Best Beeb Watch Podcasts (2025)

1
Jonathan Dimbleby, veteran broadcaster, on unravelling historical myths, democracy's fragility, and long-form interviewing 36:50

4d ago36:50

36:50

Jonathan Dimbleby is a veteran British broadcaster known for his long-form interviews on BBC and ITV, and as host of Radio 4’s Any Questions. In this episode, we discuss his latest book on World War II, the use of a journalistic background in writing history, challenging historical myths, the ‘special relationship’ between the US and Britain, the r…

1
Nick Kent on his BBC Two documentary "Simon Schama: The Road to Auschwitz" and public service broadcasting 32:34

17d ago32:34

32:34

Nick Kent is the chief executive and creative director of Oxford Films, which made this week’s BBC Two documentary "Simon Schama: The Road to Auschwitz". We discuss the challenges making an impactful 60 minute documentary which explores the Holocaust's broader historical context, the role of language and visual imagery, ethical considerations in po…

1
James Cridland, editor Podnews and radio futurologist on BBC Annual Plan and monetising BBC audio 29:20

26d ago29:20

29:20

James Cridland is the editor of Podnews and a radio futurologist— a writer, consultant, and public speaker on radio’s future. We discuss the BBC’s Annual Plan, its financial challenges, the impending changes to BBC Sounds' international access, the intricate challenges of rights management, potential revenue streams, and the delicate balance betwee…

1
Kirsty Lang BBC presenter on changes to BBC Sounds for listeners abroad, the impact of cuts and a call to arms 31:57

1M ago31:57

31:57

Kirsty Lang began her BBC career in 1986 and worked as the Central Europe correspondent for the BBC World Service and as a reporter on Newsnight. After a stint as The Sunday Times’ Paris correspondent, Kirsty went on to present Channel 4 News. Since 2002, she has been a stalwart of Radio 4, presenting Front Row, Last Word, and Round Britain Quiz. W…

1
Stewart Purvis, former Ofcom regulator, on the fall out of the landmark decision against Ofcom in favour of GB News and the RTS awards controversy 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

Prof Stewart Purvis is the former content regulator at Ofcom, a former Editor of Channel 4 News and ITN Chief Executive. As the Vice President of the Royal Television Society we discuss: the RTS Awards controversy withdrawing an award for Gaza journalists, Stewart’s experience reviewing BBC Middle East coverage and the fallout from the landmark GB …

1
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, The i Paper columnist, on the BBC's Gaza coverage and media bias 32:35

2M ago32:35

32:35

Yasmin Alibhai-Brown describes herself as a "lefty, liberal, anti-racist feminist, Muslim" who was born in Uganda and came to the UK in 1972. She is a journalist, columnist for The i Paper, and commentator. Yasmin is a strong advocate for human rights who supports Israel's right to exist while being critically engaged with its policies. On this wee…

1
Richard Ayre, former senior BBC Executive on BBC's Chair Samir Shah and DG Tim Davie parliamentary appearance and the Gaza documentary fallout 33:44

2M ago33:44

33:44

Richard Ayre is the chair of the UK's independent press regulator, Impress. Before that, he spent about thirty-five years at the BBC as a former controller of editorial policy and deputy chief executive of BBC News, before becoming a member of the BBC Trust. Richard is also a former member of the OFCOM content board. In this week's episode, we disc…

1
Tony Hall, Former BBC Director-General, on Royal Charter renewal and anti-Semitism allegations 27:30

2M ago27:30

27:30

Tony Hall was the Director-General of the BBC from 2013 to 2020, during which time the BBC's Royal Charter was last renewed. We discuss the differences between that charter renewal process and the current one, as well as the key issues surrounding the upcoming renewal: a long-term vision, a permanent charter, a new funding model, accountability, an…

1
Dan Thomas, FT Global Media Editor on Sky's digital shift, BBC charter renewal debates, and the future challenges facing public service broadcasters 31:10

2M ago31:10

31:10

Dan Thomas is the Global Media Editor at the Financial Times who broke the story on Sky News’ strategy and newsroom overhaul. We discuss the strategic decisions facing all the major news organisations as they adapt to changing audience behaviours, regulation of social media, the future of all the public service broadcasters, BBC charter renewal, th…

1
Rob Crilly, Chief US Political Correspondent for The Daily Mail, on Trump's presidency - an insider's view 34:22

3M ago34:22

34:22

Rob Crilly is the Chief US Political Correspondent for The Daily Mail who has covered Donald Trump since his bid for the presidency in 2015. Part of the White House press corp and regularly travelling with the president, Rob offers unique insights into Trump’s personality, communication style, and the impact Trump has had on American politics and j…

