Podcast · News

From Our Own Correspondent

by BBC Radio 4 · English · News

Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 29 min
Latest: 10 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

10 Oct 2026 · 44 min

France rocked by wave of student protests

Kate Adie introduces stories from France, Israel, Yemen, Greenland and the US. France has been in the grip of nationwide school protests as students protest the dire state of the country's schools. Aside from the demands for classroom improvements, they've inflamed wider concerns over future prospects and political division, says James Waterhouse. Memorial events took place in Israel this week to mark the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas-led attacks, that killed nearly 1200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Yolande Knell went back to Kibbutz Nir Oz which was one of the worst hit…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

3 Oct 2026 · 30 min
Nepal: Living on the Edge of Disaster
Kate Adie introduces stories from Nepal, Gaza, Ukraine, the USA and Norway. Recent catastrophic floods have heightened fears among Nepal's many at-risk mountain communities living under the looming threat of melting glaciers. Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent reports from the village and monastery of Halji in the country's high plains. UNICEF says some 98 per cent of schools in Gaza were either destroyed or damaged during the war between Israel and Hamas, which began after the Hamas attacks of October 7 2023. In recent weeks, the Ministry of Education announced it was going ahead with the new…
26 Sep 2026 · 29 min
Xi, Trump and the battle for AI supremacy
Kate Adie presents stories from Mongolia, Turkey, Djibouti, Brazil and Africa. Xi Jinping met Donald Trump in Washington this week. Talking points included Taiwan, the Iran War, the trade truce – and Artificial Intelligence. Our China correspondent Laura Bicker has travelled to Inner Mongolia, where Chinese data centres are being built at a rapid rate as China seeks industry dominance. A court in Turkey has sentenced the already-jailed former Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu to two more years in prison and banned him from politics. Rights groups have said this legal action is political…
19 Sep 2026 · 29 min
Iran-backed Houthis rapidly advance on Red Sea coast
Kate Adie introduces stories from Yemen, South Korea, Sierra Leone, France, and Ireland. Yemen's Houthis recently claimed a major advance along the western Red Sea coast, capturing two strategic port cities from the Saudi-backed pro government forces. The BBC’s security correspondent, Frank Gardner, reflects on how the Iran-backed Houthis have transformed themselves from tribal militia to formidable force. North Korea's soldiers fought alongside Russian troops at the end of 2024, as they tried to repel a surprise Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory - and it's thought they could soon…
12 Sep 2026 · 29 min
Could Kyiv see another mass exodus?
Kate Adie introduces stories from Ukraine, Nigeria, Canada, US and Malaysia. There’s growing alarm in Kyiv and in European capitals over the intensification of Russia's jet-powered drone attacks. As another winter of war approaches, there are worries that damage to vital infrastructure might make the city unlivable, sparking a second exodus of citizens. Meanwhile, in rural towns and villages, elderly locals have become reliant on international aid food parcels, James Landale reports. Nigeria is battling a kidnapping crisis across several states, driven by criminal gangs targeting rural…
5 Sep 2026 · 29 min
USS Abraham Lincoln's troubled deployment ends in Thailand
Kate Adie introduces stories from Thailand, Ukraine, Kenya, Spain and Hungary. After nine months at sea the USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand this week. The psychological plight of its crew, which ran short on supplies, turned up the heat on Donald Trump and his longer-than-promised war with Iran. Jonathan Head reports from Pattaya, a long-time R&R spot for the American military which welcomed the arrival of some 5000 sailors. Since Russia invaded Ukraine back in 2014, there has been growing resentment over the use of the Russian language in the country - even in cities where the…
29 Aug 2026 · 29 min
Germany's far-right AFD eyes first state win
Kate Adie presents stories from Germany on the Alternative für Deutschland party's plans if it takes power in state elections; India's Cockroach party takes on a new fight; inside the factories of China's robotic revolution; how corned beef changed a Uruguayan town and the protesters of the peaceful anti-communist revolution in 1989 who've taken up a new cause. Jessica Parker has followed the campaign of AfD's state leader in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, and heard more about the plans to reform the culture and education systems to make them more patriotic - and what locals are making of…
22 Aug 2026 · 29 min
Russia blames West for deepening crisis
