belgium. Together with her guide for the day, Johan Vreys, she looks at these weird and wonderful animals up close. First, she visits three zebras having breakfast. Ecologist Martin How from the University of Bristol explains his ingenious experiment involving horses with zebra blankets. Next on the tour is the giant panda which, according to Prof Tim Caro from the University of Bristol, looks at the way it does to camouflage in snowy forests in China. But there are many more animals to see, and many more reasons to be monochrome, including the penguin and its tuxedo-like colouration. Hannah Rowland, senior lecturer at the University of Liverpool explains that it might have more than just a single function. It turns out, scientific answers aren’t always black and white.

Presenter: Caroline Steel
Producer: Florian Bohr
Editor: Ben Motley

(Photo: The zebra was running gracefully running in the green water. Credit: Surasak Suwanmake/Getty Images)


MON 03:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf8fn0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 03:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct6xy4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Sunday]


MON 03:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh0ysxd)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 03:32 Pick of the World (w3ct7z5c)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:32 on Saturday]


MON 03:50 Over to You (w3ct6xvw)
[Repeat of broadcast at 09:50 on Saturday]


MON 04:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf8kd4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyv7ydj)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh0yxnj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 04:32 The Conversation (w3ct7098)
Women making films about football

Two female film directors, fascinated by the passions aroused around the world by the game of football, discuss their new movies and their reasons for making football their focus with Datshiane Navanayagam.

Ragnhild Ekner is from Sweden and, inspired by her own love of the game, made the documentary Ultras. The film explores the unity, loyalty and creativity within fan groups. She filmed and spoke to some of the world's most passionate fans across Argentina, Egypt, Italy, Morocco, Poland, Sweden, Indonesia, and Great Britain to understand what motivates them to dedicate so much of their time to supporting a football club. The film captures both the effort that goes into displays of mass unity, rivalry and violence between opposition fans and police, as well as moments of striking kindness, generosity and friendship.

Lisa Barros D’Sa is from Northern Ireland and the focus of her film, Saipan, is an infamous falling-out between footballer Roy Keane and his then manager of the Republic of Ireland, Mick McCarthy. Set in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup campaign, at its heart is the intense rivalry between two big personalities and charts one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport. A row that made headline news around the world.

Both films are showing at the 69th BFI London Film Festival which runs from 8-19 October at venues in London and across the UK.

Produced by Jane Thurlow

(Image: (L) Ragnhild Ekner credit Annika Elizabeth von Hausswolff. (R), Lisa Barros D'Sa credit Getty Images.)


MON 05:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf8p48)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 05:06 Newsday (w172zspty6v724v)
President Trump urges Gaza peace efforts to move on

The US President, Donald Trump, says he thinks the hostages held in Gaza will start to be freed 'very soon', but also warns of massive bloodshed if peace efforts fail. His comments come as mediators from Hamas and Israel prepare to meet today in Egypt for indirect peace talks.

Supporters and opponents of Madagascar's government faced off in the capital Antananarivo over the weekend, after days of deadly protests that the president has called an attempted coup. The protests, led by an online youth movement known as Gen Z Mada, have tapped into widespread frustration over poor governance, with demonstrators calling on the president to go. We speak to our reporter who is in the capital.

And a rescue is under way after hundreds of hikers were stranded by a blizzard on the Tibetan slopes of Mount Everest. Chinese state media says all have been contacted by the authorities. 350 others have been guided to safety by rescuers.

Presenters: Rob Young and Catherine Byaruhanga.

(Photo: An empty Al Remal neighbourhood during an Israeli military operation in Gaza City, Gaza Strip. Credit: Mohammed Saber/EPA)


MON 06:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf8swd)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 06:06 Newsday (w172zspty6v75wz)
Trump urges mediators to end war in Gaza

Indirect peace talks between Hamas and Israeli representatives are due to take place in Egypt today. It follows a tentative agreement by Hamas to President Donald Trump's peace plan for the future of the Palestinian territory. We get a view from Egypt.

France's mass rape victim, Gisele Pelicot, is returning to court on Monday to face one of her attackers. One of the 51 men found guilty of raping her at trial last year is appealing against the verdict. Madame Pelicot’s husband, Dominique, who drugged her for years and filmed her abuse, will also be back in court to give evidence. We have a report from our Paris correspondent.

A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from sending National Guard troops from other states to police Portland in Oregon. The judge ruled that the decision to bring in soldiers from California and Texas was a direct contravention of her decision to block the use of the Oregon National Guard.

Presenters: Rob Young and Catherine Byaruhanga

(Photo: Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel. Credit: Amir Cohen/Reuters)


MON 07:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf8xmj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 07:06 Newsday (w172zspty6v79n3)
Donald Trump urges Gaza peace talks 'move fast'

Indirect peace talks between Hamas and Israeli representatives are due to take place in Egypt today. It follows a tentative agreement by Hamas to President Donald Trump's peace plan for the future of the Palestinian territory. We get a Palestinian view.

We speak to the husband of a South African writer, Zukiswa Wanner, who was detained by the Israeli military when they boarded a flotilla containing pro Palestinian activists and aid. Though some activists have been released and are headed home, others still remain in Israel and in detention, including Zukiswa Wanner.

And a rescue is under way after hundreds of hikers were stranded by a blizzard on the Tibetan slopes of Mount Everest. Chinese state media says all have been contacted by the authorities. 350 others have been guided to safety by rescuers.

Presenters: Rob Young and Catherine Byaruhanga.

(Photo: Destroyed buildings of Palestinian Parliament at Al Remal neighbourhood during an Israeli military operation in Gaza City. Credit: Mohammed Saber/EPA)


MON 08:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf91cn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 08:06 The Interview (w3ct7x06)
Bjorn Borg: I’ve always been a private person

Born in 1956 in the Swedish capital, Borg’s lifelong association with tennis began when his father won a full-size racket at a local table tennis tournament, which he gave to the young Borg.

By the age of 14, he had joined the professional tennis circuit, and just a few years later, had won the Italian Open at 17 and the French Open at just 18. Having risen to international prominence in 1975 when he helped Sweden win its first David Cup, Borg became a household name in the years that followed for his distinctive playing style that helped him win Wimbledon five times in a row.

At the peak of his playing career, his on-court rivalry with the American John McEnroe became the stuff of legend, with the pair’s 1980 Wimbledon final considered by many to be one of the greatest matches ever played. This was later immortalised in a 2017 movie.

After unexpectedly retiring in 1983, Borg struggled with life after tennis, battling alcohol and drug abuse. He subsequently returned to the sport in the early 1990s for a couple of years before hanging up his professional tennis racket for good.

He tells Tim Muffett about his journey to the very top of the sport, the challenges of stepping away, and his recent battle with prostate cancer.

The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Tim Muffett
Producers: Ben Cooper, Nadia Dahabiyeh and Nick Smith
Editor: Justine Lang

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Björn Borg of Sweden prepares to present the trophies on Court Philippe-Chatrie, Credit: Tim Clayton/Getty Images)


MON 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh0zdn1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct6ry6)
Afghanistan: Women disconnected

Women and girls in Afghanistan have been excluded from much of the working world, as well as from the chance to get an education.

Many are finding ways to bring in an income for their families, but a 48-hour internet shutdown threatened this recently.

We hear the experiences of shopkeepers, tech workers and charity bosses in the country.

If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.uk

Producer/presenter: Hannah Bewley

(Photo: Afghan women in burkas walk along a road in the Argo district of Badakhshan province, 28 August, 2025. Credit: Getty Images)


MON 08:50 Witness History (w3ct746p)
The home video war

Before streaming and catch-up TV, owning a video recorder was one of the only ways to watch on-demand entertainment.

In 1975 Sony launched Betamax with its half-inch-wide tape capable of recording 60 minutes of television. It was the length of most American shows - the perfect run-time. But in 1977, JVC released its VHS: it was bigger and bulkier, but capable of taping a full two-hour movie. That extra time turned out to be a game-changer, offering viewers more choice, more flexibility, and ultimately, more power.

Johnny I’Anson speaks to industry veteran Marc Wielage, who watched it all unfold from the inside. Marc tells Johnny how marketing, business decisions, and consumer behaviour shaped the outcome.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.

(Photo: VHS and Betamax tape comparison. Credit: Museum of Obsolete Media)


MON 09:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf953s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyv8k45)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh0zjd5)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 09:32 CrowdScience (w3ct6st8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


MON 10:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf98vx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 10:06 The History Hour (w3ct71wc)
India's nine day tea strike and the birth of the Excel spreadsheet

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week’s Witness History episodes.

Tea expert Sabita Banerji talks about the history of tea in India. We look back at how women teapickers in 2015 fought for justice - and improved the lives of thousands of tea plantation workers.

We hear the story of a famous photo of American president John F Kennedy working at his desk in the White House - with his cheeky young son underneath.

Also, from 1985 one of the most notorious killings from the apartheid era in South Africa of the men who became known as the Cradock four - this includes graphic descriptions of violence.

It’s 30 years since American football star OJ Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife and her friend. We hear from one of his former friends who testified against him in the criminal trial including his desciptions of the injuries suffered by the victims.

And finally, it’s 40 years this week since the release of Microsoft Excel, the spreadsheet software that's now used all over the world. We hear from one of the creators.

Contributors:
Rajeshwary - tea plantation worker.
Sabita Banerji - founder of Thirst tea charity.
Lukhanyo Calata - son of Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four.
Ron Shipp - who testified against OJ Simpson.
Mike Koss – one of the creators of Microsoft Excel.
Plus, archive recordings of American photographer Stanley Tretick from the John F Kennedy Library and Museum.

(Photo: Female tea pickers on strike in Munnar. Credit: Countercurrents.org)


MON 11:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf9dm1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyv8smf)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh0zrwf)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct7170)
Is Trump on the brink of achieving peace in Gaza?

Mediators for Hamas and Israel are set to meet in Egypt on Monday for indirect talks, after Hamas agreed to a US peace plan.

It’s a stunning diplomatic breakthrough for Donald Trump, whose plan proposes an immediate end to fighting and the release within 72 hours of 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Today we discuss with the BBC’s State Department correspondent, Tom Bateman, how President Trump reached such a significant breakthrough with Israel and Hamas, and whether his approach to deal making could actually pay off.

Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Aron Keller
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins

Image: Gaza City on Sunday 5th October, 2025. Mahmoud Issa/Reuters


MON 12:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf9jc5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 12:06 Outlook (w3ct6wq7)
Cesar Millan: The ‘dog boy’ who became the Dog Whisperer

For the past two decades, Cesar Millan has appeared on television sets around the world. His hit shows centre on his incredible ability to rehabilitate dogs with behavioural issues like aggression or anxiety. Cesar’s preternatural talent has earned him the moniker ‘The Dog Whisperer’. When he was younger living in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, he had a less flattering nickname — El Perrero — which translates to "the dog boy". It was given to him by kids who would bully him for walking around the city followed by a pack of stray dogs.

But dogs have always surrounded Cesar’s life, including those he grew up with on his family farm. When he was 13 Cesar says he heard a mystical voice that told him he would become the world’s best dog trainer. That was the impetus for him to make the treacherous and illegal crossing from Mexico to the US. Once in California, Cesar was homeless and slept under a bridge. He caught the attention of a national newspaper because he would walk large numbers of dogs to earn money; in the interview, he announced that he wanted a television show to teach people about dogs. That show would eventually be The Dog Whisperer, a smash hit on National Geographic. On it, Cesar would not only use techniques to help disobedient dogs, but he’d focus on getting their owners to be more calm, assertive and give the dogs proper exercise.

Cesar ended up travelling the world giving seminars to arena-sized crowds and writing several bestselling books. But, at the pinnacle of his career, his mental health suffered and he tried to take his own life. He’s also been the subject of controversy, with critics questioning some of his dog-training approaches.

Throughout the years, Cesar has been helped by various dogs that he calls "the angels who you can see". Especially two pitbulls called Junior and Daddy who he calls his companions and spiritual guides.

This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Saskia Collette

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Cesar MIllan. Credit: Neilson Barnard, Getty Images)


MON 12:50 Witness History (w3ct746p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 13:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf9n39)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyv913p)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh100cp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 13:32 The Conversation (w3ct7098)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 14:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf9rvf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 14:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnyfxf1)
Hamas chief negotiator meets mediators

The chief negotiator for Hamas is reported to be meeting Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo ahead of indirect talks, later in the day, with Israeli negotiators in Sharm El-Sheikh. They're looking to determine a date for the start of a Gaza truce and create conditions for the first phase of the peace plan, in which the remaining Israeli hostages would be swapped for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

Also in the programme: The French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has quit. There is political turmoil caused by inconclusive snap elections; and this year's Nobel Prize for Medicine has been awarded to three researchers for discoveries on the human immune system.

(Photo: Smoke rises after Israeli air strikes at Tal Al Hawa neighborhood during an Israeli military operation in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, 06 October 2025. Credit: Mohammed Saber /EPA/Shutterstock)


MON 15:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrf9wlk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 15:06 The Interview (w3ct7x06)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh107vy)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct6ry6)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


MON 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct81nw)
What will France's government collapse mean for businesses?

France's government has fallen apart again over how to handle it's public spending budget. We hear how the collapse will affect French businesses.

In Japan, stocks have hit a record high after Sanae Takaichi won the party leadership making her the likely next Prime Minister.

UK car marker Jaguar Land Rover and Japanese beer maker Asahi are showing signs of recovery after separate cyber attacks halted both businesses.

And bitcoin has hit another new record high!

Presenter: Sarah Rogers
Producers: Ahmed Adan and Niamh Mc Dermott
Editor: Justin Bones


MON 16:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfb0bp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 16:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtcwgn)
Gisèle Pelicot returns to court

A court in the France is hearing an appeal against the conviction of one of the 51 men found guilty of raping Gisèle Pelicot. Hussametin Dogan insists that he could not have raped her as he believed the sex was consensual. We get details from our correspondent who has been following the trial. We also bring together French campaigners to discuss whether the trial has changed the conversation about rape and consent in France.

France is facing more political and economic uncertainty after the fall of its shortest-lived government. Our correspondent explains what happened.

We get an update on the situation with more than 200 hikers who are still stranded on the slopes of Mount Everest by a powerful blizzard.

A former England rugby captain has revealed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease - a muscle-wasting condition that killed two fellow English rugby players. We speak to our medical editor and hear from three people who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: Gisele Pelicot mass rape case back in court for defendant's appeal, Nimes, France - 06 Oct 2025. Credit: GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO/EPA/Shutterstock)


MON 17:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfb42t)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 17:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtd06s)
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas begin

The negotiations between Israel and Hamas are aimed at trying to reach final agreement on the US peace plan for Gaza. President Trump has urged everyone involved to move fast. Earlier, Hamas's chief negotiator met Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo. We hear about the situation in Gaza and speak to our correspondent. We also get an update on Syria's first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

Best-selling author Dame Jilly Cooper has died aged 88. We speak to book lovers about her legacy.

The International criminal court has found a former Sudanese militia leader guilty of war crimes and crimes against humaity. Our reporter gives details.

The Brazilian government says President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has held a video call with Donald Trump, the first meeting since the US imposed tariffs of fifty percent on Brazilian goods. Our global affairs reporter has more details.

A former England rugby captain has revealed that he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease - a muscle-wasting condition that killed two fellow English rugby players. We hear from three people who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: A Palestinian child stands between tents as displaced Palestinians, who fled northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, shelter in the central Gaza Strip, October 6, 2025. Credit: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters)


MON 18:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfb7ty)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 18:06 Outlook (w3ct6wq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


MON 18:50 Witness History (w3ct746p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


MON 19:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfbcl2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyv9rlg)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh10qvg)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct6z5k)
2025/10/06 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


MON 20:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfbhb6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 20:06 From Our Own Correspondent (w3ct6ts1)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:06 on Sunday]


MON 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh10vll)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 20:32 Discovery (w3ct6swk)
The Life Scientific: Jane Goodall

The celebrated primatologist Jane Goodall died last week at the age of 91. In tribute, we’re re-sharing this interview from 2020, where she reflects on the years she spent living with the wild chimpanzees in Gombe in eastern Tanzania and why she believes the best way to bring about change is to ‘creep into people’s hearts’.

Jane shot to fame when she appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1963 and appeared in a documentary film directed by Orson Welles. Her ground breaking observations introduced us to the social and emotional lives of wild chimpanzees and changed our view of what it is to be human. Images of her younger self play-wrestling with baby chimps make Jane feel slightly apprehensive now but at the time she didn’t give it a second thought. However, she did take care to protect her young son. Seeing distressing footage of chimps who were living in captivity, she gave up fieldwork to become an activist, working to liberate chimpanzees that were being used for medical research or sold for meat or as pets, and setting up chimp sanctuaries for animals that were no longer able to live in the wild. For the last thirty years, she has campaigned gently but relentlessly to protect wild animals and wild places, touring the world and performing on stage in front of huge audiences. Her global youth programme, Roots and Shoots has inspired and empowered millions of people to understand and respect nature, leading some to call her ‘the mother Theresa of the environment’. A label she dislikes.

Producer: Anna Buckley


MON 21:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfbm2b)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 21:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnygrmy)
France in fresh political crisis as PM Lecornu quits after 26 days

France is facing further political chaos after the country's latest prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, resigned after just 26 days in the role. We'll hear from a French parliamentarian with the right-of centre party, Les Républicains - and we'll get the long view on French politics from veteran French journalist Christine Ockrent.

Also - as indirect talks begin between Hamas and Israeli delegations over the US-led peace plan for Gaza, we'll hear from an American go-between who knows the Hamas negotiators; and we look at what the appointment of Bari Weiss at CBS News says about the political weather surrounding journalism in the US.

(Photo: French outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who presented his government's resignation to the French president this morning, leaves after he delivered a statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, France, October 6, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Stephane Mahe)


MON 22:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfbqtg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 22:06 The Interview (w3ct7x06)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


MON 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1132v)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 22:32 The Conversation (w3ct7098)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


MON 23:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfbvkl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


MON 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvb7kz)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


MON 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh116tz)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


MON 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct76tc)
Another collapse – can France cope?

France faces fresh political turmoil as PM Sébastien Lecornu resigns. Sam Fenwick hears from businesses and investors on shifting confidence in the country’s economic direction.

We examine the worsening conditions for women in Afghanistan, where the UN reports that the Taliban have severely restricted women's rights to work, study, and dress freely.

And Japan’s markets rally as Sanae Takaichi becomes the country’s first female prime minister, with the Nikkei jumping nearly 5% on expectations of increased government spending and monetary easing.

TUESDAY 07 OCTOBER 2025

TUE 00:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfbz9q)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 00:06 The History Hour (w3ct71wc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Monday]


TUE 01:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfc31v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvbh27)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh11gb7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct7170)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Monday]


TUE 02:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfc6sz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvbltc)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh11l2c)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 02:32 Assignment (w3ct6rc4)
Bolivia’s Cholitas – From Outcasts to Icons

With their pleated skirts and bowler hats the “cholita” women are a common sight in Bolivia’s administrative capital La Paz. They’re often from indigenous Aymara and Quechua cultures. Until recently cholita was used as a derogatory term to talk about their distinctive traditional clothing and they were discriminated against.

Jane Chambers travels to Bolivia to find out how these women are reclaiming their cultural heritage and going from outcasts to icons and what it says about society. Join her to meet the cholita wrestlers, fashion designers and mountaineers changing public opinion.

Producer: Jane Chambers
Sound Mix: Neil Churchill
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: Cholita Climber - Lidia Huayllas Credit: Jane Chambers/BBC)


TUE 03:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfcbk3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 03:06 Outlook (w3ct6wq7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Monday]


TUE 03:50 Witness History (w3ct746p)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Monday]


TUE 04:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfcg97)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvbv9m)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh11tkm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 04:32 In the Studio (w3ct6vtz)
Stephen Jones’ hats: A party on your head

After growing up in the north of England British milliner Stephen Jones went on to become a pioneering British hat maker working in Paris. He's been creating avant-garde designs for the last 45 years, inspired by Surrealist art, trailblazing fashions at New Romantic club nights, and cinema. He was friends with pop star Boy George who wore his hats – and he famously created a tweed crown for Vivienne Westwood. Rather than a mere accessory, he aims to transform a hat into a statement of identity, and has collaborated with designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Dior, helping to revitalise fine hat-making skills inspired by looks from copies of Vogue from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

The prestigious Palais Galliera fashion museum in Paris holds exhibitions every year, showcasing how fashion has evolved from the 18th century to the present day. Its focus is on the most iconic designers and Stephen Jones is one of only two hat makers ever to be included – a huge honour. Rosa Johnston-Flint joins Stephen in Paris as his retrospective is about to close – and visits his workshop as he prepares his Spring/Summer 2026 collection for London Fashion Week which nods to his past bold designs, creating “a party” on top of the wearer’s head.