1
Peter Kosminsky, director of 'Wolf Hall' on financial support for British dramas, his career and being sacked by the BBC Plays department 37:37

3M ago37:37

37:37

Peter Kosminsky, the renowned British film and television director who recently directed the much-acclaimed Wolf Hall, discusses his career journey—from being sacked by the BBC Plays department to finally becoming a successful documentary-maker and filmmaker. He describes the creative process behind Wolf Hall, the challenges British filmmakers face…

1
Adjoa Andoh, Royal Shakespeare Company and Bridgerton actor on BBC radio drama cuts 28:27

3M ago28:27

28:27

Adjoa Andoh is one of Britain's most celebrated actors, with an extensive career spanning stage, screen, and radio. She has appeared in iconic TV series like Doctor Who and Netflix’s Bridgerton, as well as making her Hollywood debut in Clint Eastwood's Invictus. In this episode we discuss the importance of radio drama, concerns about the significan…

1
David Lloyd local radio expert on the outcome of his complaint on BBC Radio Devon's coverage of the Plymouth riots 29:48

3M ago29:48

29:48

David Lloyd is a veteran of the local radio industry, with over 40 years of experience in roles at LBC, Virgin Radio, and the BBC. He also brings regulatory expertise from his time at the UK Radio Authority, now part of Ofcom. Today, he's a broadcaster and co-founder of Boom Radio, a relatively new UK station catering to baby boomers. In this episo…

1
David Elstein, founding Chief Executive of Channel 5, on BBC mutualisation, funding models, PSB content, and tax breaks 36:05

4M ago36:05

36:05

David Elstein was the head of programming at BskyB, the director of programmes at Thames Television, before launching Channel 5 as its chief executive in 1997. Since then, he has chaired innumerable boards and organisations including the British Screen Advisory Council and Open Democracy. David was part of the last Conservative government's inquiry…

1
Sir Richard Eyre, theatre and film director and former BBC Governor on radio drama cuts and the BBC's cultural remit 33:08

4M ago33:08

33:08

Sir Richard Eyre, the renowned theatre and film director, who has served as a BBC Governor, shares his concerns over the cuts to radio drama programming, the broader challenges facing the BBC's cultural remit, the tensions between the BBC's public service mission and commercial pressures, and role of the BBC in nurturing and sustaining the UK's cul…

1
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, DCMS ctte chair on BBC charter renewal, funding, World Service and Greg Wallace 33:03

5M ago33:03

33:03

Conservative MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage is the Chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee. We discuss the upcoming debates around the renewal of the BBC's charter, the crucial issues of the corporation's funding, impartiality, and role in public service broadcasting, as well as the future of the BBC World Service and the Greg …

1
Peter York, author 'A Dead Cat On Your Table' on culture wars, media power and the BBC 35:20

5M ago35:20

35:20

Peter York is a cultural commentator, author, and former Style Editor of Harper's & Queen magazine. He is best known for co-authoring the iconic Official Sloane Ranger Handbook in the 1980s. More recently, Peter has shifted his focus to more serious topics, including co-authoring The War Against the BBC with Professor Patrick Barwise. This week, we…

1
Andrew Graystone, writer and broadcaster, on his exposure of the abuse of John Smythe and the assisted dying bill debate 41:20

5M ago41:20

41:20

Andrew Greystone, writer and broadcaster, has played a pivotal role in exposing the abuse committed by John Smythe within the Church of England. In this discussion, he addresses the ongoing debate around the assisted dying bill, the media's approach to religion in ethical discussions, and the decline of religious literacy among journalists. He also…

1
Roger Mosey, former BBC editorial director on high standards, distinctiveness and the impact of cuts 30:00

5M ago30:00

30:00

Roger Mosey, a former Editorial Director of the BBC, Head of TV News, and Director of Sport, discusses his lecture to the Commonwealth Journalists Association on the challenges facing public service media, the mainstream media's lack of understanding of political landscapes in the UK and US, clickbait, interactivity and audience connections, as wel…

1
Prof Cathy Johnson discusses TV distribution and the dangers of exclusion 28:09

6M ago28:09

28:09

Professor Catherine Johnson from the University of Leeds discusses her role on the recently announced DCMS committee, which is examining the future of TV distribution. New research indicates that some viewers could be excluded from the general shift towards online viewership. We also explore the rise of YouTube, ways to ensure access to public serv…

