The BBC World Service is breaking into the daily news podcast game with today’s launch of a new show. But unlike most daily news podcasts, What in the World is primarily aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds across the globe. Released each weekday, each episode will ask “what in the world is going on?”
The idea of going after a younger listener fits into the global nature of the BBC World Service. It says around a quarter of its listeners are between 16 and 24 years old, a number that reflects in part the fact that 16% of the world’s population falls in that age bracket. When it comes to getting information, young people have more choices than ever, but the BBC says distinguishing the facts - especially with the increasing amount of misinformation online – is a challenge. And that is where it sees an opportunity.
“What in the World is tailored to young audiences and will provide a source of trusted news and information for these listeners globally,” says Jon Zilkha, Controller of World Service English. “Using the expertise of our journalists around the world, we will examine the stories that matter most and focus on positive solutions, something we know young audiences are longing to hear.”
Hosted by Hannah Gelbart, What in the World will explain global news stories and events. Episodes will be shaped by the questions our audience are asking and the content they are sharing and will also explore possible solutions. They will reflect young listeners’ shorter attention span too, running 9 to 15 minutes long.
Before signing up to present the podcast, host Hannah Gelbart was the BBC’s global disinformation reporter. She has also hosted podcasts including BBC Trending, 5 Minutes On, and People Fixing the World. “I’m excited to be working with a top team for this podcast, helping our listeners to understand, and feel a bit better, about the world around them,” she said in the announcement. “I am looking forward to chatting each day with our BBC reporters across the globe, giving you what you need to make sense of the information out there.”
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