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The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4
The World Tonight
Latest episode

326 episodes

  • The World Tonight

    Government defends its prisoner early release scheme

    2026/08/31 | 40 mins.
    As the government prepares to introduce legislation, allowing the early release of some prisoners on indefinite sentences - known as IPPs - we'll examine the justice of that decision.. and the challenges it could present. Also on the programme: the New York Metropolitan Museum cancels a celebration of John Galliano and Lionel Messi hangs up his international boots.
  • The World Tonight

    Number of missing after Nepal flash floods jumps significantly to nearly 2,000

    2026/08/28 | 38 mins.
    At least five have died in Tibet according to reports from Chinese state media. We explore what’s known about events on the Tibet side of the Nepal-Tibet border.
    Also in the programme: Iceland prepares to vote in a referendum on potential European Union membership. And the singing car salesman who’s using opera to help boost sales.
  • The World Tonight

    UK salmonella cases nearing 500 as egg investigations continue

    2026/08/27 | 37 mins.
    Close to 500 people have become ill with salmonella linked to imported eggs. UK authorities say they have identified two new clusters of the infection. One British egg producer tells us that domestic eggs are subject to more stringent safety standards than those coming from overseas.
    Also in the programme: France has temporarily relaxed rules for making some of its best-known cheeses after the summer drought drastically reduced the amount of grass available to feed milk herds. And author Katherine Rundell on the third book in her Impossible Creatures fantasy series, and whether technology is harming children’s ability to consume literature.
  • The World Tonight

    Meta to pay up to $18bn to settle claims its platforms harm children

    2026/08/26 | 38 mins.
    The Facebook and Instagram owner will also make changes aimed at better protecting kids using their platforms, including default daily time limits and night-time blocks. We hear the reaction of Arturo Béjar, who worked as a safety engineer for Meta for 8 years, but has since turned whistleblower and gave evidence during the trial.
    Also in the programme: A flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border has killed more than 150, with hundreds of tourists missing. And the vice chair of the Dollywood Foundation – which was created by Dolly Parton to support children’s education – reflects on the death of the country music legend.
  • The World Tonight

    Dolly Parton dies aged 80

    2026/08/25 | 37 mins.
    With tributes pouring in from around the world, we look back at the life and career of the legendary American singer.
    Also on the programme: Canada hits back in its trade war with the US, levying tariffs of up to 50% on American goods; and a new report finds that people who leave the care system are much more likely to die young.
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In-depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective
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