1
Prof Steven Barnett discusses BBC chair Samir Shah's speech: devolve, democratise, depoliticise 29:10

6M ago29:10

29:10

Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster, discusses BBC Chair Samir Shah's inaugural speech. We explore what devolving, democratising, and depoliticising means, loosening regulation, re-evaluating the roles and remits of other public service broadcasters, and alternative funding models. “I'm not sure a permanent …

1
Jamie Angus, ex director of BBC World Service discusses the budget announcement on World Service funding and BBC cuts 31:33

6M ago31:33

31:33

Jamie Angus is the former director of the BBC World Service and the former editor of 'Today' and 'Newsnight' who now works in the Middle East. We discuss what the budget announcement means for funding of the World Service, why HardTalk makes the world 'a less stupid place', original journalism, the unintended consequences of commercialisation and U…

1
Richard Sambrook ex BBC Director of News and the World Service on BBC cuts, disinformation and World Service funding 31:31

6M ago31:31

31:31

Richard Sambrook, former Director of BBC News and the World Service, and now an Emeritus Professor of journalism at Cardiff University discusses the challenges the BBC faces in dealing with the rise of disinformation, the balance between free speech and responsibility, the BBC's 'follow the sun' strategy, World Service funding and the impact of bud…

1
Gareth Benest, International Broadcasting Trust, on shrinking global coverage 29:14

6M ago29:14

29:14

In the same week that BBC Director General Tim Davie pitched for an increase in government funding for the BBC World Service, while simultaneously axing the global interview programme Hard Talk in another round of cuts, we speak with Gareth Benest, Director of Advocacy at the International Broadcasting Trust. We discuss the decline in international…

1
Jim Waterson, former Guardian media editor, discusses his new venture, billionaire media owners, and radically rethinking public service broadcasting 32:34

7M ago32:34

32:34

On our 100th episode anniversary we talk to another journalist who has started out on a new venture. The Guardian’s former media editor, Jim Waterson, has set up London Centric, a news outlet focused on in-depth coverage of London. We discuss his reasons for taking this step, the challenges traditional media faces, billionaires owning media outlets…

1
Mark Urban ex BBC Newsnight diplomatic and defence editor on BBC coverage of the Middle East, Newsnight changes and life outside the BBC 34:30

7M ago34:30

34:30

Mark Urban spent many years as the diplomatic and defence editor at BBC Newsnight before leaving in May, after 34 years at the corporation. Prior to joining the BBC, Mark was the defence correspondent for The Independent newspaper for four years. He is the author of several military books and served briefly in the British Army. He is now a writer f…

1
Lawyer Trevor Asserson discusses his report which criticises the BBC for bias against Israel in its Middle East coverage 39:44

7M ago39:44

39:44

The controversial Asserson Report sparked headlines in The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail for its critique of the BBC's Middle East coverage at the height of the Israel-Hamas war. The report has drawn both praise and sharp criticism. We’re joined by the report's author, British-Israeli lawyer Trevor Asserson, to discuss its origins, funding, me…

1
David Aaronovitch broadcaster and journalist on the Jewish Chronicle, The Asserson Report alleging BBC bias and media coverage of the Middle East 33:35

7M ago33:35

33:35

Journalist and broadcaster David Aaronovitch worked for the BBC in a senior capacity before becoming a columnist for The Times and the presenter of numerous radio programs, including Radio 4’s The Briefing Room. He now publishes longer articles on Substack under Notes from the Underground and contributes to Tortoise Media. In this episode, we discu…

1
Richard Ayre, former senior BBC executive, on BBC Director-General Tim Davie and Chair Samir Shah's parliamentary appearance 34:34

8M ago34:34

34:34

Richard Ayre spent thirty-five years at the BBC, serving as the former controller of editorial policy, deputy chief executive of BBC News, and a BBC Trustee. Richard is also a former member of the OFCOM Content Board and is currently the chair of the UK's independent press regulator, Impress. We discuss BBC Director-General Tim Davie and BBC Chair …

1
Sir Trevor Phillips Sky presenter and Times columnist on BBC culture, their approach to ethnic minorities and the importance of local coverage 36:47

8M ago36:47

36:47

Sir Trevor Phillips presents Sky TV’s Sunday Morning programme and is a columnist for The Times newspaper. He was previously a reporter on the Thames TV This Week, head of current affairs for London Weekend Television, Chair of the London Assembly, Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, and Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, a…

