Over to You

The Interview is a successor show in the World Service schedule to HardTalk and every week hears from what it regards as a titan of business, politics, finance, sport and culture. We hear what listeners think and we're joined in the studio by the show's editor Sam Bonham to learn where the interviews are sourced from.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We go behind-the-scenes with the team from Americast, the show that gives you an insight and analysis on what is happening in American politics and beyond. We talk to presenter Justin Webb and the series editor Purvee Pattni and hear your feedback.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The recent documentary Braille and Me featured personal stories from around the world of highly successful blind people in different fields who continue to celebrate how this very simple invention has transformed lives. Listeners share their views and we talk to presenter Emma Tracey.Plus, a follow-up grumble about interviewees being cut short in news shows hits our listener inbox.Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Despite international pressure, China is continuing to try and block shortwave broadcasts in parts of Asia. We hear from the BBC's distribution team about how Over To You listeners can help report the problem. Plus a listener tells us his views on what he sees as an excessive number of repeats on the World Service. And, ahead of a longer interview with the team in a few weeks' time, we hear listener feedback on Americast.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shanno. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

What did listeners think of the BBC World Service's coverage of Pope Francis' funeral? We hear listeners' feedback and talk to he editor of Newshour and Weekend, Tim de Faramond. We discuss the religious sensitivities to bear in mind when editing a news show.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for 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's been an important change! We'll 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

Turkey has jailed and expelled a number of journalists, including BBC correspondent Mark Lowen. Listeners give us their reactions.And, as Hard Talk ends, a new interview format show starts. Some of you remain unhappy about the loss of one of your favourite shows.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The BBC's series Diddy on Trial sets out to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give listeners the answers they need about the legal case against the rap singer Sean Combs. He denies all the charges.We speak with the show's presenter about the challenges of making this series and especially the hazard of tip-toeing through a legal minefield. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the 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

What in the World is now almost into its fourth month of doing visualisations for its YouTube channel, part of a BBC World Service podcast pilot. We meet the team who are bringing the show to your screens and also hear listeners' feedback. Will it, they wonder, attract a younger audience?Plus, a listener asks why does the World Service repeat programmes and content over and over again? We get them an answer!Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service

Events surrounding Russia's war in Ukraine have been moving fast. But what is it like trying to keep up to date if you produce a weekly programme or podcast? Plus, listeners share their views on the BBC's reporting.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Professor Hannah Fry recently explored tales of data and discovery in her series Uncharted - running as part of the Discovery programme. We hear listeners's feedback to this numerical investigation and we are joined by the series producer.Plus, a listener asks why imperial measurements are used in BBC reports when most of the world do not use this system?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Purple Heart Warriors is a time-travelling drama about the Japanese-American legends of the 442nd regiment who fought the Nazis in World War Two. We hear listeners' reactions and we are joined by its director and producer.Plus, a listener wonders if the BBC has a language guide for the proper use of terminology? Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Last weekend we aired your comments on news that the BBC World Service was axing a number of shows later this year. This week we have the boss of the WS English Jon Zilkha in the studio to answer your questions and explain why it's happening and the criteria behind which shows have been chosen to end.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The BBC World Service says that despite a recent increase in grant-aid support from the UK government, the extra cash is not enough to maintain all its English language service programmes. As a result some shows are facing the axe later this year. We'll tell you which programmes are involved - and also hear listeners' reactions.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

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

This week we look at Health Check. With so many issues and breakthroughs to choose from, how do they decide what to cover? We hear from the show's presenter Claudia Hammond and listeners tell us what they think. Plus how a listener feels a first-hand report on the LA fires burning down a BBC reporter's own house was “extraordinary radio”. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The Arts Hour's annual comedy special aired at New Year but how well does comedy translate to a global audience, a listener asks of the show's team. Plus, how a listener in Australia would like to hear more impartial commentators and fewer politicians on World Questions.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

What role does language play in the propaganda of war? The Global Jigsaw has been asking that very question following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We hear from the show's presenter and listeners give us their thoughts on what they have learned about the power of the spoken word. Plus, one listener complains too many programmes are becoming “inane chatter”.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for 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 is our annual Ask the Controller special as we have the boss of BBC World Service English Jon Zilkha in the studio to answer your questions. How much are budgetary cuts affecting programme quality? What do you like and what concerns do you have about the BBC World Service? And what would you like to hear more of in 2025?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The latest series in the World of Secrets strand is Finding Mr Fox, an investigation of a miscarriage of justice involving two sailors. But could this series' conclusion be described as a “spectacular anti-climax”? The show's two presenters respond to listeners' comments.Plus, after a listener recently complained about an annoying echo sound effect used in programme trailers, we air the reverberations that has caused. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Listeners assess the documentary Me and My Digital Twin. “A comprehensive synopsis” or “pure nonsense and fantasy”? The presenter responds. Plus a listener complains The Conflict, a show about learning the lessons of history, fails to do just that with its own timeline for the Middle East.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