Image: Stephen Jones, 2024
Credit: Koto Bolofo


TUE 05:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfcl1c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 05:06 Newsday (w172zspty6v9z1y)
Israelis remember October 7th Hamas attacks

Negotiating teams have gathered in Egypt to try and bring an end to two years of violence that has brought trauma and insecurity to Israelis and Palestinians. We visit Kibbutz Beeri, near the Israel-Gaza border, two years after Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel. We also speak to the deputy minister for Foreign Affairs for the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

President Trump has said he's considering invoking emergency powers to overcome oppositon to the use of National Guard troops to police US cities. The rarely used Insurrection Act allows a president to deploy the military at home to combat unrest.

And we discuss the Kenyan led peace force that was deployed in Haiti two years ago. We speak to a Kenyan official about why it's failed to have much impact on the lawlessness there.

Presenters: Rob Young and Pria Rai

(Photo: People visiting the shrine to a relative at the site of the Nova music festival, near Re'im, near the Gaza border, southern Israel. Credit: Atef Safadi/EPA).


TUE 06:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfcpsh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 06:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vb2t2)
Israel marks second anniversary of Hamas attacks

Israel is marking the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks that killed more than twelve hundred civilians and soldiers, and started the war in Gaza. Memorials are being held, including one at the Nova music festival site, where nearly four hundred people were killed -- and another at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv. We speak to the father of one of the hostages.

Meanwhile indirect talks continue on the future of Gaza in Egypt. We look at what position Hamas might take in these talks.

In Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has appeared on television to announce the appointment of an army general as the country's new Prime Minister. Last week following protests against power cuts and water shortages the former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay was fired. The demands from the Gen Z led protests have expanded to calls for wider reforms in a country which is one of the Africa's poorest.

Ten people deported by the US have arrived in Eswatini, its government said, the second group of third-country deportees to be sent to the southern African kingdom by the Trump administration.

Presenters: Rob Young and Pria Rai.

(Photo: Members of the kibbutz community of Kfar Aza hug one another as they attend a memorial to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters).


TUE 07:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfctjm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 07:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vb6k6)
Israel marks second anniversary of Hamas attacks

Israel is marking the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks that killed more than twelve hundred civilians and soldiers, and started the war in Gaza. Memorials are being held, including one at the Nova music festival site, where nearly four hundred people were killed -- and another at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.

President Trump has said he's prepared to invoke the Insurrection Act if necessary to overcome oppositon to the use of National Guard troops to police US cities. The Act gives the president broad powers to deploy the military at home, and hasn't been invoked since 1992.

The French President has given his outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu 48 hours to make a last-ditch effort to rally cross-party support for a cabinet lineup to pull his country out of political deadlock. We look at his chances of success.

Presenters: Rob Young and Pria Rai.

(Photo: Members of the kibbutz community of Kfar Aza observe a moment of silence as they attend a memorial to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas from Gaza. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters).


TUE 08:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfcy8r)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct6xy5)
The preschool in a retirement home

A unique community in Chester in northern England, brings multiple generations together to encourage learning and connection. We explore how young children in the onsite nursery benefit from the time, attention and vocabulary skills offered by the older adults. Meanwhile the retirement home residents can benefit from increased social activity and a sense of purpose. We also speak to an intergenerational expert in Spain about the growing evidence that backs this new societal approach.

People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We release a new edition every week for most of the year. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer: Claire Bates
Editor: Jon Bithrey
Sound mix: Andrew Mills

(Image: Younger and older mingle at the Belong retirement community, Chester, UK, BBC)


TUE 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh129k4)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct6s77)
The cost of a shutdown

For the first time in nearly seven years, federal operations have been drastically curtailed as the US government shuts down.

As it enters a second week, we look in detail at how the collapse in funding for government services is affecting America at large - from the Federal worker fearing for his job, to the wider concerns of slowing growth and rising inflation.

What does this say about the state of the world’s largest economy?

Produced and presented by Ed Butler

(Image: "Closed" signage in front of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, US, on 5 October 20205. Credit: Getty Images)


TUE 08:50 Witness History (w3ct74n8)
'I designed the Indian rupee symbol'

In 2009, the Indian government launched a national competition to find a design for the Indian rupee.

With more than 3,000 entries and five finalists, the winning design was announced on 15 July 2010.

The designer was by Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam, a student at the Industrial Design Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He speaks to Surya Elango.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.

(Photo: Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam on 15 July 2010. Credit: Abhijit Bhatlekar/Mint via Getty Images)


TUE 09:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfd20w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvcg18)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh12f98)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 09:32 Assignment (w3ct6rc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 10:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfd5s0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 10:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct6ztv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


TUE 11:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfd9j4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvcpjj)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh12nsj)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct71cj)
One man's quest to get his brothers released from Gaza

On October 7 2023 Hamas attacked Israel, taking 251 people hostage. Gali and Ziv Berman were among them – twin brothers who lived on a kibbutz near the Gaza border. They were 24 years old. Now, after 2 years they are among the remaining hostages still being held in captivity. But in the last few days the prospect of ending the war in Gaza and releasing the remaining hostages seems closer than ever. That possibility gives Gali and Ziv’s older brother Liran Berman cautious hope. Liran speaks to Asma at length about his memories of October 7th, his quest to get his little brothers out of Gaza, and who he will give credit to if the peace deal succeeds.

Producers: Valerio Esposito, Lucy Pawle and Cat Farnsworth
Editor: Annie Brown
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins

Image: Liran Berman by Valerio Esposito


TUE 12:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfdf88)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 12:06 Outlook (w3ct6x4x)
The social worker who has rescued over 200 trafficked women

Social worker Nirmala Walter raids the brothels of Delhi’s red light district to rescue trafficked women and girls. It’s sometimes dangerous, often confronting work that brings her face to face with the realities of the sex trade in India. Nirmala’s approach to what she does is unique: she never gives up looking for individual trafficking victims, no matter the odds, or how long it takes. To date, she’s rescued more than 200.
Nirmala’s interview was translated by her son Arhaan Walter, and the English voice over was provided by Ruchika Jain.

Architect Nikola Bašić has always loved the sounds of the sea. While he was working on a project to build a sea wall in Zadar, Croatia, he decided to embed a giant musical instrument - powered by sea waves - in the coastline. The reporter was Marta Medvesek. First broadcast in 2021.

(Photo: Nirmala Walter descends a narrow set of steps and looks back directly at the camera. Credit: Nirmala Walter)


TUE 12:50 Witness History (w3ct74n8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 13:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfdk0d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvcy0s)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh12x8s)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 13:32 In the Studio (w3ct6vtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 14:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfdnrj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 14:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnyjtb4)
Israel marks 7 October attacks anniversary

Israelis are marking two years since Hamas's attacks on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. Meanwhile mediators at talks on the US Gaza peace plan are reported to have reached an understanding with Israel and Hamas on a five-point framework for negotiations.

Also in the programme: the Nobel Prize for Physics; and some good news about humpback whales in Australia.

(Photo: Israelis visit memorials at the site of the Nova music festival, near Re'im, on the second anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas attacks, near the Gaza border, southern Israel, 07 October 2025. Credit: Atef Safadi EPA/Shutterstock)


TUE 15:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfdshn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct6xy5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh134s1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct6s77)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


TUE 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct81p2)
Renewable energy overtakes coal

After more than a century of dominance, coal has been overtaken by renewable energy as the world’s biggest source of electricity – a historic moment, according to new data from the global energy think tank Ember.

In the UK, police say they have dismantled an international gang suspected of smuggling up to 40,000 stolen mobile phones from the UK to China in the past year.

The political crisis continues in France amid efforts to get a government together following the resignation of the third prime minister in a year.

Presenter: Sarah Rogers
Producers: Ahmed Adan and Niamh McDermott
Editor: Justin Bones


TUE 16:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfdx7s)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 16:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtgscr)
Israel marks 7 October attacks anniversary

Israelis are gathering at memorial events to mark two years since Hamas's attacks on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. We hear from hostage families and survivors of the attacks.

We also speak to Palestinians who left Gaza when the war began, to hear how their lives have changed over the last two years.

Presenter: Luke Jones

(Photo: Israeli family members vising the memorials at the site of the Nova music festival, near Re'im, on the second anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas attacks, near the Gaza border, southern Israel, 07 October 2025. Credit: Atef Safad/EPA/Shutterstock)


TUE 17:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrff0zx)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 17:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtgx3w)
Peace talks continue on 7 October attacks anniversary

As Israel and Hamas continue indirect talks on Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan, Israelis are gathering at memorial events to mark two years since Hamas's attacks on 7 October 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. We hear a conversation with hostage families.

And we take a walk around the BBC's HQ in London to speak to our Arabic, Monitoring and Verify teams about how they are covering the anniversary.

Presenter: Luke Jones

(Photo: Israeli family members vising the memorials at the site of the Nova music festival, near Re'im, on the second anniversary of the 07 October 2023 Hamas attacks, 07 October 2025. Credit: Atef Safadi/EPA/Shutterstock)


TUE 18:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrff4r1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 18:06 Outlook (w3ct6x4x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


TUE 18:50 Witness History (w3ct74n8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


TUE 19:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrff8h5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvdnhk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh13mrk)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct6zb2)
2025/10/07 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


TUE 20:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrffd79)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:06 Assignment (w3ct6rc4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


TUE 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh13rhp)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 20:32 Tech Life (w3ct6zpc)
Class action

A class action lawsuit is underway in Italy against Meta and TikTok. Lawyers say they want to protect younger children from social media harm. We look at the issues.

Also in Tech Life this week, we have another story about social media. It's about farmers in Africa, so-called agri-influencers, and how they're cultivating an online movement. Shiona McCallum tests a new maritime AI communication system. And a Japanese tech company is trying to eradicate malaria using drones.

