The Best News Podcasts are a convenient and accessible way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and current events. Below is a list of the Top news podcasts that cover a range of styles and formats to suit different tastes and interests. Whether you’re a news junkie looking to stay current on current events or enjoy engaging, informative discussions, we’ve got you covered. This list of the best news podcasts offers plenty of insight and perspective on the world around us.
News Podcasts
Here is a list of the best news podcasts of 2024 that are worth listening to and will keep you up to date with the latest world news and events every day:
Today in Focus
Hosted by Nosheen Iqbal and Michael Safi, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus features journalists such as: Kiran Stacey, Pippa Crerar, Alex Hern, Helen Pidd, Peter Walker, Luke Harding, Andrew Roth, Shaun Walker and Jim Waterson.
The podcast is a topical, deep dive, explainer on a story in the news, covering: current affairs, politics, investigations, leaks, and scandals. It might cover, for example, topics such as: the environment, green issues, climate change, the climate emergency and global warming; American politics including: Biden, Trump, the White House, the GOP, the Republicans and the Republican Party, the Democrats and the Democratic Party; UK politics including: parliament, Labour, the Conservative party, the Liberal Democrats, Rishi Sunak, and Keir Starmer; culture; the royals and the royal family, including King Charles III; HS2; the police; Ukraine; Russia; and Bangladesh.
Location: London, England, UK
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
Listen to “NBC Nightly News,” providing reports and analysis of the day’s most newsworthy national and international events. This audio podcast, updated each evening, brings you the day’s show in its entirety.
Location: New York, US
BBC Global News Podcast
BBC World Service produces a daily podcast called “Global News Podcast” which provides a comprehensive round-up of the day’s most important news stories worldwide. The podcast is updated twice a day and features a range of stories from politics, business, technology, sports, and entertainment.
The podcast includes reports from BBC correspondents based around the world, as well as interviews with newsmakers and experts. The stories are presented in a clear and concise format, and each episode lasts approximately 30 minutes.
The podcast is available to listen to or download for free from the BBC World Service website, as well as from podcast platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The podcast is popular among people who want to stay informed about global events but don’t have the time to read through multiple news articles or watch television news programs.
In addition to the Global News Podcast, the BBC World Service produces a wide range of news programs and podcasts covering different regions and topics. These include “Newshour,” “Business Daily,” “Tech Tent,” “Sport Today,” and many others.
Location: London, England, UK
The Daily – The New York Times
The Daily is a daily news podcast produced by The New York Times. Each episode of the podcast covers a specific news story, providing in-depth analysis, context, and interviews with experts and people involved in the story. The podcast covers a range of topics including politics, international affairs, business, science, technology, culture, and more.
The podcast is hosted by Michael Barbaro, who is also a reporter for The New York Times. Barbaro is known for his calm and measured approach to interviewing, which allows him to ask difficult questions and get thoughtful responses from his guests.
The Daily has become one of the most popular podcasts in the world, with millions of listeners tuning in every day. The podcast has won numerous awards for its reporting and has been praised for its ability to provide deep insights into the day’s news in a concise and accessible way.
The Daily is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. It is free to listen to and new episodes are released every weekday.
Location: New York City, New York, US
Sky News Daily
Sky News Daily is a daily podcast produced by Sky News, a UK-based news organization that provides 24-hour coverage of breaking news events from around the world. The podcast covers a range of news topics, including politics, business, science, technology, and entertainment.
Each episode of Sky News Daily features in-depth analysis and interviews with experts, journalists, and newsmakers, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the stories that matter most. The podcast is hosted by various Sky News presenters, including Dermot Murnaghan, Jayne Secker, and Sarah-Jane Mee.
Listeners can access Sky News Daily on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, and can also listen to it on the Sky News website or mobile app. The podcast is free to listen to and typically runs for around 30 minutes, although some episodes may be longer or shorter.
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Overall, Sky News Daily provides an informative and engaging way for listeners to stay up-to-date on the latest news and current affairs, offering a deeper dive into the stories that shape our world.
Location: London, England, UK
Up First | NPR
“Up First” is a daily news podcast produced by National Public Radio (NPR) that provides listeners with a quick and comprehensive summary of the day’s top news stories. It was launched in 2017 and has since become one of the most popular podcasts in the United States.
Each episode of “Up First” is typically around 10-15 minutes long and is released every weekday morning. The podcast is hosted by a team of NPR journalists who cover various topics, including politics, business, technology, science, and international news.
The podcast format usually consists of three or four segments, each focusing on a different story or topic. The hosts provide a brief overview of the news item, followed by a deeper analysis and discussion of its significance. The podcast also features interviews with experts and newsmakers to provide listeners with additional context and insight.
“Up First” is designed to be a quick and easy way for busy people to stay informed about the latest news and events. It’s a great option for those who don’t have the time or inclination to read the news or watch TV news broadcasts.
