The world moves fast these days, and it's important to keep up with the latest happenings. But let's be real, the constant stream of updates from social media and other platforms can be overwhelming. That's where news podcasts come in – they're the perfect way to stay in the loop without the stress.
There are plenty of ways to get your news fix, from good old-fashioned TV to scrolling through your social media feed. But news podcasts might just be the cream of the crop. You get to choose the type of news that interests you, without all the confusion and anxiety that often comes with it. Plus, you can listen while going about your day – during your commute, while doing chores, or even on your lunch break.
According to Reuters, only 6% of the roughly 770,000 podcasts out there are news-related. But get this – a whopping 21% of the most popular podcast episodes are all about the news. That's a lot of people tuning in, considering the relatively small number of shows.
So, if you're ready to hop on the news podcast bandwagon, you're probably wondering which ones are the best of the best. Well, you're in luck – we've rounded up the top 10 most popular news podcasts for your listening pleasure. Let's dive in!
1) The Daily
First up, we have "The Daily" podcast from the one and only New York Times. This is the real deal when it comes to news podcasts. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, "The Daily" takes you on a 20 to 30-minute journey through the day's biggest stories.
What sets "The Daily" apart is that it's not just a recap of the headlines. You get to hear directly from the journalists who are out there in the trenches, reporting on these stories firsthand. And the best part? "The Daily" is ready and waiting for you every weekday morning by 6 a.m. That means you can start your day feeling informed and ahead of the game, all before you've even had your first cup of coffee.
2) Today in Focus
Are you ready to dive deep into the stories that shape our world? Look no further than the Today in Focus podcast! Each weekday, the hosts of Today in Focus Michael Safi and Helen Pidd take you on a journey behind the headlines, combining personal storytelling with sharp analysis. They dive deep into the hottest topics, from the environment and climate change to American politics, UK politics, culture, the royals, and beyond.
Want to know more about Biden, Trump, and the inner workings of the White House? They've got that. Curious about the latest happenings in parliament, with Labour, the Conservative party, and the Liberal Democrats? They're on it. Need updates on Ukraine, Russia, and even Bangladesh? You guessed it – Today in Focus has it all.
3) Presidents Daily Brief
Have you heard about the President's Daily Brief Podcast? Former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker is your guide, breaking down the top headlines and explaining why they matter to you. In just 20 minutes, you'll get a crash course on the day's most important topics, from international crises to domestic challenges. And the best part? It's all delivered in an unbiased, straightforward way.
The goal of this podcast is to give you a taste of what the President's actual daily briefing is like. It's called the PDB, a confidential document that the President receives each morning, filled with intel from spies and analysts about threats, impacts, and potential solutions. You will also hear about former President Trump's election campaign, the US election more generally, or get juicy insight into the CIA director's plans for national security. No matter what, you can count on the President's Daily Brief Podcast to deliver powerful, concise information that will keep you in the know.
4) Up First Podcast by NPR
The "Up First" podcast by NPR might just be the ultimate way to kickstart your day. This podcast dishes out the three biggest stories of the day in just 10 minutes, complete with top-notch reporting and analysis from the NPR News crew.
Each weekday and Saturday episode gives you a quick overview of the news, so you can stay informed without getting bogged down in the details. And if you're craving more in-depth coverage, NPR's got plenty of other podcasts that'll scratch that itch.
5) What a Day Podcast
The "What a Day" podcast is here to make sense of the chaos and craziness in just 20 minutes flat, breaking down the day's biggest stories and shining a light on the important stuff you might have missed.
But "What a Day" isn't just any old podcast – it's part of the Crooked Media family, the same crew behind the wildly popular "Pod Save America." Founded in 2017 by Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor (all former Obama administration bigwigs), Crooked Media is the go-to source for liberal and progressive political commentary that's as informative as it is entertaining.
So if you're looking for a daily dose of news that's equal parts insightful and irreverent, "What a Day" is the podcast for you.
6) Newscast
Hosted by the BBC's former chief political correspondent Adam Fleming and political editor Chris Mason, Newscast will help you navigate the latest developments in politics, both in Westminster and beyond. In fact, while Newscast is British, they often delve into world news, US politics, and major global events. From the survival of NATO to the US election and beyond, this show has got you covered.
With the next general election on the horizon, Newscast is your go-to source for all things politics. Will Rishi Sunak be able to turn things around for the Conservatives? Can Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party come out on top? The show's trusted journalists, including Laura Kuenssberg, Paddy O'Connell, and a host of special guests like Lyse Doucet, Katya Adler, Marianna Spring, John Simpson, and Victoria Derbyshire, will give you the inside scoop and help you stay ahead of the game.
And the best part? Newscast is just one of the many amazing podcasts in the BBC News Podcasts family. If you love what you hear on Newscast, be sure to check out The Global Story, The Today Podcast, Americast, or Ukrainecast for even more top-notch news coverage.
7) The News Agents Podcast
The News Agents is an award-winning show that dives deep into the why behind the news, with hosts Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel, and Lewis Goodall. Expect razor-sharp analysis, witty explanations, and a healthy dose of skepticism that'll make you question everything you thought you knew.
Emily and Jon have teamed up for a weekly podcast that's all about the twists and turns of US politics. From Donald Trump's guilty verdict on all counts to Stormy Daniels' explosive testimony, they break down everything you need to know, with their signature blend of razor-sharp insight, world-class knowledge, and a dash of much-needed humor.
8) The Globalist Podcast
Monocle's The Globalist Podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay informed about world events. Broadcasted from London and Zürich, this weekday podcast offers a comprehensive look at the day's top news and business stories, complete with expert analysis and opinion from the show's editors.
Hosted by Georgina Godwin, The Globalist is a one-hour program that covers major news from around the globe, with a slight focus on European affairs due to its London base. Each episode begins with a brief overview of the stories that will be covered, giving listeners a taste of what's to come. The show's nomination for Best Daily Podcast in the 2020 British Podcast Awards is a testament to its quality and popularity among global politics and current affairs enthusiasts.
9) The Run Up
The Run-Up podcast by the New York Times is your go-to source for the 2024 US election. Your host, Astead W. Herndon, is here to be your trusty guide, bringing you face-to-face with the movers and shakers who will shape the future of our nation.
Twice a week, you'll get to explore the biggest themes and issues that are shaping the US election and American politics more generally. The podcast brings together an all-star cast of New York Times reporters, columnists, and analysts who share their insights and expertise. You'll hear the latest news, in-depth analysis, and firsthand accounts from the campaign trail.
But that's not all! "The Run-Up" also features exclusive interviews with the key players who are making the decisions that will ultimately determine the outcome of the election. It's your chance to hear directly from the people who are shaping the future of our country.
10) Morning Announcements
If you want a quick and easy way to stay in the know about what's going on in the world, you should definitely check out the Morning Announcements podcast. It's a daily show from Betches Sup that breaks down the most important news and current events in a digestible way.
Sami Sage, one of the co-founders of Betches, hosts the show and gives you the scoop on everything you need to know each morning. She keeps things simple and straightforward, so you can get a good grasp on what's happening without feeling overwhelmed. In just a few short minutes, Sami and her producer Bridget Schwartz give you a concise but thorough rundown of the latest in politics and current events. It's the perfect way to stay in the loop without having to spend hours sifting through the news yourself.
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