Presenter: Shiona McCallum
Producer: Tom Quinn

(Image: A child uses a smartphone. Credit: Getty Images)


TUE 21:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrffhzf)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 21:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnyknk1)
Israelis mark the second anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7th attacks

The attacks saw over 1,200 people killed and 251 others taken back to Gaza as hostages. It was the single deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Israel responded by launching a military offensive in Gaza which has killed more than 67,000 people, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Its figures are seen as reliable by the UN and other international bodies. We'll hear from Eli Sharabi, an Israeli hostage held for almost five hundred days in the tunnels of Gaza, and ask how the last two years have re-shaped the region.

Also on the programme: how the victims of the Mynanmar military junta are suing a Norwegian telecoms firm; and the newly-crowned Nobel Prize winner, Fred Ramsdell, recalls how his digital detox was interrupted by the news of his win.

(Photo: People attend a ceremony in Tel Aviv to mark the two-year anniversary of the Hams-led October 7th attacks on Israel. Credit: REUTERS/Shir Torem)


TUE 22:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrffmqk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:06 People Fixing The World (w3ct6xy5)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


TUE 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh13zzy)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 22:32 In the Studio (w3ct6vtz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


TUE 23:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrffrgp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvf4h2)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


TUE 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh143r2)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


TUE 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct76bn)
Trump and Carney talk trade at the White House

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Washington, trying to revive trade talks with Donald Trump.

The European Union is turning up the pressure too, doubling its steel tariffs. Will that get Washington's attention?

And Hollywood’s pushing back against a new video tool which they say breaches copyright.

WEDNESDAY 08 OCTOBER 2025

WED 00:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrffw6t)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 00:06 The Arts Hour (w3ct6ztv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:06 on Saturday]


WED 01:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrffzyy)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvfczb)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh14c7b)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct71cj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Tuesday]


WED 02:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfg3q2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvfhqg)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh14gzg)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 02:32 The Climate Question (w3ct702g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 03:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfg7g6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 03:06 Outlook (w3ct6x4x)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Tuesday]


WED 03:50 Witness History (w3ct74n8)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Tuesday]


WED 04:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfgc6b)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvfr6q)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh14qgq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 04:32 Cyber Hack (w3ct89y7)
The Lazarus Heist specials: Part two

North Korea’s expanding reach — from elite hackers to soldiers on the battlefield. Does this all signify a turning point for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as his cyber operatives pull off increasingly daring heists and his military gain real-world combat experience fighting with the Russians against Ukraine? As Kim continues to ally with Vladimir Putin — a leader whose country possesses exactly the kind of nuclear expertise North Korea has long sought – is he more dangerous than ever? Hosts Geoff White and Jean Lee investigate. Meanwhile we revisit the South Korean journalist who had the world-exclusive interview with a North Korean POW. Previously North Korean hackers pulled off the biggest heist in crypto history with $1.5 billion disappearing in minutes. North Korea has said it has nothing to do with the cybercrimes the Lazarus Group is accused of, saying the United States is making these allegations to try and tarnish its image.
Our story is about more than money. It’s about where it goes, what it buys, and who’s fighting in the shadows.


WED 05:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfggyg)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 05:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vdvz1)
National Guard deployed in Chicago area

Hundreds of National Guard troops have arrived in the US state of Illinois ahead of their deployment to Chicago, a city President Donald Trump has described as having 'out of control crime'. Democrats have strongly criticised the decision calling it an abuse of power and accusing the President of trying to 'manufacture a crisis'.

In the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh indirect peace talks between israel and Hamas continue. Two of US President Donald Trump's key aides, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are heading to the Red Sea resort to join the negotiations.

In the central Sagain region of Myanmar, a buddhist religious festival has beenn targetted by motorised paragliders who dropped bombs on worshippers. The attack happened during a candlelight vigil marking the festival’s full moon celebration and is being blamed on the country's military, also known as the Tatmadaw. In excess of 30 people, many of them children, have been reported killed.

Presenters: James Copnall and Pria Rai

(Photo:Texas National Guard troops walk through the Joliet Army Reserve Training Center, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Elwood, Illinois. Credit:Jim Vondruska/Reuters).


WED 06:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfglpl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 06:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vdzq5)
National Guard sent to Chicago

Hundreds of National Guard troops from the southern US State of Texas have arrived in the state of Illinois, on the outskirts of Chicago. It's where President Trump says he wants the troops deployed. He has described the city as a war zone and a place Democrat officials have failed to control. We speak to a pastor in the city.

Indirect talks continue in Egypt between Hamas and Israel. Today two of President Trump's key aids, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, join the talks to lend their support for a deal. We speak to Yossi Beilin, a former Israeli negotiator, an architect of the Oslo Peace Accord.

And Madagascar's embattled President Andry Rajoelina has appointed an army general as the new prime minister in a bid to end youth-led protests against his rule.

Presenters: James Copnall and Pria Rai

(Photo: A Texas Army National Guard 36th Infantry Division soldier walks through the Joliet Army Reserve Training Center, after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Elwood, Illinois. Credit: Jim Vondruska/Reuters).


WED 07:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfgqfq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 07:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vf3g9)
Prominent American envoys join Gaza peace talks

Israeli reports suggest there’s 'cautious optimism' about indirect talks taking place with Hamas on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The US special envoy Steve Witkoff and prominent regional figures are expected to join the negotiations in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh today.

Hundreds of National Guard troops from the southern US State of Texas have arrived in the state of Illinois, on the outskirts of Chicago. It's where President Trump says he wants the troops deployed. He has described the city as a war zone and a place Democrat officials have failed to control. We speak to a pastor in the city.

And in France, the outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, has until Wednesday evening ot make a last-ditch effort to rally cross-party support for a cabinet lineup to pull his country out of political deadlock.

Presentes: James Copnall and Pria Rai

(Photo: Middle East negotiator and son-in-law of President Trump, Jared Kushner, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Witkoff. Credit: Will Oliver/EPA).


WED 08:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfgv5v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 08:06 The Interview (w3ct7x6z)
Duma Boko, President of Botswana: the world will listen to Africa

The world will have to listen to Africa

Waihiga Mwaura speaks to Botswana’s President Duma Boko about his plans to reinvigorate the economy, taking greater control of the country’s diamond reserves, but also diversifying its mining and other sectors. Currently facing hefty tariffs from the US, he claims to be close to securing a tariff-free deal for Botswana’s diamonds at least.

But President Boko also has a vision of a reinvigorated Africa, a continent that works together to become a formidable economic force, where its own people reap the benefits of its rich resources. Africa, he says, is rising.

Duma Boko, a human rights lawyer who was educated at Harvard, helped to create the party he leads, the Umbrella for Democratic Change. His victory in the 2024 presidential election, at his third attempt, finally ousted the Botswana Democratic Party from power after almost 60 years.

Thank you to Waihiga Mwaura, Kasra Karimi and Priscilla Ng’ethe Koinange for their help in making this programme.

The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Waihiga Mwaura
Producer(s): Lucy Sheppard, Kasra Karimi and Priscilla Ng’ethe Koinange
Editor: Justine Lang

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Botswana's President Duma Gideon Boko addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S, Credit:
Eduardo Muñoz/Reuters)


WED 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh156g7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct6scr)
Should we expect more airline delays?

Passengers are suffering more disruption as technology at airports, airlines and air traffic control is failing.

But why is aviation software becoming more prone to failure and vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and what is the solution to preventing delays?

Presented and produced by Russell Padmore

(Image: Passengers wait at Heathrow Airport in London, as European airports experienced disruption due to a cyberattack on the check-in and boarding system in September 2025. Credit: Getty Images)


WED 08:50 Witness History (w3ct74qj)
The remote island that was evacuated to 10,000km away

On 10 October 1961, a volcanic eruption threatened the population of Tristan da Cunha, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, and all 264 islanders were evacuated to the UK.

Two years later, the majority voted to return.

In an interview she gave to the BBC in 1961, Mary Swain describes what it was like to survive the preceding earthquake and landside and be relocated to the other side of the world.

Produced and presented by Rachel Naylor, in collaboration with BBC Archives.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.

(Photo: Evacuees from Tristan on board a Dutch liner bound for Cape Town on 21 October 1961. Credit: Central Press / Getty Images)


WED 09:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfgyxz)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvgbyc)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh15b6c)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 09:32 The Climate Question (w3ct702g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 10:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfh2p3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 10:06 World Book Club (w3ct74s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


WED 11:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfh6f7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvglfm)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh15kpm)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct71fs)
Trump’s ‘CEO of everything’

The billionaire Larry Ellison could soon control huge portions of America’s AI, attention economy and legacy media. He already owns swathes of AI infrastructure and is preparing to takeover TikTok, whilst his son, whose company already owns Paramount, is preparing a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. So who is this ‘CEO of everything’, and how is his family dynasty becoming the 21st Century’s Rockerfellers?


Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller
Executive producer: Annie Brown
Sound engineer: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins

(Photo: Rupert Murdoch and Larry Ellison look on, at the White House, in Washington, US, 3 February, 2025. Credit: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)


WED 12:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfhb5c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 12:06 Outlook (w3ct6xct)
The Ugandan kids dancing their way to global fame

Kavuma Dauda's philosophy is that there is so much talent in the ghetto, you just have to polish it.

As a child he lived on the streets of Uganda's capital city, Kampala, before the kindness of a teacher changed his life. Kavuma wanted to give back and later became a teacher himself before creating a dance troupe called Ghetto Kids, formed of homeless children and those who couldn't afford school fees. Combining traditional African dance styles, comedy and pure joy, the group soon caught the attention of Ugandan musicians such as Eddy Kenzo, who asked them to feature in some of his videos.

Their biggest break came in 2017 when they appeared in the music video for French Montana's 'Unforgettable', which at the time of writing has over 1.8 billion YouTube views. That recognition has opened many doors for Ghetto Kids and led them to the final of Britain's Got Talent in 2023. It's also enabled Kavuma to expand his project, offering housing, food and tuition to many children across Uganda.

