Over to You

The BBC’s recent announcement of substantial cuts across the organisation will affect World Service listeners, as three programmes face closure. We put your questions to Jon Zilkha, controller of BBC World Service English, and explore what the changes mean for audiences.We also go behind the scenes at the Wimbledon Championships to discover how the World Service’s flagship sports programme, Sportsworld, prepares for an action-packed month of live sport.Not by the Playbook explores the inspiring stories of athletes who have overcome adversity and achieved success in unconventional ways. Presenter Qasa Alom speaks to its presenter, Katie Smith, about how the programme reveals the human stories behind sporting achievements.Presenter: Qasa Alom Producer: Simon Jarvis A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

From extraordinary personal stories with Outlook's Jo Fidgen, to Hollywood directors with Nikki Bedi, the interviews and interviewing you hear on the World Service are hugely varied. But what goes into finding the interviewees and preparing for the interview? When you are in the room, face-to-face with someone, how do you get the best out of your interviewee? Qasa also speaks to Ivana Davidovich, the host of the new World of Secrets podcast Searching for Soldier Dad, to explore how the interview process works in an investigative podcast series.

In this episode of Over To You, we hear listener feedback about how they think the BBC World Service is reporting on the recent war in Iran. Plus, we find out how the World Service approaches reporting on global conflict in general, from protecting programme-makers and contributors in dangerous locations, to sharing sensitive content about war online.

The East Asia region, comprising of China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia and Taiwan, is undeniably a key player on the world stage.We go behind the scenes of The Fifth Floor, the programme that brings the news from the BBC World Service language services. We hear how people in Seoul are reacting to the comeback of BTS, the superstar South Korean boyband, whose first tour since 2022 kicks off in April.Hong Kong cinema has influenced film-makers around the world. For a recent In the Studio episode, film-maker Shan Ng followed Kwan Pun Leung, one of the cinematographers of the Hong Kong and 20th Century classic, In the Mood for Love. We hear what Shan learnt following a fellow film-maker and what surprised her about Kwan's process.In November 2025, the BBC World Service launched a new visualised podcast, Asia Specific. Presented by veteran journalist, Mariko Oi, it covers the Asia Pacific region, of which East Asia is part of. Mariko tells Qasa why a podcast for the region was essential and the stories they hope to cover.And finally, in February, the director general Tim Davie warning that the network would run out of funding if a deal was not agreed with the government. His warnings set the Over to You inbox alight with questions and concern. Qasa speaks with the head of the school of journalism, media and culture at Cardiff University, Dr Matt Walsh and explores what all this means for the World Service.

World Book Club usually interviews authors about their work, with questions from the audience. But September’s edition featured an author who died nearly a century ago. We’re joined by presenter Harriet Gilbert to talk about the show's special episode on Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Will they do something similar with other deceased authors?Plus, already announced major programme changes will take effect soon, but listeners have already been in touch concerned about what’s happening with Business Matters. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The proposed switch from BBC Sounds to a new BBC app has been weighing heavily on the minds of some listeners. Many of you have been unhappy. Well it seems listener power has prevailed and there has been an important change! We bring you the BBC’s update.Plus , the true crime podcast series The Con: Kaitlyn’s Baby, is about one apparently pregnant young woman’s desperate lie. We speak with its presenter Sarah Treleaven.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

A number of journalists working for BBC Russian have been labelled “foreign agents”, severely restricting their professional and private lives. We hear from the editor of BBC News's Russian service about the impact.Plus, a listener has been in touch to praise a moving eyewitness report on Newsday.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The documentary Donald Trump’s New World Order set out to explain the reasons behind these turbulent times. Presenter Jamie Coomarasamy reveals how he overcame the problems of staying up to date when the Trump Administration seems to be announcing new policies day by day? We hear your views.Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We hear listeners’ reactions to the news that in the near future BBC Sounds is to end for international online listeners, and a new BBC app is to launch in its place.We put your points and questions to the BBC and, with the help of a media expert, investigate what this might all mean for you.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC

In a special edition, Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US president was comprehensively covered by all BBC World Service news shows, including a special edition of the Global News Podcast. But what challenges do the Trump presidency present for journalists, including the BBC’s news teams? We’re joined by a senior news editor and we hear listeners’ feedback.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

For our first show of the new year, four listeners from Brazil, the US, the UK and Italy set the agenda for what they would like from the BBC World Service in the coming year. Do they want different types of programmes, does news fatigue affect them, and how much do they feel the BBC World Service is still needed in 2025?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

It was billed as too close to call right up to the night itself, but in the end the US presidential election saw a clear victory for the Republicans. We hear listeners' views on World Service coverage of the vote, and are joined in the studio by the team behind the election night show America Decides.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