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, US
Today, Explained – Vox
“Today, Explained” is a daily news podcast produced by Vox Media, an American digital media company. The podcast launched in 2018 and is hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
Each episode of “Today, Explained” focuses on a current news story or topic, providing context, analysis, and expert interviews to help listeners understand the issue at hand. The show covers a wide range of topics, from politics and economics to science and culture.
One of the unique features of “Today, Explained” is its fast-paced, conversational style. The show’s host and producers aim to make complex issues accessible to a broad audience, breaking down complicated concepts and jargon into clear, easy-to-understand language.
The podcast has won critical acclaim for its in-depth reporting, thoughtful analysis, and engaging storytelling. It has also been recognized for its ability to tackle difficult and controversial topics in a sensitive and nuanced way.
“Today, Explained” is available for free on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Episodes typically run between 20 and 30 minutes, making it a great option for listeners who want to stay informed but don’t have much time to spare.
Location: United States
FOX News Free and Premium Podcasts
FOX News offers both free and premium podcasts on their website and through various podcast platforms.
The free podcasts are available to anyone without any cost or subscription. They cover a range of topics, including politics, news, and entertainment. Some of the popular free FOX News podcasts include “The Five”, “FOX News Rundown”, and “FOX News Sunday”.
On the other hand, FOX News also offers premium podcasts for subscribers. These podcasts require a subscription and offer exclusive content, ad-free listening, and early access to new episodes. Some of the popular premium FOX News podcasts include “The Brian Kilmeade Show”, “The Guy Benson Show”, and “The FOX News Rundown Extra”.
In addition to the free and premium podcasts, FOX News also offers live streaming of their cable news channel through their website and mobile app. This allows viewers to watch the news live as it is being broadcast, and also provides access to exclusive content and interviews.
Location: United States
Podcasts | PBS NewsHour
The PBS NewsHour is a daily evening news program that airs on PBS stations across the United States. The program covers various news topics, including politics, international affairs, business, health, and science. In addition to the television program, PBS NewsHour also offers a podcast version of the show, which can be accessed online or through various podcast apps.
The PBS NewsHour podcast features the same content as the television program, but in an audio-only format that can be listened to on-the-go. The podcast includes interviews with experts and newsmakers, in-depth analysis of current events, and special segments that focus on specific topics.
Listeners can subscribe to the PBS NewsHour podcast for free through the podcast app on their mobile device or through the PBS NewsHour website. Subscribers receive automatic updates when new episodes are released, allowing them to stay up-to-date on the latest news and analysis from the program.
Location: New York, US
All CBS News Podcasts
CBS News Podcasts are audio programs produced by CBS News that cover a range of topics, including news, politics, culture, crime, and more. These podcasts feature interviews with newsmakers, experts, and journalists, as well as in-depth analysis and reporting on current events.
CBS News is a leading news organization in the United States, known for its national and international news events coverage. The organization produces a wide range of content across various platforms, including television, radio, and digital media.
The CBS News Podcasts offer listeners a convenient way to stay informed on the latest news and events, with the flexibility to listen on their own schedule. These podcasts are available on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, as well as on the CBS News website.
Location: New York, US
Post Reports – The Washington Post
“Post Reports” is a daily news podcast produced by The Washington Post. It offers listeners a comprehensive summary of the day’s top news stories, as well as in-depth analysis and reporting on important topics.
The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, technology, science, health, and culture. Each episode is typically around 20-30 minutes long, and features several segments, each focused on a different news story or topic.
The podcast is hosted by a team of experienced journalists, including Martine Powers, who also serves as the host of the Post’s daily live news show, “The Daily 202 Live,” and a regular guest on cable news networks. Other journalists who contribute to “Post Reports” include Robert Costa, Ashley Parker, and Eugene Scott, among others.
In addition to its daily podcast, The Washington Post also produces digital content, including online articles and video segments. Its website provides readers with additional news coverage and analysis, as well as a variety of educational resources for teachers and students.
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Overall, “Post Reports” is a reliable source of news and analysis, providing listeners with a comprehensive summary of the most important news stories of the day, as well as in-depth reporting and analysis on a variety of topics.
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, US
World Story of the Day – NPR
NPR’s top daily news about world events, politics, economy and culture. Download the World Story of the Day podcast.
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, US
SBS News In Depth
SBS News In Depth podcast is about interviews and feature reports from SBS News.
Location: Australia
Apple News Today
Join Shumita Basu every weekday morning as she guides you through some of the most fascinating stories in the news — and how the world’s best journalists are covering them.
Location: Cupertino, California, US
Axios Today
Axios Today is a daily news podcast produced by Axios, a digital media company that covers politics, business, and technology. The podcast aims to provide listeners with a concise and informative summary of the day’s top stories, along with expert analysis and insights from Axios journalists and other experts.