They recently made a film about their story called Ghetto Kids Documentary: No Plan B.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Thomas Harding Assinder

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Five young members of the Ghetto Kids dance in a Ugandan village as a crowd look on. They wear bright clothing and the floor is dusty mud. Credit: Ghetto Kids)


WED 12:50 Witness History (w3ct74qj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 13:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfhfxh)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvgtxw)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh15t5w)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 13:32 Cyber Hack (w3ct89y7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 14:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfhknm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 14:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnymq77)
Gold surges past $4,000 an ounce

The price of gold has hit a record high of more than $4,000 an ounce as investors look for safe places to put their money over concerns about economic and political uncertainty around the world.

Also in the programme: Is time running out for France's President Emmanuel Macron? And we meet the woman trying to become the first person on record to walk the length of Saudi Arabia, from north to south.

(Photo: Gold bars at bullion house in Mumbai. Credit: Reuters/Arko Datta/File Photo)


WED 15:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfhpdr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 15:06 The Interview (w3ct7x6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh161p4)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct6scr)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


WED 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct81p8)
Bank of England warns AI-bubble could burst

The Bank of England has warned of the risk of an AI-bubble, after it assessed some company values in the sector as "stretched". In a report out today, officials at the bank’s Financial Policy Committee drew comparisons with the pile-on for ‘dotcom’ stocks 25 years ago.

The price of gold has hit a record high of more than $4,000 an ounce as investors look for safe places to put their money over concerns about economic and political uncertainty around the world.

And the UK prime minister is leading a delegation of more than 100 entrepreneurs, business and cultural leaders and university vice-chancellors on his visit to India, as he attempts to boost UK investment.

Presenter: Sarah Rogers
Producer: Ahmed Adan
Editor: Justin Bones


WED 16:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfht4w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 16:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtkp8v)
Key US and regional mediators join talks to end Gaza war

President Trump's top aides and senior officials from Egypt and Qatar have joined the third day of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on ending the Gaza war. Hamas and Israeli negotiators have reportedly exchanged lists of Palestinian and Israeli hostages to be released if the talks succeed. We hear from people in Gaza and get the latest from our correspondent.

Turkey has cracked down on drug use in the country in a sweeping operation targeting many celebrities. Our Turkish Service colleague explains.

We speak to investors and jewellers about the price of gold that has hit a record high of more than $4000 an ounce.

The rise of generative AI in the creative industries is bringing both excitement and anxiety. We speak to three people in the film industry who argue that AI brings a lot of opportunities.

Dolly Parton's sister says the condition of the American country music star is not "so serious" after earlier asking her fans to pray for her. Our reporter has the latest.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: Palestinian boy carries a bag with flour at Sabra neighbourhood, following Israeli operation, in Gaza City, October 8, 2025. Credit: Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters)


WED 17:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfhxx0)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 17:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtkt0z)
Hundreds of US National Guard troops arrive in Chicago

Hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas have arrived at an army training centre outside Chicago to support US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. We bring together residents in Chicago to give their reaction.

US federal data show that irregular crossings at the US-Mexico border have fallen to their lowest level in 55 years. Our global affairs reporter explains.

We also look at the impact of a nationwide government shutdown in the US and hear from people who rely on foodbank.

Former FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Virginia to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstruction of justice. Our correspondent joins to give the latest.

President Trump's top aides and senior officials from Egypt and Qatar have joined the third day of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on ending the Gaza war. We find out what's happened today.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon

(Photo: Texas National Guard troops walk through the Joliet Army Reserve Training Center, in Elwood, Illinois, US, 7 October, 2025. Credit: Jim Vondruska/Reuters)


WED 18:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfj1n4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 18:06 Outlook (w3ct6xct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


WED 18:50 Witness History (w3ct74qj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


WED 19:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfj5d8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvhkdn)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh16jnn)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct6zdb)
2025/10/08 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


WED 20:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfj94d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 20:06 The Climate Question (w3ct702g)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:06 on Sunday]


WED 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh16nds)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 20:32 Health Check (w3ct6vjy)
Immune system researchers win Nobel Prize

This year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded for discoveries that explain how the immune system attacks hostile infections, but not the body's own cells. We explain the science that won Japan's Shimon Sakaguchi and US researchers Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell the prestigious award.

How robots can help children with reading anxiety. Lauren Wright from the University of Chicago who led this research explains.

A new targeted antibiotic has been found that treats Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Dr Graham Easton who is Professor of Clinical Communication Skills at Queen Mary University of London describes how it works.

Missing your first mammogram appointment has as much impact on breast cancer outcomes than an inherited genetic risk according to new research. Ziyan Ma from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Karolinska Institute tells us more.

And should we reconsider how we treat blood pressure?

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Katie Tomsett


WED 21:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfjdwj)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 21:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnynkg4)
Ex-FBI director James Comey pleads not guilty to charges of lying to Congress

Former FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty in a US federal court to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstruction of justice.

Also on the programme: President Trump has called for the jailing of Illinois governor and Chicago mayor, accusing them of not doing enough to ensure the safety of federal immigration officers who are conducting raids in Chicago; France's outgoing Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu says President Emmanuel Macron could nominate a new prime minister in the next 48 hours; and the award-winning musical 'Les Misérables’ turns 40.

(Photo:James Comey, former director of the FBI, is seen in a frame grab from a video feed as he is sworn in remotely from his home during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing exploring the FBI's investigation of the 2016 Trump campaign and Russian election interference in Washington, on the 30th of September 2020. Credit: U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary/Handout via REUTERS)


WED 22:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfjjmn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 22:06 The Interview (w3ct7x6z)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


WED 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh16wx1)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 22:32 Cyber Hack (w3ct89y7)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


WED 23:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfjncs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


WED 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvj1d5)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


WED 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh170n5)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


WED 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct76jb)
Is AI the next tech bubble?

Warnings the value of AI companies are stretched... we'll bring you reaction from industry experts.

Trade relations between India and the UK are at an all-time high according to politicians and business leaders... We ask what business opportunities that might offer.

And why we might need new names for vegetarian sausages and veggie burgers?

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

THURSDAY 09 OCTOBER 2025

THU 00:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfjs3x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 00:06 World Book Club (w3ct74s4)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Saturday]


THU 01:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfjww1)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvj8wf)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1784f)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct71fs)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Wednesday]


THU 02:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfk0m5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvjdmk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh17cwk)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 02:32 The Documentary (w3ct82l0)
Global dancefloor: Saigon

Frank McWeeny heads to the dancefloors of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to uncover what Vietnamese alternative culture looks and sounds like today. With 70% of the country under 35, young people are the driving force behind a different image of Vietnam, far away from poverty and war. They are asserting their identity through music, fashion and their own take on traditional values. They are changing perceptions of what it means to be Vietnamese in 2025.
We hear from DIY music collective Dismal, forward-thinking underground club The Observatory, and members of the nightlife and fashion scenes.


Producer/presenter: Frank McWeeny
Editor: Susan Marling
A Just Radio production for BBC World Service

(Photo: Dismal party in Saigon. Credit: io lart)


THU 03:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfk4c9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 03:06 Outlook (w3ct6xct)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Wednesday]


THU 03:50 Witness History (w3ct74qj)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Wednesday]


THU 04:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfk83f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvjn3t)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh17mct)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 04:32 The Food Chain (w3ct70z2)
How (not) to complain

How confident would you feel about complaining if a restaurant meal was not up to scratch?

Restaurateurs in the UK, South Africa and the United States compare stories of the most outrageous complaints they’ve received, and how they were dealt with.

They tell Ruth Alexander how increasing numbers of customers are "weaponising" the threat of negative online reviews.

And if you’re someone who struggles to complain when things go wrong, there’s advice on how to make your voice heard calmly and assertively.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

Produced by Lexy O'Connor

Image: A young woman is arguing with a waiter in a cafe. She has a pastry on her plate and is holding a cup of coffee. Credit: Getty/Wavebreak Media


THU 05:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfkcvk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 05:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vhrw4)
Prisoner release agreed between Israel and Hamas

After intense negotiations in Egypt, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement on the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, raising hopes of an end to two years of war. The breakthrough was announced by President Trump who called it a great day for the world. He said Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel is set to withdraw from parts of Gaza.

The Gen Z movement behind protests in Madagascar have said they will not take part in talks with the President and his government. In a bid to quell the protests - embattled President Andry Rajoelina fired his cabinet, appointed a new prime minister, and announced plans for a national dialogue with various groups. We hear from the former President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana.

And the BBC has obtained exclusive access to the Norwegian commimittee that awards the Nobel peace prize. We have a report from Oslo looking ahead to Friday's 125th Nobel Peace Prize.

Presenters: James Copnall and Pria Rai.

(Photo: People react to news that Israel and Hamas have agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Credit: Reuters TV via Reuters).


THU 06:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfkhlp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 06:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vhwm8)
Hostages to be released in Gaza deal

Hamas and Israel have reached a deal for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It's a breakthrough that points to an end to the two-year war in Gaza. In a post on social media President Tump writes 'ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon.' We get reaction from Israel and Gaza.

President Emmanuel Macron of France is expected to name another new Prime Minister, this would be his fourth in less than a year. We get the view from the business sector in the country.

Former President of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana has confirmed his support for the ongoing youth led anti-government protests that have shaken President Andry Rajoelina’s leadership.

Presenters: James Copnall and Pria Rai

(Photo: Natali Zangauker, sister of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker and their mother Einav Zangauker, celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Tel Aviv. Credit: Gideon Markowicz/Reuters)


THU 07:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfkmbt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 07:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vj0cd)
First phase of Gaza deal agreed

Hamas and Israel have reached a deal for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It's a breakthrough that points to an end to the two-year war in Gaza. In a post on social media President Tump wrote 'ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon.' We get reaction from Israel and Gaza.

Elon Musk has agreed to settle a lawsuit worth $128 million. It was brought by four former top executives at Twitter, now X, over unpaid severance when he took over the company.

Russia says momentum towards reaching a peace deal in Ukraine following the summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in August has largely disappeared. The deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, blamed European nations for the impasse that followed the meeting between the Russian and US presidents in Alaska. We speak to a Russian politician on what happens next.

Presenters: James Copnall and Pria Rai

(Photo: Palestinians celebrate on a street following the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed on Wednesday to the first phase of US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza strip. Credit: Reuters)


THU 08:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfkr2y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 08:06 The Inquiry (w3ct7235)
Is Trump building a crypto economy?

Donald Trump once dismissed cryptocurrencies as a scam. But since returning to office, his view of them has shifted dramatically.

In July, President Trump signed new legislation aimed at integrating crypto into the financial mainstream. Members of the Trump family have launched their own ventures, generating significant profits and boosting the visibility of digital currencies in American politics.

Supporters say this could reassert the dominance of the US dollar in a changing global economy, while critics warn of economic volatility and regulatory gaps. How did crypto go from fringe to front-and-centre in Trump’s economic vision?

This week on The Inquiry, we’re asking: Is Trump building a crypto economy?

Contributors:
Molly White, writer for the Citation Needed Newsletter in the US
Francine McKenna, Lecturer at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, US
Will Grant, BBC's Mexico, Central America and Caribbean correspondent
Gillian Tett, Provost of King's College, Cambridge, UK

Presenter: Tanya Beckett
Producers: Ben Henderson and Matt Toulson
Researcher: Evie Yabsley
Editor: Tom Bigwood
Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
Production Management Assistant: Liam Morrey

(Photo: President Donald Trump displays the GENIUS Act on 18 July 2025. Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)


THU 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh183cb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct6s2q)
Small country: Big tariffs

We head to Switzerland, a small but very successful country with a population of just 9 million.

And now coping with some of US President Donald Trump’s highest tariffs.

In August the original threat of 31% tariffs was raised to 39%.

Two months on, efforts to negotiate with Washington have proved fruitless and the Swiss economy, regularly ranked as the most competitive in the world, is starting to slow down.

Produced and presented by Imogen Foulkes

(Swiss watch brands, including Zenith and Hublot, in a shopping arcade in Geneva, Switzerland. Credit: Getty Images)


THU 08:50 Witness History (w3ct74jv)
Japan surrenders in Beijing

Eighty years ago, in the autumn of 1945, World War II surrender ceremonies took place across the Japanese Empire.

The one in China was held at the Forbidden City in Beijing bringing an end to eight years of occupation. Thousands of people watched the incredible moment Japanese generals handed over their swords. The United States, China, Russia and the United Kingdom were all represented. John Stanfield, now 105, is the last surviving British person who was there. He recalls to Josephine McDermott how he signed the surrender declaration documents on behalf of the British.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.

(Photo: Surrender in the Forbidden City. Credit: Hedda Morrison, courtesy of John Stanfield family/University of Bristol - Historical Photographs of China)


THU 09:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfkvv2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvk7vg)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1873g)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 09:32 The Documentary (w3ct82l0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 10:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfkzl6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 10:06 The Explanation (w3ct7ysm)
The Media Show: Reporting from Inside Putin’s Russia

Steve Rosenberg, BBC News Russia editor, is one of the few Western reporters still based in Moscow. He talks about working under tight controls, renewing short visas and facing limits on access while trying to report facts from inside the country. His years of steady reporting have now earned him the Charles Wheeler Award for Broadcast Journalism. Also on the show, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, explains how the magazine is turning to video with its new series The Economist Insider. The project shows editors debating major issues and gives viewers a sense of how the publication works behind the scenes. And Victoria Beckham has a new series on Netflix. Public-relations specialist Farzana Baduel, founder of Curzon PR, assesses the strategy behind “authorised access” documentaries and how they can help celebrities manage their image.

Presenters: Katie Razzall
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producers: Lucy Wai and Elena Angelides
Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites
Technical Coordinator: James Cherry
Sound: Robin Schroder


THU 10:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh18bvl)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 10:32 World of Secrets (w3ct854p)
Death in Dubai

Death in Dubai: 3. The most powerful pimp

Kiera and Mia remember Monic as charismatic and kind-hearted. They were living with her in Dubai and can reveal the shocking reality of her life there, saying they were all trapped in a prostitution ring run by a man they believe is “the most powerful pimp in Dubai”. They say they’re scared of him but are determined to speak out, to get justice for their friend.

This episode contains strong language.

Presented by investigative journalist Runako Celina.

Season 9 of World of Secrets, Death in Dubai, is a BBC Eye investigation, produced in association with Thread Studios, for the BBC World Service.

Please note, the image is being used for illustrative purposes only and the person depicted in it is a model.

If you feel distressed by the references in this story, please speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support such as Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

For UK listeners, details of organisations offering information about or support after sexual abuse, or with feelings of despair, are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Here’s a link to the BBC Eye documentary film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://bit.ly/bbcdeathindubai

If you are in the UK, you can watch on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n12t256jg


THU 11:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfl3bb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvkhbq)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh18glq)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct7198)
Australia’s mushroom killer trial

It’s been called ‘Australia's trial of the century’. Erin Patterson, the mushroom murderer, was sentenced last month and given a life sentence, but that wasn’t the end of the story. Both the prosecution and the defence are lodging competing appeals. Patterson wants her conviction overturned, and if her appeal succeeds there could be a retrial. Her prosecutors, however, say her 33 year sentence is ‘manifestly inadequate’ and they want to see her receive longer jail time.

These are the latest developments in a story that has launched a flurry of true crime podcasts, books and documentaries. A TV drama is in production, and one of Australia's most eminent writers has announced she’s writing a book about it.

The BBC’s Katy Watson talks us through how this suburban triple-murder story became the focus of the increasingly voracious true-crime industry.

Producers: Viv Jones, Xandra Ellin and Valerio Esposito
Executive producer: Annie Brown
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins

Image: Erin Patterson. AAP/James Ross via REUTERS


THU 12:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfl72g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 12:06 Outlook (w3ct6wy0)
Kurt Cobain loved our record so much he wore it out

Gina Birch, a 21-year-old ball of energy from Nottingham and Ana da Silva, a laid back 28-year-old from a Portuguese island, met as art students in seventies London. It was the heyday of punk: the city was buzzing with squats, sticky-floored clubs and a sense of possibility. Inspired by the DIY-punk ethos of the time, the two newly-formed friends decided to start a band, The Raincoats. There was just one catch, they could barely play an instrument. Bolstered by enthusiasm, attitude and defiance they created their own off-kilter, idiosyncratic sound that found a fan base across the world. But after three albums, creative and personal differences led the band to break up. In their decade apart, Gina studied film and Ana worked in an antiques shop. In 1992, Kurt Cobain visited the antiques shop where Ana worked and asked if she could replace his copy of their first album. He'd played it so much he'd worn it out. And then this very famous, devoted fan, grunge legend, Kurt Cobain, brought The Raincoats back together for one last chapter.

The Raincoats story is also told in a book called: Shouting Out Loud by Audrey Golden.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Elena Angelides

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Two images of Gina and Ana are laid over each other. In the first, it is them today, looking straight at the camera. Ana is wearing a black jacket over a stripy top, she has short brown hair. Gina is wearing a black top with a bright yellow necklace and shoulder length curly blonde hair. In the second, black and white, image they are on stage with their band, both with guitars in hand, singing their hearts out into the microphones. Credit: Tonje Thilesen and Rocco)


THU 12:50 Witness History (w3ct74jv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 13:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrflbtl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvkqtz)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh18q2z)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 13:32 The Food Chain (w3ct70z2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 14:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrflgkq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 14:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnyqm4b)
Trump says first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal agreed

US President Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of his Gaza ceasefire deal.

We'll speak to the father of one of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza and get reaction from Gaza City. We also assess the chances and the many obstacles that remain in the way of a lasting peace deal.

Also on the programme: this year's Nobel Prize for Literature has been awarded to the Hungarian writer Laszlo Krasznahorkai; and the celebrated Chinese pianist Lang Lang on his new album.

(Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio updates President Trump on the Gaza proposal on September 22 at the White House. Credit: Reuters)


THU 15:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfll9v)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 15:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnyqqwg)
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.


THU 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct81pg)
US top banker warns of potential risk of stock market decline

In a BBC interview, the head of America's largest bank, J P Morgan, has warned that US stock markets do not currently reflect the level of risk of a serious fall. Jamie Dimon said he was "far more worried than others" about a major market correction.

China has tightened its rules on the export of rare earths – the elements that are crucial to the manufacture of many high-tech products.

And the price of silver hit its highest level in decades. The metal reached more than $50 an ounce.

Presenter: Sarah Rogers
Producer: Ahmed Adan
Editor: Justin Bones


THU 16:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrflq1z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 16:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtnl5y)
Israel-Hamas agreement: Your questions answered

Israel's cabinet is meeting to ratify the Gaza ceasefire which would see the release of hostages and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. The agreement with Hamas was announced with fanfare by Donald Trump after intense negotiations in Egypt. We get reaction from Gazans inside the territory and from those who have left.

Our correspondents in Israel, Egypt and the US answer audience questions about the deal and what the possible next steps are.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: Al Jazeera reporter Nour Abu Rokba works, as Palestinian emergency personnel celebrate, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, in Gaza City, October 9, 2025. Credit: Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters)


THU 17:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfltt3)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 17:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtnpy2)
The first phase of a deal signed by Israel and Hamas

The Israeli cabinet is preparing to ratify the Gaza ceasefire which would see the release of hostages and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. The US-backed deal - signed earlier in Egypt - will see all remaining hostages and 2,000 Palestinian prisoners freed. We speak to families of Israeli hostages and hear from people in Gaza.

We also get the latest from our correspondents in Jerusalem and Washington.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: A man, wearing shirt in the colours of the U.S. flag, and a woman, wearing an Israeli flag across her shoulders, celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, at the "Hostages square", in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025. Credit: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)


THU 18:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrflyk7)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 18:06 Outlook (w3ct6wy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


THU 18:50 Witness History (w3ct74jv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


THU 19:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfm29c)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvlg9r)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh19fkr)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct6z7t)
2025/10/09 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


THU 20:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfm61h)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 20:06 The Documentary (w3ct82l0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 02:32 today]


THU 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh19k9w)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 20:32 Science In Action (w3ct6yfz)
Old faces and big spaces in small places

The 2025 Nobel prizes are announced this week – how did Science in Action’s predictions fare? Science author and thinker Philip Ball judges.

The Whitley Fund for Nature this week hosted a “People for Planet” summit, exploring possible solutions to save nature. Amongst the speakers was Prof Martin Wikelski, of ICARUS, who has spent many years tracking wildlife around the world using tiny radio sensors. As he describes to Roland, he shortly hopes to launch a network of satellites to enable a global system to help us learn how hundreds of species are faring.