We hear listeners’ bugbears about one aspect of news programmes that really annoys them: why do live interviewees sometimes get abruptly cut short by the interviewer? We go behind the scenes to reveal the pressures of live news production with one of the BBC’s news editors, Karen Martin.Plus, a listener tells us what he likes so much about his favourite programme: Weekend. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Stumped is a weekly digest of news, features and debate from the world of cricket - but are you bowled over by it? We hear your comments and are joined by one of its hosts, Alison Mitchell.Plus, a listener asks why, when listening online, the volume level changes so much?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon.A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The Reith Lectures are an annual tradition, started in 1948 by the BBC’s first director general. In a special edition, we hear your thoughts on the programme, and we’re joined by the man who gave this year’s address. We also talk to the BBC executive who commissioned it.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

In a specially extended edition, we have Jon Zilkha, the controller of BBC World Service English, in the studio to answer listeners’ questions about what they’ve heard on the World Service in the past year. Some are happy - others feel there’s work to be done!Topics include news coverage of the Middle East conflict, proposed schedule changes and the BBC’s long-term finances.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

We hear listeners’ thoughts on the BBC World Service’s reporting of the ongoing events in the Middle East. We ask if the war in Ukraine really has dropped out of the news headlines and discuss the issue of “news fatigue” with the head of journalism at World Service English, Simon Peeks.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

We examine arts programming on the BBC World Service as we talk to the teams behind two of its long-running shows: In the Studio and The Cultural Frontline. Do you enjoy these arts series? Or does arts programming in general leave you cold?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The recent women’s football World Cup has been widely hailed as a success for the international game. We hear your thoughts on the BBC’s coverage. Plus, a listener asks if there’s a place for sports reporting in a serious news show.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

A documentary recently told the story of a 14-year-old American schoolboy who is on a mission to prevent billions of batteries going into landfill. We hear your feedback on this positive, solutions-focused programme, and the show’s presenter and producer join us to explain the process of working with young people.Plus, we hear some initial reaction to the World Service's coverage of football's Women's World Cup. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

We are now well into the second month of changes affecting Focus on Africa and its switch to being primarily a podcast with a repeat radio airing later that same day. So how is it going down with listeners? Is it alienating those of you who do not have access to digital platforms? Does it feel less “live”? Or does the focus on it being a podcast mean it can now attract a wider audience from the African diaspora globally? We speak to the editor of Focus On Africa, Alice Muthengi.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service

World Book Club took to the air over two decades ago and it is still going strong. Each month an author is quizzed by a live audience. We speak with its long-running host Harriett Gilbert and ask how do you make a show appeal to those who are not heavy readers? And listeners give their thoughts.Plus, how a recent edition of HardTalk on Iranian Kurds hit the nail on the head for a listener in the US.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service

Last week, we aired an interview with the boss of BBC World Service English about how and why there had been some notable alterations to the schedule, with four shows coming to an end: Digital Planet, Tech Tent, The Cultural Frontline and World Football. Now you tell us what you think of the changes.Plus, listeners ask why is the data lite version of podcasts not available? We’ll investigate.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

We begin the first show of the new year with your thoughts on what you heard on the BBC World Service over the past 12 months. What subjects in 2022 caught your attention? And what shows perhaps didn't quite hit the nail on the head? The Inquiry, the Documentary, Outside Source, the Forum and Hardtalk all fall under the spotlight.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service

BBC World Service English controller Jon Zilkha lays out his vision of how the World Service will develop in 2023, and explains more about how financial cuts and the BBC‘s commitment to a “digital first” approach will affect what you hear.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The controller of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha, responds to your comments, views and questions - be they favourable or critical, in the first of a two-part special edition of Over to You.It has been yet another tumultuous year all over the world and the BBC World Service’s job has been to reflect that - but also to provide insight and diversion from the current affairs agenda. So how well do you think they are fulfilling that brief? Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We examine how the BBC World Service marked a year since the Taliban took control in Afghanistan. What are the challenges facing teams on the ground? And how do you keep listeners engaged? We speak with the head of journalism, Simon Peeks.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

When thousands of protesters took to the streets of Sri Lanka, what were the challenges of covering this civil unrest? We talk to the BBC’s South Asia correspondent. Plus another in our insightful and often revealing series How I Hear, about your everyday listening habits. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

Surviving the Siege of Mariupol told of the experiences of Mariupolchanka FC, a professional women’s football team in southern Ukraine. Listeners tell us what they thought about this compelling story. Plus, Hidden Sport took its audience on a global journey to discover the world’s lesser-known sports. But how were the sports chosen? We find out. Presenter Rajan Datar. Producer Howard Shannon.