Each episode of Axios Today is approximately 10 minutes long and covers a range of topics, including politics, business, technology, and culture. The podcast often features interviews with experts and newsmakers, as well as segments that delve deeper into specific issues or trends.
Axios Today is hosted by Niala Boodhoo, an experienced journalist who previously worked for WBEZ Chicago and NPR. Boodhoo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the podcast, and her engaging and conversational style helps to make complex topics accessible to a wide audience.
Overall, Axios Today is a great way to stay informed about the most important news of the day, in a format that is both convenient and easy to digest. Whether you’re looking for a quick summary of the day’s events or a more in-depth analysis of a specific issue, Axios Today is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends.
Location: Arlington, Virginia, US
The Intelligence | The Economist daily podcast
The Intelligence is a daily news podcast produced by The Economist, a British weekly newspaper and news magazine. The podcast covers a wide range of international news and current events, providing listeners with a deep dive into some of the most important issues of the day.
Each episode of The Intelligence is approximately 20-30 minutes long and features a mix of news analysis, interviews, and expert commentary. The podcast covers a broad range of topics, including politics, business, technology, science, and culture.
The hosts of The Intelligence are experienced journalists and correspondents from The Economist, including Jason Palmer, John Prideaux, and Emma Hogan. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the podcast, providing listeners with an informed and nuanced perspective on the day’s events.
One of the unique features of The Intelligence is its focus on global news and international perspectives. The podcast covers stories from around the world, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the complex issues that shape our world today.
Overall, The Intelligence is a great way to stay informed about the latest news and trends, with a focus on international perspectives and in-depth analysis. Whether you’re looking for a quick summary of the day’s events or a deeper dive into a specific issue, The Intelligence is a must-listen for anyone interested in global news and current events.
Location: London, England, UK
What Next | Daily News and Analysis
The problem with the news right now? It’s everywhere. And each day, it can feel like we’re all just mindlessly scrolling. It’s why we created What Next. This short daily show is here to help you make sense of things. When the news feels overwhelming, we’re here to help you answer: What next? Look for new episodes every weekday morning.
Location: United States
Pod Save America
Pod Save America is a political podcast that provides analysis and commentary on American politics, hosted by former Obama administration staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. The podcast was launched in January 2017, shortly after the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States, and has since become one of the most popular political podcasts in the country.
The hosts bring their unique perspectives and experiences from working in politics to the podcast, which covers a wide range of political issues, including elections, policy, and current events. They often interview politicians, journalists, and other experts to provide insight and context on the latest developments in American politics.
The show is known for its irreverent tone and its ability to make complex political issues accessible and engaging for listeners. It is also known for its progressive perspective and its criticism of the Republican Party and the Trump administration.
In addition to the main Pod Save America podcast, the hosts also produce several other podcasts under the Crooked Media banner, including Pod Save the World, Lovett or Leave It, and Keep It. These podcasts cover a range of topics, including foreign policy, culture, and entertainment.
Location: United States
The NPR Politics Podcast
The NPR Politics Podcast is a podcast produced by National Public Radio (NPR) in the United States that provides analysis and discussion of the latest political news and events in the country. The show is hosted by a team of political reporters and correspondents from NPR who cover the White House, Congress, and other political beats.
The podcast covers a wide range of political topics, from national and international news to in-depth analysis of policies and legislation. It also features interviews with lawmakers, political strategists, and experts on various political issues.
The podcast releases new episodes several times a week, usually on weekdays, and each episode typically lasts around 20 to 30 minutes. The show’s format varies, but it usually includes a roundtable discussion with the hosts and guests, followed by interviews and analysis of the latest political developments.
The NPR Politics Podcast is a popular source of news and analysis for people interested in politics, whether they are seasoned political junkies or just getting started in following current events. The podcast is available on various podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, US
Political Gabfest – Slate
The Political Gabfest is a weekly podcast produced by Slate Magazine that covers current political events in the United States. The podcast is hosted by Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz, who are all journalists with extensive experience in politics and current events.
Each episode typically includes a discussion of the week’s top political stories, as well as a deeper dive into one or two issues that are particularly significant or complex. The hosts offer their own perspectives and analysis, drawing on their expertise and insights to help listeners make sense of the news and understand the broader political landscape.
The podcast also features interviews with prominent political figures and experts, as well as segments where the hosts answer listener questions and offer recommendations for further reading and exploration.
The Political Gabfest has been on the air since 2005 and has built a loyal following among politically engaged listeners. It is known for its thoughtful and nuanced discussions of complex issues, as well as its entertaining and engaging style.
Location: United States
Tim Pool Daily Show
The Tim Pool Daily Show brings you breaking news from around the world and commentary on top news topics in The Culture War, Politics, And Global Conflict
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, US
The World Tonight
In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective.
Location: London, England, UK
These are just a few of the Best News Podcasts available, covering various topics and perspectives.
If you know of News Podcasts that are not in this article, let us know in the comments so we can add them to this list.