Also, a new “Human Disease Blood Atlas” gets a boost, as described by Mathias Uhlén of SciLifeLab. Could an annual blood sample become a standard primary healthcare routine, mapping key proteins and their concentrations to provide early warning of hundreds of diseases?

Meanwhile Nozair Khawaja of Free University of Berlin has been revisiting data from the Cassini mission to Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, back in 2008. His new analysis increases the prospects of habitable conditions deep on the ocean floor beneath the icy crust.

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Alex Mansfield
Production Coordinator: Jana Bennet-Holesworth

(Image: Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry explains a model during a press conference. Credit: Jonathan Nackstrand via Getty Images).


THU 21:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfm9sm)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 21:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnyrgc7)
Israel and Hamas agree first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage release deal, paving the way for a possible end to the conflict in Gaza. Also on the programme, a Hungarian author of apocalyptic novels wins the Nobel Prize for Literature.

(Photo: Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, reacts, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, at the "Hostages square", in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 9, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)


THU 22:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfmfjr)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 22:06 The Inquiry (w3ct7235)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


THU 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh19st4)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 22:32 The Food Chain (w3ct70z2)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


THU 23:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfmk8w)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


THU 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvly98)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


THU 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh19xk8)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


THU 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct75y7)
JP Morgan Chase boss talks about the future of AI

The Chief Executive of JP Morgan Chase Jamie Dimon shares his views on AI, and whether he thinks the hype around it will continue. The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz vows to do everything possible to counter EU rules banning the sale of new CO2 emitting cars after 2035. And we hear how Doanld Trumps tariffs pilicy is affecting Switzerland which is facing duties of some 39 per cent on its exports to the US. (Picture: Jamie Dimon. Credit; Shannon Stapleton Reuters)

FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 2025

FRI 00:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfmp10)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:06 The Explanation (w3ct7ysm)
[Repeat of broadcast at 10:06 on Thursday]


FRI 00:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1b19d)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 00:32 Unspun World with John Simpson (w3ct78bz)
Two years on, is the Gaza war at a turning point?

This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether, two years on from the 7 October attacks, peace in the Middle East is now possible, looks at what it’s like for western journalists to report from Russia, and examines the consequences of UN sanctions being reimposed on Iran.

Producer: Kate Cornell
Executive Producer: Benedick Watt
Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski


FRI 01:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfmss4)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 01:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvm5sj)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 01:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1b51j)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 01:32 The Global Story (w3ct7198)
[Repeat of broadcast at 11:32 on Thursday]


FRI 02:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfmxj8)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvm9jn)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 02:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1b8sn)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 02:32 Tech Life (w3ct6zpc)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Tuesday]


FRI 03:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfn18d)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 03:06 Outlook (w3ct6wy0)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 on Thursday]


FRI 03:50 Witness History (w3ct74jv)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 on Thursday]


FRI 04:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfn50j)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvmk0x)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 04:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1bj8x)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 04:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct6vpg)
Searching for hope as a hostage in Gaza

After two long years President Trump has announced a ceasefire agreement which should see the remaining hostages returned home in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

How have the families of Israeli hostages and their loved ones, held captive in dark tunnels for hundreds of days, managed to hold onto hope? Do people deepen their faith during periods of immense suffering, or turn away from religion?

For this edition of Heart and Soul, Naomi Scherbel-Ball explores how, two years on since the October 7th attacks, hostages and their families see their lives and their faith.

Many of those held hostage in Gaza come from the kibbutzim, largely secular communities that border Gaza, or were taken from the Nova music festival. Some of those released have spoken about reconnecting with their Jewish faith, with one female hostage even translating her prayers into Arabic so she would be allowed to continue to pray by her captors. Others speak of the strength they found in their family, the kibbutzim movement and community.

65-year-old American-Israeli Keith Siegel, who was kidnapped with his wife Aviva, explains how his connection to Judaism deepened during nearly 500 days in captivity. On his release, his daughter asked what he would like for their first family shabbat meal together after nearly 500 days. “What I want most is a kippah and a kiddush cup”, he answered, referring to the head covering worn by observant Jewish men and the symbolic cup that is held during the Friday night blessing in Judaism. Now back with his family in Israel, he says his heart is not whole until the remaining hostages return.

Produced and Presented by Naomi Scherbel-Ball
Executive Producer: Rajeev Gupta
Editor: Chloe Walker


FRI 05:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfn8rn)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 05:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vlns7)
Israel approves Trump's Gaza plan

The deal came almost exactly two years after the Hamas invasion of Israel that sparked the war. The Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, said he hoped the deal would clear the path for a lasting political solution and an independent Palestinian state.

We hear from Gaza, and Qatar. We also look as to how president Trump managed to pull the plan through.

As National Guard soldiers are deployed in Chicago, we speak to a former Mayor

(Photo: Trump announces Israel-Hamas agreement on first phase of Gaza peace plan, Jerusalem - 09 Oct 2025; Credit: Maayan Toaf/HANDOUT HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock)


FRI 06:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfndhs)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 06:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vlsjc)
Gaza ceasefire to come into force

Ahead of the vote on Gaza plan, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been accused of prolonging the conflict for political purposes, thanked US President Donald Trump for helping negotiate the deal.

Hamas’s exiled Gaza chief, Khalil Al-Hayya, said he had received guarantees from the United States and mediators that the war was over.

Russia has carried out big air raids overnight on Ukraine, including on the capital, Kyiv. we go live there to get the latest

(Photo: A Palestinian ambulance during an Israeli military operation in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, 09 October 2025; Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)


FRI 07:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfnj7x)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 07:06 Newsday (w172zspty6vlx8h)
First phase of a Gaza deal leads to ceasefire

The US is moving up to 200 troops already based in the Middle East to Israel to coordinate the operation, according to US officials. US officials say that no American forces will enter Gaza. The task force is led by US Central Command based in the region.

We speak to an Israeli official and aid organisation in Gaza.

And we hear from a new Syrian Member of parliament. She is among just six women elected in Syria's first polls since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad

(Photo: Displaced Palestinians await the the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis; Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)


FRI 08:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfnn01)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:06 Americast (w3ct7t61)
Trump's new plan for America's top universities

There is a new deal on the table for universities in America. After months of fighting with the Trump administration over funding cuts, free speech and allegations of elitism and racism, the new deal is being offered to a select group of universities who are now weighing up how to respond.

Anthony and Justin unpack the proposal from the White House, which promises “substantial and meaningful federal grants” in return for signing up to Trump’s new vision for American colleges. The Trump administration says it will tackle elitism and racial bias, but opponents of the deal say it damages academic freedom and limits free speech.

Inez Stepman, Senior Policy and Legal Analyst for the Independent Women’s Forum and Independent Women’s Law Centre joins Anthony and Justin. She is an education specialist whose views have inspired the White House and influenced its decision making when it comes to higher education in America.

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST:
Inez Stepman, Senior Policy and Legal Analyst for the Independent Women’s Forum and Independent Women’s Law Centre

GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast

This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Grace Reeve and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.

You can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (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.

Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm
Radical: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd


FRI 08:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1c08f)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 08:32 Business Daily (w3ct6rsp)
Business Daily meets: Fani Titi, Investec CEO

The South African grew up under the racist apartheid system as one of 14 children.

He looked set for a life in farming, until a chance event took him down a different path – ultimately becoming CEO of the multinational banking group, Investec.

If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, you can email us at businessdaily@bbc.co.uk

Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Producer: Elisabeth Mahy
Additional production: Amber Mehmood, Luke Jarmyn, Bisi Adebayo

(Image: Fani Titi. Credit: Investec)


FRI 08:50 Witness History (w3ct744f)
How BRICS got its name

In 2001, a few months after 9/11, economist Jim O’Neill was working at Goldman Sachs when he wrote a report about which countries might become big players in the world economy.

That’s when he came up with the name BRIC - short for Brazil, Russia, India and China.

At first, nothing much happened.

But in 2009, those countries took his idea and ran with it, holding their first summit.

Since then, the group has grown, adding South Africa to form BRICS.

There are now 11 members, and it’s been making headlines again, as U.S President Donald Trump threatens tariffs.

Jim O’Neill speaks to Megan Jones about coming up with the acronym almost by accident and how he didn’t think he’d still be talking about it almost 25 years later.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.

For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.

We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.

You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.

(Photo: Jim O'Neill. Credit: Jim O'Neill)


FRI 09:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfnrr5)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvn4rk)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 09:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1c40k)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 09:32 Science In Action (w3ct6yfz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:32 on Thursday]


FRI 10:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfnwh9)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 10:06 Unexpected Elements (w3ct72wn)
The strongest stuff in the Universe

Egyptian strongman Ashraf Mahrous recently pulled two ships totalling 1,150 tonnes with his teeth, setting his sights on the Guinness World Record. Inspired by this story, this week we’re tackling the science of all things strong.

First, we find out about new research that could keep our muscles strong as we age. Next up, we discover why graphene is so strong and how it could help improve data storage.

We're then joined down the line by Dr Matt Caplan, an astrophysicist from Illinois State University, who tells us about his search for a weird substance called ‘nuclear pasta’. And no, you won’t find it in your local Italian restaurant.

Plus, find out how robo-exoskeletons can help you climb hills and why Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance was weaker than expected.
All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Kai Kupferschmidt and Andrada Fiscutean
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Robbie Wojciechowski and Lucy Davies


FRI 11:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfp07f)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvnd7t)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 11:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1ccht)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 11:32 The Global Story (w3ct714r)
Will the Gaza ceasefire hold?

Israel and Hamas have approved President Trump’s plan for a ceasefire and approved a framework including the release of all the hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza. It is being described as the first phase of a wider agreement, but is the deal secure enough to last?

We speak to Liran Berman, whose brothers Gali and Ziv are amongst the last hostages, Laila Ezzat Al Shana, a mother in Gaza, and the BBC’s state department correspondent, Tom Bateman.

Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller
Executive producer: James Shield
Senior news editor: China Collins
Mix: Travis Evans

Image: Reactions in Gaza after President Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire. Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters


FRI 12:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfp3zk)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 12:06 Outlook (w3ct6whg)
Outlook Mixtape: The one with Three Bears

Brutus the grizzly bear spent his first months in a six-feet-square steel box. He was rescued by Casey Anderson, a naturalist and filmmaker who, inspired by his plight, opened the Montana Grizzly Encounter Rescue and Educational Sanctuary. Brutus appeared on television with Anderson. He also featured in films, commercials and was even best man at Anderson’s wedding. This interview was first broadcast in 2018.

Private Wojtek of the 22nd Artillery Transport Division of the Polish Armed Forces was a Syrian brown bear who helped his fellow soldiers by carrying artillery shells at the Second World War Battle of Monte Cassino. Like his comrades, he enjoyed beer and cigarettes, although instead of smoking the latter, he ate them. After demobilisation, Wojtek went to Edinburgh Zoo, where he spent the rest of his life, often visited by former Polish soldiers. Wojciech Narebski who was one of the soldiers who fought alongside him, told us the story in 2018.

Joel Berger dedicated ten years of his life to studying musk oxen – hairy Arctic relatives of the goat. With global warming affecting their habitat, musk oxen increasingly came into contact with roaming polar bears. Joel wanted to investigate the effect of the bears on musk oxen behaviour – and with no polar bear to call on – he improvised. He grabbed a polar bear costume and headed north. This interview was first broadcast in 2019.

Hercules the bear was bought by Scottish couple Maggie and Andy Robin after they were told he could be euthanised at a local wildlife park. In 2015, Maggie told us how he lived with them in the 1970s and 80s at their home in Perthshire. Our attitudes towards keeping wild animals have changed a lot since then, but at the time, Hercules, a half tonne Grizzly, was something of a celebrity, starring in films and TV shows all over the world.

Presenter: Jo Fidgen
Producer: Hetal Bapodra

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: A transparent 60-minute cassette tape spooled halfway through and lying on a white background. It bears a slim white label with the words ‘THE OUTLOOK MIXTAPE’ written in black. Credit: Getty Images)


FRI 12:50 Witness History (w3ct744f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 13:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfp7qp)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvnmr2)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 13:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1cm02)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 13:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct6vpg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 14:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfpcgt)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 14:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnytj1f)
Venezuelan opposition leader wins Nobel Peace Prize

Venezuela's opposition leader and pro-democracy activist María Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

For years, she has campaigned against Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro, whose 12-year rule is viewed by many nations as illegitimate. We'll speak to one of her close allies about what difference the award might make.

Also in the programme: Thousands of displaced Palestinians are heading back to what's left of their homes as a ceasefire comes into effect in Gaza; how AI-controlled weapons could become a reality on the battlefields of Ukraine; and a new species of pre-historic marine reptile that's just been identified by scientists.

(Photo shows Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at a protest on 9 January 2025. Credit: Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters)


FRI 15:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfph6y)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:06 Americast (w3ct7t61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 15:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1cvhb)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 15:32 Business Daily (w3ct6rsp)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:32 today]


FRI 15:50 World Business Express (w3ct81pn)
US steps up to save the Argentine Peso

The US has purchased Argentine pesos, taking the next step in a controversial effort to calm a currency crisis hitting the South American country and its president, Trump ally Javier Milei.

In the US though, it's a different story – farmers, especially soybean farmers, have lost ground to Argentina in global markets, especially in China, due to its trade war with the US.

And Pokémon cards are hitting record highs, as some of them have seen values rise by 4000%, according to Card Ladder, which tracks values.

Presenter: Sarah Rogers
Producer: Ahmed Adan
Editor: Justin Bones and Shea Conduct


FRI 16:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfplz2)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 16:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtrh31)
Palestinians begin returning to Gaza's north

The Israeli military says the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza has now come into effect and its forces have partially withdrawn from the territory. Live footage has shown thousands of Palestinians walking back to their homes. Hamas now has 72 hours to release all Israeli hostages. We hear from residents and aid workers in Gaza.

One child has been killed and at least 20 people injured in a wave of Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. We speak to our Ukrainian colleague Vitaliy Schevchenko who spotted satellite images showing a Russian military base set up in his childhood home.

After the former England rugby captain Lewis Moody revealed he has motor neurone disease, we speak to family members and partners of others living with the condition.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: Palestinians, who were displaced to the southern part of Gaza at Israel's order during the war, make their way along a road past destroyed buildings as they return to the north after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza went into effect, in the central Gaza Strip, October 10, 2025. Credit: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters)


FRI 17:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfpqq6)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 17:06 BBC OS (w173067zvrtrlv5)
Israel says Gaza ceasefire is now in effect

Israeli military has confirmed the ceasefire agreement with Hamas had come into effect. BBC correspondents say most of the Palestinians who have returned to Gaza city have been shocked at the scale of destruction. Hamas now has 72 hours to release all the remaining Israeli hostages, dead and alive. Israel is set to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. We speak to our Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet who has been reporting from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. We also hear from residents in Gaza.

Venezuela's opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, has described her Nobel Peace Prize as an immense recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans. We get reaction from Venezualans and speak to our reporter.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to name a new prime minister, the Elysee Palace has said, fending off speculation that fresh elections could be imminent. We speak to our correspondent in Paris.

Presenter: Rahul Tandon.

(Photo: Israeli military vehicles pull back from some areas of Gaza as part of the agreement. Credit: AFP via Getty Images)


FRI 18:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfpvgb)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 18:06 Outlook (w3ct6whg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 12:06 today]


FRI 18:50 Witness History (w3ct744f)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:50 today]


FRI 19:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfpz6g)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvpc6v)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 19:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1dbgv)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 19:32 Sport Today (w3ct6z39)
2025/10/10 GMT

BBC sports correspondents tell the story behind today's top sporting news, with interviews and reports from across the world.


FRI 20:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfq2yl)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:06 BBC OS Conversations (w3ct6rn5)
Trump and Autism – People affected speak out

President Donald Trump recently addressed what he described as the “horrible crisis” in autism, and rapid rise in reported cases over the last two decades. Previously, he’s suggested a link between some vaccines and autism, and in his latest remarks, he warned pregnant women to avoid taking the painkiller Tylenol, or Paracetamol as it’s known in many countries.

Scientists around the world have condemned his remarks. They say the rise in reported cases of autism is due to increased understanding and diagnoses, and that there is no evidence to show that autism is caused by painkillers or vaccines.

In our conversations, autistic people and the parents of autistic children discuss their reactions to President Trump’s comments.

“I think it's heartbreaking,” says Ella, who's autistic and lives in the UK. “He's a man whose voice is heard internationally. And I think regardless of whether this misinformation is called out and is called misinformation, people do listen.”

“Suddenly being autistic looks like a choice someone made, and then families can be treated like, like they have fault for somebody's diagnosis,” says Elena, another autistic woman.

For Gifty, a parent in Ghana, another aspect is the blame it puts on mothers. “In this in this part of the world, Africa, we already have men who don't understand these things. I mean, it adds more value to their conspiracy theories. The mother ate something, the mother did something … and it's like, oh, you see, we always knew that it was coming from the mother.”

Presenter: Rahul Tandon
BBC producers: Isabella Bull and Ash Mohamed
Boffin Media producer: Anne McNaught

An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production in partnership with the OS team.

(Photo/credit: Areva Martin and her son Marty)


FRI 20:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1dg6z)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 20:32 CrowdScience (w3ct6st9)
Are atoms immortal?

Atoms are the building blocks of our world. Many have been around since right after the Big Bang created the universe nearly 14 billion years ago. And if life on Earth is made of atoms that are from all the way back then... will those atoms keep existing forever? That’s what CrowdScience Listener Rob in Australia would like to know.

Caroline Steel investigates the immortality of atoms by travelling to CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory located along the border of France and Switzerland. There, theoretical physicist Matthew McCullough explains whether the smallest atoms can decay or survive the test of time.

Physicist Marco van Leeuwen from Nikhef, the National Particle Physics Laboratory in the Netherlands, gives Caroline a behind-the-scenes tour of the ALICE experiment and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. She learns how atoms are smashed at incredibly high speeds, and whether that might spell the end of an atom.

And all life on earth is made up of atoms, but how does a collection of tiny particles become a living being? Astrobiologist Betül Kaçar from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, breaks down how life works from an atomic point of view.

Presenter: Caroline Steel

Producer: Imaan Moin

Editor: Ben Motley



(Photo: Hands cupping a glowing atom in the studio - stock photo. Credit: Paper Boat Creative via Getty Images)


FRI 21:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfq6pq)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 21:06 Newshour (w172zss9mnyvc8b)
Ceasefire comes into force as IDF pulls out of parts of Gaza

Palestinians in Gaza returning to their homes following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas say they've been shocked by the scale of destruction. Also on the programme, The Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy activist, María Corina Machado, has been awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize; and, the green turtle has been rescued from the brink of extinction in what scientists are calling a major conservation victory.

(Photo: Palestinians react near rubble following Israeli forces' withdrawal from the area, after Israel and Hamas agreed on the Gaza ceasefire, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 10, 2025. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)


FRI 22:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfqbfv)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:06 Americast (w3ct7t61)
[Repeat of broadcast at 08:06 today]


FRI 22:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1dpq7)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 22:32 Heart and Soul (w3ct6vpg)
[Repeat of broadcast at 04:32 today]


FRI 23:00 BBC News (w172zwwvfrfqg5z)
The latest five minute news bulletin from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:06 The Newsroom (w172zwl9kyvpv6c)
The world's Newsroom brings you global events as they happen


FRI 23:30 BBC News Summary (w172zwxnwh1dtgc)
The latest two minute news summary from BBC World Service.


FRI 23:32 World Business Report (w3ct76nv)
Trump threatens a "massive" increase in tariffs on Chinese goods

President Trump is threatening to cancel his meeting with Xi Jinping and, in a post on Truth Social, warned of “strange things happening in China.” He says Beijing is planning sweeping export controls on rare earths — and the U.S. is now calculating a massive tariff hike.

U.S. businesses trading with China are watching closely —and soybean farmers especially so. We speak to their trade body and ask their reaction.

Plus, cocoa prices have taken a tumble to their lowest level in nearly two years, after a wild rally that squeezed chocolate makers and boosted farmer incomes. So what’s behind the drop, and what does it mean for growers on the ground?

And Pokémon cards have become a serious business. Since they first came out in 1996, the value of certain rare cards has skyrocketed — we’re talking up to 4,000% over the past two decades. So what’s behind the boom?

You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.