We return to the ongoing issue which is worrying many listeners: disinformation. Has the war in Ukraine made tackling it a more urgent priority? How does the BBC’s team differentiate between fact and fiction, and is social media in some way to blame? We ask the BBC’s disinformation editor, Rebecca Skippage, where priorities lie.Plus, was the right terminology used in the documentary series Black Music in Europe? A listener in Kenya says not.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

Your reactions to the news that future BBC funding is to be up for discussion. How might it affect the World Service? Plus listeners give their fond farewells as we say goodbye to a familiar voice on BBC Outside Source, Nuala McGovern.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

Every week Ros Atkins analyses one of the big issues in the news. But what is his programme? A bite size documentary or an extended news feature? Listeners quiz Ros on how his series is made. Plus we hear about the welcome return of the drama set in a market in Nigeria!Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

We meet the man behind the music show This Is Africa. Listeners quiz DJ Edu about selecting songs and his motivation in promoting African musicians. Plus, we stick with the musical theme as we get your thoughts on a show where artists interview artists.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

The COP26 climate conference in Scotland is well underway. Listeners tell us what they think of the BBC’s coverage so far - both complimentary and critical. And we look into the complex logistics of making sure the BBC’s correspondents are in the right place at the right time and that they get on air.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

The Story of Aids recalls the early years of the HIV crisis, as told by the people who lived through it. We hear your comments and speak with the show’s producer about the sensitivities involved in making the series.Plus, a listener inspired by our recent interview with Lyse Doucet offers her feedback on the BBC’s reporting of Afghanistan.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

The Proms are back, but what are the challenges of broadcasting classical music globally? We hear from the Proms producer. Plus, listeners give us their thoughts on series two of 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter, a show that bills itself as “amazing things humans have learnt from the animal kingdom”.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

As the Olympics draw to a close, listeners tell us what they think of the BBC’s coverage. What’s it like broadcasting when there is no live crowd? The World Service’s sports editor answers.Plus, a listener wonders why a recent panel debate on Cuba failed to have any contributors from Cuba itself.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

The Lazarus Heist tells the story of one of the most daring bank thefts ever attempted. We hear your thoughts and talk to the series editor. Plus, a day in the life of a BBC disinformation specialist.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

I'm Not a Monster is the story of an American mother living in the heart of the Isis caliphate. We hear your thoughts and talk to the podcast's host. Plus a listener to The Fifth Floor asks why some interviews seem to come to an abrupt end.Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon

Is a disproportionate amount of time given over to stories from the US? One listener shares his views US focused programmes. Plus, Africa Eye specialises in reports from across the continent. But what makes the team tick? We go behind-the-scenes.And Comedians vs The News - we asked listeners to give the second series a second chance. They tell us whether producers have got it right this time!Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon

What exactly is The Climate Question, the new BBC World Service podcast and weekly programme, asking? We quiz its presenters how they handle the politics of this topic - and how rigorous the show is in presenting contrasting schools of thought? Plus, what has happened to The Why Factor? We find out. Presenter Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

The immersive documentary: listeners tell us what they think of a genre without a presenter that adopts some of the techniques used in drama. Plus the BBC’s announced record Global Audiences. But how does this kind of data benefit you?Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.

Live football is back on air, but for the most part, live spectators aren’t. We ask the editor of BBC World Service sport about the challenges in the wake of Covid-19. Is it better with or without fake crowd sounds?Plus, making art accessible for disabled artists on the Cultural Frontline.Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.

Reporting the continuing global threat of coronavirus. We ask the BBC’s China correspondent Stephen McDonell how he goes about getting access to the people and places affected, and does he worry his reports might cause unnecessary panic?Plus, your reaction to news that World Update is soon to be old news.Presenter: Rajan Datar. Producer: Howard Shannon

The BBC World Service has merged all of its music shows into just one weekly show, Music Life. The commissioning editor responsible tells us why this decision was taken.Plus the ongoing story of how iPlayer Radio is being replaced by BBC Sounds. What’s the latest situation as regards international listeners? Presented by Rajan Datar Produced by Howard Shannon

How BBC Monitoring has played a key role in helping BBC news teams to learn what is happening on the ground on the Turkey-Syria border.Plus, listeners react to a BBC Africa Eye investigation into sexual harassment by lecturers at some of West Africa’s top universities.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

An edition of Heart and Soul was about the ethics of having large families but was its highly personal presentation too one-sided? The programme’s producer answers your concerns. Plus, our digital doctor Anna Doble is here to solve your digital dilemmas.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon

The second series of '50 Things That Made The Modern Economy' has more programmes about game changing inventions, ideas and innovations - but is it fact or opinion? Plus might the BBC World Service consider publishing programme transcripts?Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.

This week we are devoting the whole programme to your thoughts about how the BBC World Service reports on science. Do shows such as Discovery, Science In Action, Health Check, Click and Crowd Science do it for you? And how might science coverage change in the future? The BBC’s science programmes editor Deborah Cohen joins us in the studio. Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon.

This week we’re giving over the whole programme to the topic of podcasts. Have they added a new dimension to the way you listen to the BBC World Service? Or do you not understand what’s different about them? And do those without a computer or a smartphone with internet access feel left out? We have the BBC’s podcast commissioning editor for World Service English, Jon Manel, here to answer your queries.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon