Last week we aired a candid interview with the departing boss of the BBC World Service. This week listeners react to what Liliane Landor had to say - and reveal their hopes and fears for the future.Plus, the BBC is currently running a trial using Generative AI - artificial intelligence. We ask what it might mean for you the World Service listener.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

It’s all change at the top of the BBC World Service as the boss for the past three years leaves. We ask the departing director Liliane Landor about the challenges she faced during her time at the helm. She gives us an honest personal appraisal of the highs and lows - and the challenges her successor faces.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We are now into the second year of changes affecting Focus on Africa and its switch to being primarily a podcast. So how is it going down with listeners? We hear your views - including on recent events in Kenya - and are joined in the studio for an update by its news editor, Alice Muthengi.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We get your comments on one writer’s endless curiosity about the effects of culture wars on ordinary lives. And we ask that journalist, Jon Ronson, about how he approached making the Things Fell Apart mini-series.Plus, a unique broadcast that is unlike anything else heard on the BBC World Service for the world’s smallest audience! We tell the story of the Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast 2024.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

It was back in May 2022 that OTY reported on the launch of a new weekly podcast called Lives Less Ordinary - from the Outlook team. Producers describe the show as a chance to step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. So how has it bedded in? We hear listeners’ comments and also from its production team.Plus, it has been three months since the Fifth Floor moved to its new weekend slot but a listener tells us she is not happy with the schedule change.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

We hear how listeners feel about the BBC World Service's reporting on the plethora of elections around the world. By way of a case study, we focus on India and hear about the challenges faced by the corporation in reporting the country’s recent elections.We are joined from Delhi by the BBC’s director of journalism with the Collective Newsroom, Mukesh Sharma.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

It was back in May 2022 that this programme reported on the launch of a new weekly podcast called Lives Less Ordinary from the Outlook team. Producers describe the show as a chance to step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. Extraordinary stories from around the world. Two years on we ask listeners how they feel it has bedded in.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We hear your thoughts on series three of Dear Daughter which bills itself as a “handbook to life”. We are joined by its presenter Namulanta Kombo and producer Lucy Burns.Listeners ask if the series only appeals to women. Could there be letters from fathers to daughters or sons and express appreciation for the new run having more complicated and difficult conversations.Plus, a listener in the US feels the World Service’s reporting of the UK’s general election is proving to be too “England-centric”.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

A listener recently told us how he found correspondents' news reports that are repeated across different news shows “irritating”. We hear whether you agree with him. We invited BBC Newshour editor Tim De Faramond to respond listeners and understand why this repetition happens.Plus, a listener feels a recent History Hour was wrong in its use of terminology. The show’s production team respond.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service

The BBC World Service has launched its Global China Unit, a new team that will focus on reporting stories on the country’s role in the world. Listeners say its opening is vital but also ask if coverage of China will be fair and balanced. We speak with the BBC executive who will help run the team.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The new podcast series Where to be a Woman has been asking: where can women live their best lives? One of the programme’s presenters Sophia Smith Galer and senior journalist Prabhjit Bains tell us why they feel this question is such a pertinent one right now and listeners tell us what they think of the podcast. Plus, following a recent complaint of changing sounds levels online, several more listeners say they too are suffering the same problem. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for the BBC World Service

It is the programme that brings you “the biggest guests and hottest sounds from all over Africa.” But can the music show This is Africa cross over and appeal to a global audience? We get your thoughts and hear from its host, DJ Edu. Plus, how a listener was deeply affected by the documentary El Salvador's Missing Children.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for 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

Listeners react to Hollywood Exiles, a new podcast that explores how Charlie Chaplin became embroiled in what was known as the “Hollywood blacklist”. We speak to the show’s producer about how the presenter, the star’s granddaughter Oona Chaplin, became totally immersed in the production process. Plus, we air more of your feedback responding to recent schedule changes.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service

As the clocks change in many parts of the world this weekend (30th March), BBC WS English announces schedule changes - and we hear your initial reactions. Plus and after nearly a year of intense fighting in Sudan, how did the BBC World Service finally get its correspondents safely onto the front line?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for 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

How does an animated musical work on the BBC World Service? U:Me The Complete Musical is a love story both on radio and also visualised on the BBC World Service English YouTube channel. We hear your views and are joined by the musical’s commissioning editor and also the composer of its soundtrack.Plus, a listener asks why do some live news interviews end so abruptly?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Amazing Sport Stories “The Black 14” recalls how in 1969 14 young Black American college football players in Wyoming were kicked off their team for wanting to protest against racism.We hear your views on this series and are joined by its presenter and editor.Plus, an edition of Trending looked into The Disinformation War Over the Middle East Conflict. But a listener takes the producers to task over what he sees as “false equivalence”.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Crowd Science is the show that takes listeners' questions and puts them to experts. We put some of your views on the programme to one of its presenters Marnie Chesterton and producer Ben Motley.Plus, the BBC WS has announced a change to the way it will be structured in India. Listeners ask what it means for them. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

If news fatigue is getting worse, do we need more podcasts like The Happy Pod? Almost a year since the launch of this weekly good news show, we hear listeners' views on whether it is a welcome antidote and we are joined by the show’s presenter Jackie Leonard.Plus, a listener complains about the unwanted appearance of a trailer in Trending - especially when the programme topic and the subject of the trailer jar.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The presenter and producer behind Paris: Football’s Greatest Talent Factory, joins us to talk about how they made the documentary and hear listeners’ comments.Staying with the football theme, a listener feels the Asian cup is losing out on coverage to the Africa Cup of Nations because both are running at the same time.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

World of Secrets is billed as “the stories they don’t want told”. Series two has turned its attention to exposing the cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua. We hear your views and we are joined by the series’ presenter and producer.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The New Year saw us broadcast our annual “ask the controller” special edition in which the boss of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha, answered a number of comments and questions. But were listeners satisfied with what they heard? We hear your follow-up feedback. Plus, listeners give us their thoughts on the World Service’s sports output.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We look at the Global Story podcast, which promises to “drill deep into a single story a day offering unrivalled context and deeper insight and helping you make sense of the global news cycle”. Does it succeed in doing that? We hear your views and we’re joined by its host Katja Adler and editor Jonathan Aspinwall.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for 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

Listener power strikes again! Following an invitation from Gilbert Banda from Zambia on this programme earlier in the year, World Questions has just been broadcast from Zambia. We asked Gilbert to record his own radio diary and go behind-the-scenes to report on what it is like when the BBC World Service comes to his home city of Lusaka. Plus, a listener asks if an edition of The Real Story on right-wing populism in Europe meant to miss out Britain?Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

A recent edition of Assignment called Florida’s Political Refugees, featured stories from people across the US political spectrum who have swapped states, all claiming that they left for their safety. We hear listeners’ views on this documentary - and we are joined by its presenter Lucy Proctor.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service

The new series Amazing Sport Stories, which is all about underdogs, myths and drama, has just dropped and we are joined in the studio by the team behind it. Who is the target audience? Why do some stories take up so much more time than others to tell? And just what defines an amazing sport story in the first place? Listeners tell us what they think of the series so far.Plus, details of how you can get involved in our annual “ask the controller” special edition later this month.Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

It is a show that puts your questions to spiritual advisers offering guidance on how to manage your life in a better way. We hear listeners’ views on the series World of Wisdom and we are joined by the show’s presenter Sana Safi. Plus, how the BBC World Service has recently launched an emergency daily radio programme for the people of Gaza. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for 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

As the Middle East information war heightens, we turn the spotlight onto fake news to help you identify what is real and what is not. We have a masterclass from one of the BBC’s disinformation reporters. Plus a listener reveals how she’s suffering from news fatigue after traumatic events globally, whilst others ask: where has coverage of the war in Ukraine gone? Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

As much of the world’s attention remains focussed on events in the Middle East, we hear more of your feedback on the BBC World Service’s coverage. Plus, Africa’s Urban Future with Mike Wooldridge has been exploring the opportunities and challenges of breakneck development in that continent. We speak to him and hear your comments on the series. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

In a special edition, we hear the thoughts of younger listeners to the World Service's new daily youth podcast What in The World. Does the show’s target 16-24 audience feel this news format appeals to them? How do they feel it handles major stories? And is it hitting the right tone? The podcast’s host Hannah Gelbart and editor Verity Wilde join us in the studio. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The past week’s unprecedented violence between the militant group Hamas and Israel have once again thrown the spotlight on the difficulties and challenges of reporting on the Middle East. Listeners share their thoughts on how the BBC World Service has reported the deadly events. We ask the BBC’s director of news content, Richard Burgess, about the use of language and the pressures news programmes face in handling a fast-moving story. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The Evidence invites scientists and experts to explore issues that are the focus of advanced medical science in the world today. A recent edition looked at something that affects millions of us: allergies. We are joined by the programme’s host Claudia Hammond. Plus, how Business Daily tackled the issue of irregular migration in Europe through the lens of finance. Its reporter Frey Lindsay is in the studio. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

