Podcast · Kids & Family

News Time

by ABC Australia · English · Kids & Family

From amazing animals to sensational sport, interesting insects to dino discoveries, mars missions and beyond. Join Emily Anderson every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to count down the weird and wonderful. News Time is perfect for 4-9 year olds who want to know more about the world around them.

New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 9 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 9 minNew

Olympics ideas and shark scares

On today's episode we'll visit some green classrooms, we'll brainstorm some ideas for the Brisbane Olympics, and we'll discuss the scariness of sharks. Quiz Questions What is the name of the organisation that has been installing greenhouses in schools? In which year will the Olympics and Paralympics be held in Brisbane? What university does Juliana, the shark fear researcher, work at? Answers Food Ladder 2032 Adelaide University News Noodler Why do you think so many people are scared of sharks? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

11 Oct 2026 · 8 minNew
Ice age gums and portrait prize
On today’s episode we’ll meet a prize-winning portrait artist, we’ll hear about the race to protect some ice age trees, and we'll visit a village famous for its red soil on Talk of the Town. Quiz Questions Who did Jazz get to paint as her prize? How many ice age gums are left in the wild? In which state or territory would you find Alstonville? Answers Justine Clarke (from Play School) Six New South Wales News Noodler If you were to create a portrait of someone, who would you choose? Someone famous or someone you know? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app…
8 Oct 2026 · 10 min
Hero chihuahua and prehistoric bird
On today's show we'll meet a tiny dog with a big job, we'll celebrate White Sunday, and we'll find some fossils belonging to a prehistoric bird! Quiz Questions How tall is Commando the chihuahua? In which month is White Sunday? Which period did Tenuicruris Piscanexum live in? Answers 21 centimetres (about as tall as a milk carton) October The Cretaceous News Noodler Should dogs be used as workers to help humans? Why or why not? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts, educational children’s stories and…
6 Oct 2026 · 9 min
Fat Bear Week and moth swarms
Today, we’ll find out why masses of moths are on the move, we'll cheer for the winner of Fat Bear Week, and we'll dive deep underground to find relics of an ancient coral reef. Quiz questions: When did bogong moth numbers start falling? What is the name of Backpack's mum? How deep was the hole drilled by geologists in outback Queensland? Answers: The 1980s Holly 3km News Noodler: How would a prehistoric reef differ from reefs today? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts, educational children’s stories and…
4 Oct 2026 · 9 min
Amazing athletes and Kalkadoon cowgirl
On today’s episode we’ll cheer on the athletes in the Australian Transplant Games, we’ll meet a Queensland cowgirl who is about to travel to the USA, and we’ll visit a capital city for Talk of the Town! Quiz Questions Where were the Australian Transplant Games held this year? What colour is Lareece, the cowgirl’s helmet? What is the nickname for the Brisbane River? Answers Launceston, Tasmania Pink The Brown Snake News Noodler Would you ever compete in a rodeo? Why or why not? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news…
1 Oct 2026 · 9 min
Squishy warning and Yung Milla
Today we celebrate The Voice winner Yung Milla, we find out how squishy toys can be dangerous, and we applaud a girl who rescued her friend from drowning. Quiz Questions What is Yung Milla’s mum’s name? Finish this sentence: You should never put a squishy somewhere hot like in the sun, the oven, or the... How old is Aylah the rescue hero? Answers Kylie Miller Microwave Eight News Noodler Should it be compulsory for kids to do swimming lessons? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts, educational children’s stories…
29 Sep 2026 · 8 min
Insect discovery and Rubik's record
Today, we’ll find out why a dictionary just got bigger, we’ll discover two new insect species, and we’ll meet the latest world record holder in Rubik's cubing. Quiz Questions How many new words have just been added to the Merriam-Webster? Where were the new species of stick insect discovered? How old is the new women’s world record holder in Rubik's cubing? Answers 1,400 Far North Queensland Six News Noodler If you could set the world record in something, what would it be? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts,…
27 Sep 2026 · 8 min
Planes, trains and Lego worlds