BBC Trending is the show that brings you in-depth reporting on the world of social media. But it is an ever-changing online landscape so how does the show's production team keep up? We hear listeners' views and questions. Plus Over to You's annual ask the controller edition - do you have any questions or gripes - for the boss of World Service English? Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We examine trust, a fundamental cornerstone of the BBC but one that has come under renewed scrutiny and criticism following recent events and the continued prevalence of disinformation. We hear listeners' views on whether they feel trust is being eroded and are joined in the studio by the controller of World Service English, Jon Zilkha.Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for 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

Hard Talk is a long-standing in-depth interview programme but it is now facing the chop. Listeners give us their views about its proposed closure. And the BBC tells us why the decision to end the show is being taken.Plus, a listener argues that special effects used in some programme trailers are off putting.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

How do you keep the World Service's flagship foreign investigations series fresh and relevant? We meet the editor and a producer from the documentary strand Assignment and we hear listeners' feedback on recent editions, including one on the war in Ukraine.Plus, we hear listeners' reaction to the news that Hard Talk potentially faces the axe next March.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The Food Chain examines the business, science and cultural significance of food and what it takes to put food on your plate. But is it passing judgement on what people eat? Or simply advising them about what it is they are putting into their mouths? We are joined by its presenter Ruth Alexander and we hear listeners' feedback.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods is the latest investigative mini-series in the World of Secrets slot. We put your feedback to the series editor Matt Willis and ask him how interviewees now felt able to discuss upsetting accusations of sexual abuse. Warning: the following discussion involves the topic of sexual abuse which some listeners might find distressing.Plus, how a listener feels the 5th Floor fell short with its analysis on Mexico's first female president.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

What makes for a good story from a BBC correspondent? And how do you ensure there is enough variety in a programme devoted to these first-hand reports? That is the weekly task of From Our Own Correspondent - soon to celebrate 70 years on air. We hear listeners' views and we are joined by its editor, Richard Fenton-Smith.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

It is America through the looking glass as documentary series The Coming Storm, enters a labyrinthine rabbit warren of American conspiracy culture. We hear your views on its second run and are joined by its host Gabriel Gatehouse.Plus, why a listener feels Outlook's mixtape is a let-down.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

There are now almost 3,000 billionaires in the world today. But how do the super-rich amass their incredible wealth? The podcast Good, Bad Billionaire is back with season two to find out. We hear listeners' reactions and questions, including what qualifies a billionaire to be featured on the show - and are there in fact more African billionaires than records reveal? We are joined in the studio by its presenter Simon Jack.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We hear listeners' reactions to the BBC Eye investigation The Midwife's Confession, which deals with the topic of infanticide in India - and in particular of baby girls. “It's the responsibility of the BBC World Service to tell this story” says one listener.We are joined on the line from Delhi by the programme's presenter Amitabh Parashar and editor Ankur Jain. And a warning: some might find the discussion upsetting.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We hear your feedback on how the BBC World Service has covered an incredibly busy summer of sport - from big football tournaments to the Olympics. Over the top - or under-reported? The network's head of sport Colin Patterson responds to your comments. Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for the BBC WS

It's become an institution on the BBC World Service with in-depth, hard-hitting interviews with people in the news. In a special edition, we hear listeners' views on Hard Talk and meet its regular host Stephen Sackur and ask if its approach always lives up to the show's combative title? Listeners say they want to know why there are not more women guests and how Stephen knows when to stop pushing if an interviewee does not want to answer. Presenter Rajan Datar Producer Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for the BBC WS

It was the biggest gold mine fraud of all time and devastated countless lives. But what really happened? We hear listeners' feedback on The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam and its presenter Suzanne Wilton tells us how she spent almost 30 years investigating this murder mystery.Plus, the world's most popular fruit is under threat. We air a critique of the documentary Going Bananas.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

A listener recently told Over to You that he does not enjoy the science show Unexpected Elements because he feels he is being “talked down to”.We asked you to tell us what you think about this show and other science programmes on the BBC World Service - and our inbox has been inundated! So it's a forum for listeners' forensic dissection of science on the World Service - both critical and positive.Plus, it has been a busy “summer of sport” and we reveal what listeners made of BBD World Service's sporting coverage.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The documentary A slogan and a Land, saw reporter Tim Whewell travel from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea - perhaps the most contested piece of land in the world. We hear your views on this road trip and Tim tells us about the challenges he faced in making this two-part series.Plus, an emotional response to The Inquiry's report on Easter Island - and just what do the initials O and S really stand for?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for World Service

Fake news and conspiracy theories are explored in the series Whose Truth - we get your feedback and hear from its presenter, Babita Sharma.Plus with The Olympics underway, it is proving to be a busy summer of sport. So what do listeners think of the World Service's coverage on this and other sporting events?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service