My Indian Life is a podcast that celebrates being young in India today and features a Bollywood star as its presenter. But a recent edition was different: it was about a pioneering female mountain climber who died tragically before the programme could be broadcast. We hear your feedback and the show’s producer talks about striking the right editorial tone. Plus, a listener says she misses not being able to bookmark programmes in BBC Sounds after first hearing a trailer. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

It is history as told by the people who were there. We hear listeners’ views on Witness History and its editor joins us to explain how subjects are chosen. Plus, why do podcasts contain trailers for other programmes? And how an edition of Heart and Soul that told the story of a guard at Guantanamo Bay proved so insightful. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

In a special edition, we examine what is perhaps one of the WS’s most disturbing and upsetting programmes of late. Trending Extreme investigated videos in which AI-generated versions of real-life child murder victims tell the stories of how they were killed. We hear your feedback - including if the episode should have been broadcast at all - and we’re joined by the show’s presenter and producer, Ed Main. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

A recent edition of The Explanation asked “Could Puerto Rico become America's 51st state?” We hear your feedback on this series and the show’s presenter Claire Graham gives us her explanation of how news stories such as this are chosen. Plus, listeners query if the World Service is striking the right balance on coverage of US politics and also ask if a recent edition of Crowd Science was just too far-fetched to understand. 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

The documentary The Engineers: Lunar Exploration, examined how some of the world’s leading space agencies are working on a project to put astronauts on the moon within two years. We hear what listeners think of this journey into space - and we speak with the programme’s producer about the challenges of making complex science technology understandable. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

The Conversation sees two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, tell the stories of their lives. We hear your feedback on this long-running series and ask its host Kim Chakanetsa what she hopes the male audience gets from the show. Plus, we have a response for a listener about coverage of the Women’s Football World Cup. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Where do you draw the line on broadcasting the horrors of animals being tortured? The documentary The Monkey Haters, tells the story of how Macaques are put through unimaginable pain all because people online are willing to pay to watch. It’s possibly one of the most disturbing and upsetting documentaries on animals the Word Service has broadcast. We hear listeners reactions and speak with the programme’s presenter and also its undercover reporter. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

What is it about three ex -footballers having a chat about the game that makes for a good podcast? That's the question we’ll be putting to the producer and one of the presenters of Match of the Day Africa: Top 10 - and to be fair we are talking three multiple trophy winning international footballers here! Plus one listener has a bone or two to pick with the boss of World Service English after his interview on this programme last week. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Last week saw the publication of the BBC’s annual report, which includes the World Service. The World Service Audience is down 12% but we'll be looking into its finer details and asking what it means for you the listener. Do overall audience figures affect the kind of programmes being made? The boss of BBC World Service English, Jon Zilkha, tells us if that will affect the kind of programmes you hear. Plus, listeners say their farewells to a stalwart of World Service news, Razia Iqbal, as she leaves the BBC after 30 years. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for 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

Until recently the Forum was a weekly show that took an in depth approach to tackling specific topics or historical figures with a team of experts from the realms of technology, art, literature and philosophy among many others. Now it's monthly with a slightly different remit. The show’s executive editor explains how each edition is put together and we hear your thoughts. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production

The production team say they set out to see the world in a new way. So is the WS’s new science show Unexpected Elements achieving its aims? We hear what listeners think as the show beds in - and we speak with the programme’s producer about how to make science appeal to all. Plus: why are there programme trailers in the middle of podcasts? Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

A seven-part drama has been telling the dramatic story of what happened after a tsunami hit the Japanese nuclear plant at Fukushima in 2011. The show’s producer and writer join us to explain how they used actors and dramatisation to bring the disaster to life. But how much poetic licence did they need to use? And listeners give us their feedback. 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

We live in an age of information warfare, weaponised narratives and captured media. So, what agendas are at play behind these? In a new series called The Global Jigsaw, BBC Monitoring tackles one subject in-depth in each episode, examining its portrayal through global media outlets. We ask the show’s editor what inspired this format and find out what listeners make of it. Plus, did Witness History give due credit to all the Allies taking part in a campaign in North Africa during World War Two? One listener takes issue. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

With the launch of a new unit, BBC Verify, the BBC is now sharing the fact-checking and investigative work its journalists and correspondents do behind the scenes with the audience. We ask the BBC’s director of news content what “transparency” actually means and why it is important? Plus, is the corporation getting repetitive with its use of interviewees? A listener tells us he has heard the same guest in three different programmes. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Schedule changes earlier this year saw some programmes merged or changed - including the creation of a new technology show. After two months on air, we ask listeners what they think of Tech Life. Is it a change for the better - or worse - from the two programmes it replaced? We ask the show’s producer how it is settling in. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Its mission was to highlight the situation of the Ukrainian people and that country’s culture - but was it mission accomplished? We are talking of course about the Eurovision Song Contest which was recently staged in the UK on behalf of 2022’s winners Ukraine. We speak with the editor of BBC Ukraine Marta Shokalo about how her team provided insight and information to the wider BBC to ensure Ukraine was accurately reflected and sensitively portrayed. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The recent Coronation of King Charles III was a historical event that was comprehensively covered by the BBC World Service. Many listeners contacted us with their views on the coverage and commented on whether there needs to be more discussion, on-air, of the role of the monarchy? Strong views from all round the world. Plus, as the fighting in Sudan continues, we hear how the World Service has launched a pop-up radio station to keep the country informed about events. How was it put together and where has the money come from? Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The Lazarus Heist and its criminal investigation into financial fraud has returned for a second series. Listeners tell us what they think and we ask if there is ever an issue with over-egging the Hollywood- thriller style production in a documentary podcast? The show’s hosts join us to answer your comments. Plus, we need your help following Saturday’s Coronation of King Charles III. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We profile the BBC WS’s online offering: but is it user friendly enough and is it keeping up with ever changing technology? We put these points to the online team. Plus, a fond farewell to one of the English network’s longest serving news presenters, Bola Mosuro, who this week left the BBC after 31 years. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for BBC Word Service

Misogyny, hate speech and threats - the BBC’s Trending team has lifted the lid on online abuse and trolling on social media. But is it telling us anything new, asks one listener? We hear more of your views and speak with the series editor about the challenges involved in making this eight-part series. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

A row over a Twitter label describing the BBC as "government funded media" has been resolved - it is now to be labelled “publicly-funded”. We hear your thoughts on that Twitter spat and a former senior executive with the corporation tells us why she thinks the BBC was right to fight its corner. Plus, the Lazarus Heist is back for a second series - we hear listeners’ early reviews. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon. A Whistledown Production for the 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

The BBC World Service has introduced some notable changes to its programming including the end of four regular shows: Digital Planet, Tech Tent, The Cultural Frontline and World Football. We ask the controller of World Service English, Jon Zilkha, for the reasons behind these changes - and get some early responses from you. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Love Janessa is the podcast series that examines an online so-called “catfishing scheme” which deceives mostly men into falling for and giving money to an apparently beautiful young woman called Janessa. But, the seven-part series asks - just who is Janessa Brazil? We hear your thoughts on the series and we’ are joined by journalist Hannah Ajala who set out to uncover the truth behind this form of fraudulent online dating. Plus the show’s commissioning editor Jon Manel tells us how the BBC World Service handles adult themes. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Why did Sportsworld fail to make it to air last Saturday ? We explain. Plus, the team behind the Global News Podcast have come up with a show called The Happy Pod. Listeners tell us if this is good news and the programme’s production team explain the thinking behind it. Presenter: Rajan Datar Producer: Howard Shannon A Whistledown production for 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

The Indian general election is the biggest democratic poll ever held in the world, and in response, the BBC in India has launched its most comprehensive election analysis ever. Listeners want to know how the World Service is battling the threat of fake news. Plus, whatever happened to the Fifth Floor’s Fifi Haroon? Presented by Rajan Datar. Produced by Howard Shannon, Whistledown Productions

The documentary Not#MeToo, I'm French investigated the evidence and specific roots of sexism in France. But is that country the worst example in the world? Listeners make their point, and the show’s presenter answers. Plus, is one’s listener’s dissatisfaction with BBC Sounds and the lack of an online pop-out player about to be remedied? Presented by Rajan Datar Produced by Howard Shannon, Whistledown Productions