1
Sir Peter Bazalgette, former chair of ITV, on the funding and future of PSBs and the case for mergers 27:10

9M ago27:10

27:10

Sir Peter Bazalgette was until recently part of the previous Government’s committee to review how the BBC was funded. In his distinguished career he has been responsible for shows such as Big Brother, Changing Rooms and Ready Steady Cook, he’s also a former chair of Arts Council England and in September 2023 he stepped down as chair of ITV. He is n…

1
Prof Dominic Wring on general election coverage audit, media bias, legacy v social media and populism 36:27

10M ago36:27

36:27

Academics from Loughborough University’s Centre for Research in Communication and Culture have conducted news audits for every General Election since 1992, and their audit for this election is out now. We talked to one of its authors, Professor Dominic Wring, about whether the public was well served by the media, whether legacy media still has a ro…

1
Dame Elan Closs Stephens former BBC acting chair on what she would like from a new Culture Secretary 38:27

10M ago38:27

38:27

Dame Elan Closs Stephens was the acting chair of the BBC after the resignation of Richard Sharp in June last year until her retirement in March. She was a member of the BBC’s governing body since 2010, first serving as Member for Wales on the BBC Trust, until its dissolution in 2017, and then as the Welsh member of the BBC Board. On this week's epi…

1
Olivia O'Leary former BBC and RTÉ broadcaster on the UK election, funding PSB's, Newsnight and the future of journalism 32:59

10M ago32:59

32:59

Olivia O’Leary has been a television and radio broadcaster on both the BBC, ITV and RTÉ – the Irish public service broadcaster in her native Ireland. In 1985, Olivia became the first female presenter on BBC’s Newsnight. She later returned to Ireland, presenting once again ‘Today Tonight’ – RTÉ’s flagship current affairs programme. She has also pres…

1
Adam Boulton ex Sky News political editor on election coverage, Farage media manipulation, impartiality and his career 33:54

10M ago33:54

33:54

Veteran journalist Adam Boulton spent more than thirty years at Sky News, twenty-five of those as political editor. He has been host for General and US elections coverage, invigilated the first leaders’ debate in 2010 and has the distinction of having interviewed every UK Prime Minister since Sir Alec Douglas-Home. He continues to write for Sky but…

1
Peter Snow veteran BBC journalist on the general election campaign, Newsnight and election night coverage 29:32

11M ago29:32

29:32

Peter Snow is a former BBC Newsnight presenter (1980–1997), ITN Diplomatic and Defence Correspondent (1966–1979), documentary maker, and historian. Known for his iconic "swingometer" on election night, we discuss the drama of election night, the current election campaign, Newsnight, and being called a 'traitor'. “I think this election campaign is t…

1
Prof Catherine Johnson discusses what a Labour government might mean for PSB, the Media Bill and digital terrestrial switch off 30:24

11M ago30:24

30:24

Catherine Johnson is the professor of Media and Communications at the University of Leeds, author of the book Online TV, and a member of the Department of Culture, Media and Sports College of experts. With parliament now dissolved, we discuss what happened to the Media Bill and in what form did it survive - what was left in and out? Also, we examin…

1
Jane Martinson ex Guardian media editor on Sir Paul Marshall, media ownership and impartiality 32:10

11M ago32:10

32:10

Jane Martinson, author of ‘You May Never See Us Again: The Barclay Dynasty: A Story of Survival, Secrecy and Succession’ is the former media editor at the Guardian and now Marjorie Deane Professor of Financial Journalism at City University. In the week the general election is called we discussed the potential takeover of The Telegraph by Sir Paul M…

1
Audio expert Matt Deegan discusses BBC's podcast advertising plans, children's audio and the latest radio listening figures 31:07

12M ago31:07

31:07

Matt Deegan is the co-founder of the award-winning Fun Kids, a digital radio station for families and children, which has just won the bronze award in the Radio Academy’s UK Station of the Year category. Given that the gold award went to BBC Asian Network and the silver to Talksport, this is a considerable achievement for a small independent networ…

1
Jamie Angus, ex director of BBC World Service and 'Today' editor discusses Ofcom, consequences of WS cuts and funding solutions 32:52

12M ago32:52

32:52

Jamie Angus is the former director of the BBC World Service and the former editor of 'Today' and 'Newsnight' who now works in the Middle East. We discuss Ofcom's oversight of broadcasters, the consequences of previous World Service cuts, and the impact of new ones. We also explore long-term solutions to the issue of its funding, which is under revi…

1
Stewart Purvis, former Ofcom regulator challenges Ofcom's conclusions on its audience research and its guidance on politicians as presenters 31:34