On today’s episode we’ll meet a man who built his very own plane, we’ll visit an art exhibition made of Lego, and we’ll head to the home of the world’s steepest train for Talk of the Town. Quiz Questions: What is the name of the man who built his own plane in Central Queensland? How many minifigures were used in Jackson and Alex's exhibition? What is the closest capital city to the Blue Mountains? Answers: Len Neale 2,500 Sydney News Noodler: If you could build anything in the world, what would it be?
24 Sep 2026 · 8 min
Bluey dollarbucks and burping bovines
On today's episode we’ll visit an apple orchard in Tasmania, we’ll find out what’s on the latest dollarbucks released by the Royal Australian Mint, and we’ll learn why cow burps are bad for the planet. Quiz Questions In which state did they find the abandoned apple orchard? Who is on the new one dollar coin with Bluey? What is the name of the problem gas that cows burp out? Answers Tasmania Rusty Methane News Noodler Can you brainstorm any ways to reduce global warming (other than less cow burps)? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find…
22 Sep 2026 · 9 min
Three kids and big dreams
Today's episode is all about cool kids! We'll meet a talented teen welder, a boy who impressed the prime minister of Australia, and a 13-year-old surfing world champion! Quiz Questions How much did Charlie sell his wolf sculpture for? What is the name of the charity Dusty is supporting? How old is Leihani Zoric? Answers $8,000 Little Wings 13 News Noodler This is something to ponder with no right or wrong answer... what big goal (like winning a surfing world championship) would you like to achieve yourself one day? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia).…
20 Sep 2026 · 8 min
Aura farming and tiny homes
On today’s episode we’ll meet some teenagers gaining skills and helping their community at the same time. Then we’ll be farming, but not for apples or corn... we’ll be aura farming. Yep! Plus, we’re headed to “the festival state” for Talk of the Town. If you’re not sure which state that is... listen on! Quiz Questions What do kids learn about in the first 2 weeks of the construction course? What are these people farming? In which state or territory would you find Stirling, in the Adelaide Hills? Answers They learn about mental wellbeing. Aura South Australia News Noodler Aura is a tricky…
17 Sep 2026 · 10 min
Lean screen time and dino poo
Today’s episode features some big news about screen time that might be changing things at your school. We’ll stay off the screens as we visit a unique vending machine that’s full of something a little surprising, and definitely not edible. And then we’ll leave modern screens behind as we head back to prehistoric times for a dinoriffic, pooptastic Wow of the Week. Quiz Questions With this new idea, are New South Wales public school kids likely to have more time or less time on screens in school? In which state or territory would you find this book vending machine? What’s the technical term…
15 Sep 2026 · 9 min
Baby chimp and Saturn surprise
In today’s episode, we’ll meet an amateur Aussie astronomer making big discoveries from their backyard. We’ll spend some time with a cute chimpanzee looking for a new family, and then it’s time to whip out any globes or maps of the world lying around, because a big change is coming. Quiz Questions How many sides does the decagon wave have? Which bone did baby Cassie break? Does the new map make Africa look bigger or smaller than it used to look? Answers 10 Leg Bigger News Noodler Why do you think the size of a country on a map has got so many people passionately arguing? What might it mean…
13 Sep 2026 · 9 min
Missing moths and warm weather
Get excited friends, because today’s Talk of the Town takes us far beyond the Australian shoreline – we're headed overseas! Plus, we might be in for a hot hot summer – find out why. And some migrating moths have gone missing! Hear why the scientists tracking them aren’t too worried. Questions Does El Nino mean it will probably be a summer that’s hotter than usual, or cooler than usual? How many tagged moths did the scientists find when they came back to check on them? On which continent would you find Hong Kong? I’ll give you multiple choice... is it North America, Europe, Asia or Africa?…
10 Sep 2026 · 10 min
Burying undies and grassy art
Today’s episode is particularly grassy... we’ll learn about a new sort of burial that’s kinder to the environment. We’ll learn about artists taking unwanted weeds and turning them into art. And find out why thousands of people have been burying their undies in the backyard, for a good cause, of course! Quiz Questions What’s the technical term for the roots of mushrooms, used to make the coffin? What’s the name of the invasive grass in the Northern Territory? Why were people burying their undies? Answers Mycelium Buffel grass To check on soil health News Noodler - a question to chat about…
8 Sep 2026 · 9 min
Silent room and quirky kakapo
We ask and answer some big questions on today’s episode. We’re encouraged to reach out to the people around us and ask how they’re going for R U OK day. We also ask ‘why is it that famous authors are writing books that might never be read by anyone alive today?’ And ‘how can we save a weird, waddley owl-parrot from extinction’? You’ll have to listen to find out! Questions Do you have to wait until R U OK day to check on someone? Where will they get the paper to print these books in 100 years? How often does a kakapo have baby chicks? Answers Nope, you can reach out to your friends whenever…
6 Sep 2026 · 9 min
Bush school and snapping jaws
In today’s episode we’re spending some time outdoors with a group of lucky school kids getting up close and personal with nature. We’ll travel back in time to learn something new about the extinct Tasmanian Tiger, and then it’s time for Talk of the Town. I wonder where we’re headings today? Quiz Questions How often did the year 1 students get to have class outside? Do the researchers think Thylacines would be better snapping up bigger or smaller animals as prey? In which state would you find Manly, Sydney? Answers Once a week Smaller New South Wales News Noodler What are the pros and cons –…
3 Sep 2026 · 10 min
Donor doggos and humming Earth
On today’s episode, we’ll meet some kind canines helping other dogs, and we’ll kick a footy around with some budding Aussie rules athletes in the Top End. Plus, your Wow of the Week is about a sound that’s constantly around you, that you’ve never heard... Quiz Questions In which state or territory are young girls getting into AFL? Can all dogs donate blood? What is causing the Earth’s hum? Answers Northern Territory No, only fit and healthy adult dogs Ocean swells/ waves News Noodler Do you think there might be other sounds swirling around that you can’t hear? What else might make…
1 Sep 2026 · 10 min
Mushroom kingdom and plastic bikkies
In today’s episode, we’ll hear about some strange cookies that you might think can’t be eaten, but actually can! We’ll hear news about some mushrooms that you might think can be eaten, but can’t. And we’ll visit a writer’s festival all about books – no confusion there, you definitely shouldn’t eat books. Quiz Questions What are the three words that refer to plants, animals and mushrooms? All starting with F. Where is the Blak and Bright festival being held? What are the NASA cookies made using – plastic and what? Hint – it starts with Y. Answers Flora, Fauna and Funga Melbourne, Naarm Yeast…
30 Aug 2026 · 9 min
Community cycle and rapid robot
We’re on the move in today’s episode – first, we’ll join a fun community bike ride for a good cause. Then we’re off the bikes and on to the racing track for a run with a speedy robot! And finally, we’ll travel to the bottom of the mainland of Australia for Talk of the Town... and remember, if you’d like your town to be the star of Talk of the Town, ask your grown up to head to the News Time page on the ABC kids listen website. Quiz Questions Who has the speedy robot managed to run faster than? Who are the bike-riding kids raising money for this year? In which state would you find Melbourne?…
27 Aug 2026 · 9 min
Deep dark skies and meaningful footy games
On today’s episode, we’ll hear about some special footy games happening in the next few weeks honouring a sporting star. And, speaking of stars, we’ll head to a remote part of Australia to peer deep into the Milky Way galaxy. Plus, it’s Wear it Purple day! So, pop your best purple accessories on and let’s get going. Quiz Questions Which team does Jai Arrow play for? What colour should people wear to show their support for LGBTQIA+ youth? In which state or territory would you find the newest Dark Sky Sanctuary? Answers South Sydney Rabbitohs Purple Northern Territory And your News Noodler...…
25 Aug 2026 · 11 min
Clever dolphins and cosmic discovery
In today’s episode we’ll meet some very intelligent dolphins, learn about a newly discovered cosmic object and hear all about which book characters you’re dressing up as for Book Week! Quiz Questions Who do the marine researchers think the dolphins are learning the hunting skill of shelling from? What does LRDs stand for? What is the theme for this year’s Book Week? Answers Their mothers Little Red Dots Symphony of Stories News Noodler What else do you think the James Webb Space Telescope might discover that we don’t know about yet?
23 Aug 2026 · 8 min
Recovering reef and Talk of the Town
On today's episode we’ll hear about some promising signs from the Great Barrier Reef and meet some remote school kids who aren’t able to get to school. Then, we’ll hit the road for our Talk of the Town. I wonder where we’ll visit today? Quiz Questions What type of weather do scientists think helped the Great Barrier Reef show signs of recovery? When did the very long bus service begin? In which state would you find Port Stephens? Answers A monsoon that brought cooler water temperatures 2021 NSW News Noodler Why do you think its important kids have the choice to attend face-to-face learning…
20 Aug 2026 · 8 min
A long walk and a slow concert
On today’s episode, we’ll meet a 12-year-old walking a verrrry long way for a good cause, and we’ll attend the world’s sloooooowest concert! Quiz Questions In what state is the Cape York Peninsula? What is the name of the charity Dusty is helping? What is the name of the song being played by the organ in Germany? Answers Queensland Little Wings As Slow As Possible News Noodler Why do you think someone would write a song that would take more than 600 years to finish? For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts,…
18 Aug 2026 · 10 min
Delayed departure and protected penguins
On today’s episode, you’ll hear about a flight that didn’t quite go to plan... and learn about a threat to birds around the country – and a potential solution, too. Quiz Questions In which country was the flight that couldn’t take off? What sort of bird is being vaccinated against bird flu? How many words did Dineth study per day to prepare? Answers Canada Penguins 200 News Noodler Choose a game you might like to get really good at, like Dineth did. What steps could you take to get better at it?
16 Aug 2026 · 9 min
National Science Week! And Talk of the Town
It’s Science Week! So this episode is particularly scientific terrific. Plus, we’ll hit the road and make our way to the coast for Talk of the Town. Quiz Questions What is the name for the science that studies living things? Hint: it starts with B What process, starting with C, are they using to save this flower? In which state would you find Stockton? Answers Biology Cloning NSW - New South Wales News Noodler Why do you think it’s important for everyday people – people who aren’t scientists as a job – to understand science? How might it help in our everyday lives?
13 Aug 2026 · 9 min
Sunny snaps and creative cooperation
There’s lots to marvel at in today’s episode – we'll take a peek at pictures that scientists have been trying to capture for hundreds of years! We’ll uncover a well-preserved thigh bone from a Thylacine, and inspect an art exhibition with some unlikely contributors. Quiz Questions What’s hotter – the surface of the sun, or the corona – it's atmosphere? How many children helped with the artwork? In which part of the body would you find a femur bone? Answers The Corona 400 The thigh, or leg News Noodler Can you think of an artwork that you could create with a big group of people, like the one…
11 Aug 2026 · 9 min
Juicy present and dry river
On today’s episode, you’ll meet some soccer players being rewarded for their efforts in a surprising way. Plus, a dry riverbed uncovers ancient artefacts, and some fresh fashions take the runway. Quiz Questions Which country are the tomato winning footy players from? What sort of animal bones were uncovered in the riverbed? The National Indigenous Fashion Awards were held in Darwin. Who are the traditional owners of that land? I’ll give you multiple choice.. Was it the Gadigal, the Noongar or the Larrakia? Answers Spain Mammoth Larrakia News Noodler What would you like to be rewarded with…
9 Aug 2026 · 9 min
Counting Aussies and satisfying screaming
On today’s episode, find out why your grown-ups received a letter in the mail just like everyone else in the country. Plus, get ready to make lots of noise for a good reason. And, find out where we’re headed today for Talk of the Town. Quiz Questions Who is being asked to complete the census? Where do the people stand while they scream? In which state would you find the city of Townsville? Answers Everyone in Australia On a bridge by a lake Queensland News Noodler Can you think of some different ways people might be able to meet up and let out their emotions, other than screaming?
6 Aug 2026 · 9 min
Sparkly poo and bizarre moons
In today’s episode, we’ll hear about a high-tech idea that has people talking. We’ll meet some zookeepers poking around piles of poo on purpose and then we’ll head about as far away from the poo as possible, deep into outer space, for our Wow of the Week. Quiz Questions What might you be able to use as a ticket at the footy? What are zookeepers searching for in the poo? What is the name of Neptune's biggest moon? Answers Your face. Edible glitter Triton News Noodler Do you think it’s a good idea to use your face as a ticket? What are the positives and the negatives of the idea?

About News Time

News Time is a English kids & family podcast from ABC Australia. 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: ABC Australia
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 9 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1414580769

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