Kate Adie presents stories from Russia, with authorities defiant as the war impact is felt; a grim Ebola milestone in the DRC; Brazil's presidential campaign and the small Bulgarian city chosen to host Eurovision. Moscow has issued a warning to the UK of 'consequences' following confirmation that British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes . The authorities - and some citizens - are increasingly blaming the West for Russia’s problems as Steve Rosenberg discovered on the streets of Moscow. The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in its…
15 Aug 2026 · 29 min
Afghanistan's Taliban takeover: Five years on
Kate Adie introduces stories on the hidden networks providing vital lifelines to women and girls in Afghanistan, Gaza's tech entrepreneurs rebooting the digital economy, China's bogus dating agencies, and the hunt for a hard-to-find critter in the Australian bush. It's been five years since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. Lyse Doucet and Mahjooba Nowrouzi report on the severe restrictions placed on the freedoms and ambitions of women and girls, and the subsequent emergence of underground networks which are provide vital support - from education to legal advice for women seeking…
8 Aug 2026 · 29 min
China's alleged 'Fentanyl King' and the Mexican cartels
Kate Adie introduces stories about China's alleged 'Fentanyl King', how Odesa's famous sense of humour is responding to Russian attacks, Delhi's new EV push, and rising child obesity rates in southern Italy. After Zhang Zhidong graduated from China's most-prestigious university, he moved to Mexico to find work. Years later, US law enforcement named him as a key figure working with Mexican cartels in the booming fentanyl trade. Now awaiting trial in a Brooklyn prison, Zhidong denies the allegations against him. Shawn Yuan travelled to Mexico to speak to cartel about the man they knew as…
1 Aug 2026 · 29 min
France's 'David and Goliath' fight against wildfires
Kate Adie introduces stories from France, Ecuador, the occupied West Bank, the Thailand-Myamar border and South Korea. Firefighters across Europe have been battling wildfires this week and in the southwest of France, an area four times the size of Paris burnt outside Bordeaux. President Macron said it was the toughest situation the country had dealt with since the Second World War. Newyddion S4C's Gwyn Loader reports from the Gironde region. Despite President Daniel Noboa's tough policies promising to crack down hard on drug trafficking and gang violence in Ecuador, the country is still…
25 Jul 2026 · 29 min
India's 'cockroach' student protests
Kate Adie introduces stories on India's 'cockroach' protests, anger in Ukraine over army recruitment, the Iranian school bombed at the start of the war, fears over voting changes in America's deep south, and the bio-hacking phenomenon in Berlin. The Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, is now one of India's most visible youth movements, driving tens of thousands of students to take to the streets to protest about education, corruption, and a lack of job opportunities. Azadeh Moshiri met demonstrators in central Delhi. President Zelensky’s decision to replace Ukraine's popular defence minister…
22 Jul 2026 · 29 min
From Vietnam to Vatileaks: A Tribute to David Willey
In this special edition of From Our Own Correspondent, we remember BBC Correspondent David Willey, who reported from around the world for more than half a century, and who died recently. David was a prolific contributor to this programme throughout his life and was still writing for the programme into his 93rd year. In an interview recorded last year for the ‘From Our Own Correspondent at 70’ programme, David tells Today presenter Anna Foster about his early travels reporting from around the world from Libya to China, as well as his long-time role as BBC Vatican Correspondent. This podcast…
18 Jul 2026 · 29 min
Bangladesh's deadly measles outbreak
Kate Adie introduces stories on Bangladesh's deadly measles outbreak, France's military flex on Bastille Day, Albania's 'flamingo revolution', Ecuador's bird-watching boom, and remembering BBC Rome correspondent David Willey. Bangladesh is experiencing a severe measles outbreak, with around 700 people dying of confirmed and suspected cases since March - most of them children. BBC South Asia Correspondent Azadeh Moshiri reports from a hospital, north of the capital Dhaka. France celebrated Bastille Day this week, which marks the beginning of the French revolution. This was the last parade…
11 Jul 2026 · 29 min
Iran: The Funeral of Ayatollah Khamanei
Kate Adie presents stories on the burial of Ayatollah Khamanei in Iran, a diplomatic correspondent's return to Moscow, a pioneering therapy centre in Ukraine's West, Italian lessons in Argentina and the restoration of the Casbah in Algiers. The streets of major cities across Iran have been lined with mourners attending the funeral procession of former leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei. But as the coffin was transported between cities, renewed attacks on tankers in the strait of Hormuz threw the region into more turmoil, prompting a heavy US response. Lyse Doucet has been in Tehran. Ukraine has…
4 Jul 2026 · 29 min
Venezuela Earthquakes: Rescue and Recovery
Kate Adie introduces stories on Venezuela's earthquake recovery efforts, the rapid start of Hungary's new PM, a post-Soviet reunion at a border-town bazaar, and does the American Dream still hold up as America celebrates 250 years of independence. In Venezuela, family and friends have joined rescue workers in trying to find survivors after two earthquakes hit the country’s north last week. It was the country’s deadliest natural disaster in a century. Will Grant returned to his old neighbourhood in the capital Caracas, where he met locals still searching for news of their loved ones.…
27 Jun 2026 · 29 min
Afghanistan’s Secret Schools for Women
Kate Adie introduces stories on Afghanistan's secret schools, the tension around Jerusalem's holy sites, how Jamaica is bouncing back from Hurricane Melissa, Thailand's snakebite problem, and some nervous laughter in Moscow's comedy clubs. In Afghanistan women are facing ever tighter restrictions in almost every aspect of public life. Yogita Limaye has been in Afghanistan where she spoke to a young woman determined to keep her dreams alive by covertly flouting Taliban rules. In Israel, Wyre Davies reports on how the decades old agreement known as the 'Status Quo' is under threat, as Israeli…
20 Jun 2026 · 29 min
Trump, the G7, and the Iran Deal
Kate Adie introduces stories on the G7 summit and Donald Trump's Iran deal, the ongoing Ebola crisis in DRC, Peru's knife-edge elections, South Korea's feminist literary circles, and Ghana's World Cup dreams. President Donald Trump once again dominated the agenda at the latest G7 summit in France, as he presented his prospective peace deal with Iran, and agreed to continued support for Ukraine. James Waterhouse was in Evian-les-Bains where he watched as leaders scrambled to keep up with the President's evolving agenda. Health clinics in the Democratic Republic of Congo are battling to bring…
13 Jun 2026 · 29 min
Myanmar: The Junta’s Fightback
Kate Adie presents stories on the deserters from Myanmar's military forces, African POWs in Ukraine, Ahmedebad a year on from the Air India crash, South Africa and Belize. Myanmar’s military, which seized power from the democratically elected government in 2021, reactivated a conscription law two years ago. Anyone 18-35 years of age, now has to serve between 2 to five years in the army. Quentin Sommerville spoke to some who defected from the country's military in rebel-held territory. African POWs are being held in western Ukraine, after being recruited to fight for Russia. Many say they…
6 Jun 2026 · 29 min
Ebola in the DRC: Fear and Conspiracy Theories
Kate Adie introduces stories on Ebola in the DRC, Ukraine's stoic bus drivers, the rebirth of a river in Oregon, India's ethnic violence, and the return of the Griffon Vulture in Croatia. The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing another outbreak of Ebola, but as the virus spreads so too have rumours and conspiracy theories about the cause of the pathogen. Olivia Acland reports from the border between North Kivu and Ituri provinces. This week Ukraine came under one of the heaviest Russian assaults in months, with the country's energy infrastructure once again hit hard. Vitaly…
30 May 2026 · 29 min
Cuba's Collapsing Revolution
Kate Adie introduces stories on Cuba's economic crisis as it feels the strain of the US fuel blockade, Lebanon's shattered ceasefire, the fevered debate over Australia's social media ban, plus dispatches from Greece and Iceland. Cuba is struggling to cope with the the US government's near-total fuel blockade and the Trump administration increased the pressure on the ruling Communist Party when it issued an indictment against Raul Castro this week. Will Grant has been gauging the mood in Havana. In southern Lebanon, Israel has stepped up its offensive on Hezbollah with daily strikes, which…
23 May 2026 · 28 min
Afghanistan: Shaiqa's story
Kate Adie introduces stories on the fate of a sick Afghan girl, a surprising return to Sudan, Armenia's choice between Russia and the West, Germany's culture of remembrance, and a first-time visit to an Irish wake. In Afghanistan's Hindu Kush, where drought and hunger are rife, Yogita Limaye meets a father who made the unenviable decision to sell his young daughter into marriage to fund her medical treatment. Child marriage is not uncommon in rural communities, and the recent codification of laws under the Taliban government has made it more permissible. Sudan has entered its fourth year of…
16 May 2026 · 28 min
Donald Trump's China summit with Xi Jinping
Kate Adie introduces stories on President Trump's visit to China, the Palestine marathon, the Venice Biennale boycott, a young woman's search for her mother in India, and living in the fast lane with Sierra Leone's First Lady. Laura Bicker has been in Beijing where military parades, red carpets and singing choirs of children greeted Donald Trump as he arrived for talks with President Xi. So what progress was made in China-US relations after a frosty period? Wyre Davies has been in Bethlehem watching on as runners from around the world took part in the 10th Palestine Marathon - a burst of…
9 May 2026 · 28 min
Putin and Russia’s New Normal
Kate Adie introduces stories on Vladimir Putin's declining popularity, peace protests in Japan, Serbia's anti-corruption anger, and how Canadian robots are patrolling the Arctic. The Kremlin has recently increased security measures around President Vladimir Putin after a string of assassinations of top Russian military figures. This comes as the president has retreated from public view, as the economic impact of Russia's war in Ukraine continues to bite. Steve Rosenberg observes the shift in the country’s mood Japan has taken a major step away from its post-war pacifist stance, lifting…
2 May 2026 · 28 min
President Trump, the King, and a Special Relationship
Kate Adie introduces stories on the King and Queen's visit to Washington, the current mood inside Iran, elections in Gaza and the West Bank, and why fish are front and centre in the politics of West Bengal. King Charles and Queen Camilla's state visit to Washington came at a fragile moment in the UK-US relationship. A gulf has opened up between the two nations over issues such as Ukraine, defence spending, tariffs, and the Iran War. Sarah Smith reflects on how far the visit has helped restore the 'special relationship'. Donald Trump’s admiration for the traditions of the Royal Family was on…
25 Apr 2026 · 28 min
Iran War: Pakistan the Peace Broker
Kate Adie introduces dispatches from Pakistan, the Turkey-Iran border, Kenya, Ukraine, and Paraguay. Why was Pakistan chosen as the host of peace talks between the US and Iran? It's a question some in Islamabad have been asking themselves - and has fired-up a sense of national pride. Caroline Davies has watched on as the country gets ready for another round of negotiations. When the war in Iran began, there was a sense of jubilation among some Iranians, who had long-dreamed of the regime falling. Now that seems like a distant reality, and the mood is changing. BBC Persian's Omid Montazeri…
18 Apr 2026 · 29 min
Lebanon Ceasefire: An uneasy calm
Kate Adie introduces stories on Lebanon's deadliest day, life in an Israeli under-siege border town, Hungary's victorious new leader, fuel protests in Ireland, and the secrets of a long life in Japan. President Trump’s announcement of a ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon comes after Lebanon experienced its deadliest day of the conflict so far - what's become known as 'Black Wednesday'. More than 2,100 people have been killed since the conflict began, with more than a million displaced. Hugo Bachega reports from Beirut. The ceasefire has been cautiously welcomed by some Israeli…
11 Apr 2026 · 29 min
Donald Trump and a dangerous ultimatum
Kate Adie introduces stories on President Trump's threats towards Iran, how the war in Ukraine has reshaped Kyiv, why the Trump family sees potential in Albania, Indonesia's plastic waste problem, and the dawn of the year 2976 in Morocco. Citizens of Iran and nearby gulf countries held their breath this week after Donald Trump threatened 'a whole civilisation would die' if a ceasefire wasn’t agreed. The BBC’s State Department correspondent Tom Bateman has been following the proclamations of an unpredictable president. The BBC's Vitaly Shevchenko is originally from Ukraine and recently…
4 Apr 2026 · 29 min
Viktor Orban's anti-Ukraine election gambit
Kate Adie introduces stories on the Hungarian elections, the Kurdish fighters readying to fight Iran, the Nigerian farmers working under armed guard, the Philippines fuel crisis, and how tourists are staying away from Jerusalem's holy sites. Hungary's prime minister Viktor Orban is facing a tough reelection battle, with the opposition centre right Tisza party ahead in the polls. During the campaign, Orban's Fidesz party has stoked fears about the malign influence of Ukraine and the EU. Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest. On the Iraq-Iran border, Kurdish forces are gathering in preparation for…
28 Mar 2026 · 29 min
Cuba's crisis deepens
Kate Adie introduces stories on Cuba's multiple crises from blackouts to food shortages, what it's like living under another war in Lebanon, how Persian new year festivities were muted this year, what China thinks about the war in the Middle East, and how an archaeological dig in Georgia led to a political purge. More than ten million people were left in the dark this week in Cuba, as the third major blackout in a month hit the island. The US fuel blockade is taking its toll, but locals are now finding the courage to publicly criticise the communist government, finds Will Grant in Havana.…

About From Our Own Correspondent

Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers from around the world

From Our Own Correspondent is a English news podcast from BBC Radio 4. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BBC Radio 4
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 29 min
Latest episode: 10 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id73331209
Rights: (C) BBC 2026

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