12M ago31:34

31:34

Stewart Purvis, former content regulator at Ofcom and former Editor of Channel 4 News and ITN Chief Executive, discusses Ofcom’s guidance on general election coverage published last week. Stewart delves into the research on which Ofcom based its guidelines, spells out what the guidance means in practice, and reflects on Ofcom as an organisation. “O…

1
Comedian Steve Punt discusses his departure from the BBC Radio 4 satirical news programme 'The Now Show' and the evolution of radio comedy 33:35

1y ago33:35

33:35

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis took their bow from BBC Radio 4’s satirical news programme ‘The Now Show’ last Friday after 25 years. Steve Punt discusses the last programme, the development and success of this long-running radio comedy show, the impact of our changing news consumption, political bias, radio comedy’s evolution and the new podcast format…

1
Max Cotton discusses his BBC 'Growing Solo' documentary series on his year long food self-sufficiency experiment and the importance of food and farming literacy 26:59

1y ago26:59

26:59

Max Cotton is a former BBC political reporter who has spent a year finding out if he can grow and produce 100% of his food on his smallholding near Glastonbury. We discuss his BBC Radio 4 documentary series on the experiment 'Growing Solo', as well as exploring food and farming literacy, food security and self sufficiency in the UK. "As a group of …

1
Rory Cellan-Jones ex BBC Technology Correspondent on Tim Davie’s speech, 'Movers and Shakers', 'Ruskin Park' and #SophieFromRomania 27:31

1y ago27:31

27:31

Rory Cellan-Jones, former BBC Technology and Business Correspondent examines Tim Davie’s, the BBC’s Director General speech on the BBC’s future priorities. He also explores life after the BBC, discussing his, ‘Movers and Shakers’ Parkinson’s podcast, his family memoir ‘Ruskin Park’ and his forthcoming book on #SophieFromRomania - his beloved rescue…

1
Chris Banatvala, former Ofcom Director of Standards discusses Ofcom, GB News, impartiality and freedom of expression 29:06

1y ago29:06

29:06

In the week that Ofcom finds GB News in breach of its code five times but will face no sanction, we talk to Chris Banatvala, Ofcom’s founding Director of Standards, and Content Board member, who was responsible for drafting and enforcing its codes. He is now an independent member of the Sky News Board, Channel 4’s online independent complaint revie…

1
Magnus Brooke, ITV Group Director of Strategy discusses the future of Public Service Broadcasting and the funding of 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' 29:47

1y ago29:47

29:47

Magnus Brooke is Group Director of Strategy, Policy and Regulation at ITV where profits are down by 60%. The digital revolution is changing broadcasting fundamentally and destroying former business models. So does ITV have a future as a Public Service Broadcaster? We also discuss the Media Bill and the added responsibility on Ofcom's shoulders - an…

1
Peter Taylor, veteran BBC journalist discusses his latest documentary 'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA' 34:40

1y ago34:40

34:40

One of Britain’s finest reporters Peter Taylor, with numerous books, documentaries and awards spanning a career of over 50 years, on his latest BBC documentary 'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA’. We discuss the human cost of IRA informers, the role of Scappaticci codenamed “Stakeknife”, Operation Kenova and covering Northern Ireland. “T…

1
'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA’, veteran journalist Peter Taylor discusses his latest BBC documentary 0:37

1y ago0:37

0:37

One of Britain’s finest reporters Peter Taylor, with numerous books, documentaries and awards spanning a career of over 50 years, on his latest BBC documentary 'Our Dirty War: The British State and the IRA’. We discuss the human cost of IRA informers, the role of Scappaticci codenamed “Stakeknife”, Operation Kenova and covering Northern Ireland. “T…

1
Baroness Kidron former film and documentary director on Bridget Jones, the threat of tech giants and ad funded PSBs 28:14

1y ago28:14

28:14

Baroness Kidron is one of the country's foremost drama and documentary directors. Her long list of credits includes ‘Storyville’, 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit', 'Victoria and Abdul' and 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'. She now sits as a crossbench peer and is the founder of the Five Rights Foundation. For the past five years, she has been on…

1
Former film and documentary director Baroness Kidron on Bridget Jones, the threat of tech giants and ad funded PSBs 0:48

1y ago0:48

0:48

Baroness Kidron is one of the country's foremost drama and documentary directors. Her long list of credits includes ‘Storyville’, 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit', 'Victoria and Abdul' and 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'. She now sits as a crossbench peer and is the founder of the Five Rights Foundation. For the past five years, she has been on…

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