Newscast

Latest Episodes:

Lockdown! Part Deux Oct 28, 2020

Show notes

France and Germany have announced today they will both reintroduce national restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19. Katya joins Adam to talk through the situation on the continent. And, will a second wave in the UK be worse than the first? James Gallagher explains the concerns of some senior scientific advisers.

And as the five migrants who drowned trying to cross the Channel are all named as members of the same family, BBC Persia’s Jiyar Gol tells us what we know about them, and others trying to make the same journey.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Pick ’N Don’t Mix Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

Adam is joined by Professor Dame Anne Johnson, who’s about to take over as president of the Academy of Medical Sciences. She joins our Health Editor Hugh Pym to discuss the latest pandemic figures, and whether the public are getting the message about social distancing.

And as the inquiry into the Scottish Government’s handling of allegations against Alex Salmond heats up, Sarah Smith puts it in context, and explains why it could prove tricky for the First Minister.

Studio Director: Frank McWeeny Producers: Ben Weisz, Sej Asar, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Fergus is positive Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

Back in April, there were fears the NHS would be overwhelmed by the number of people needing treatment for Covid-19. Six months on, Fergus Walsh is back in an intensive care unit speaking to staff and patients. How is everyone coping this time round? And, will the government to change its policy on free school meals? As pressure mounts from both the public and some Conservative MPs, the BBC’s Jessica Parker talks us through the latest.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Get in touch: newscast@bbc.co.uk

Castermind Oct 23, 2020

Show notes

Newscaster JR is the first contestant in the first ever Newscast quiz. And why is Beyonce posting about the Nigeria Sars protests? The BBC's Mayeni Jones joins Adam to discuss what is going on in Lagos.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Sej Asar, Alix Pickles, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Get in touch: newscast@bbc.co.uk

George Osborne Oct 22, 2020

Show notes

The former Chancellor tells us that Boris Johnson should be more "realistic" about the pandemic and that the government is guilty of "optimism bias".

Also, former doctor, bestselling author and comedian, Adam Kay, talks to Adam, Laura and Chris about his new West End show.

Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Sodcast Oct 21, 2020

Show notes

Adam is joined by the BBC's James Vincent to discuss the reaction in South Yorkshire on the day that tier three restrictions are announced. And Laura helps translate her interview with Lord Mark Sedwill, the ex-head of the civil service. How surprised should we be with what he said?

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Get in touch: newscast@bbc.co.uk

Manchester united? Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

Tier 3 rules will be imposed on Greater Manchester from Friday, the prime minister has announced. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Vicki Young and Kevin Fitzpatrick to discuss the day's events. And Professor Peter Openshaw, from Imperial College London, explains why the UK is pushing ahead to be the first country to carry out “human challenge” studies where up to 90 healthy people will be deliberately exposed to Covid-19.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Jo Deahl Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Firebreakstarter Oct 19, 2020

Show notes

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, tells us about his 'short, sharp, firebreak' lockdown. Laura and Chris join Adam for some riveting Brexit updates. And Emma Barnett tells us what living with the debilitating condition endometriosis is like.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Jo Deahl and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Always Take Your Tiers With You Oct 16, 2020

Show notes

As Lancashire becomes the latest area to move into the ‘very-high’ restrictions tier, the Prime Minister has warned that he may ‘intervene’ if new measures for Greater Manchester are not agreed. Adam is joined by Vicki and James to talk through the latest.

And, could ‘No Deal’ be on the cards…? We hear the latest on the Brexit negotiations, as the UK say trade talks with the EU are ‘over’.

Also on the podcast, Rambler and Broadcaster Stuart Maconie tells us about the joys of a good walk.

Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Ben Weisz, Frankie Tobi Assistant Editor: Emma Close

Get in touch at newscast@bbc.co.uk

Real Winter is Coming Oct 15, 2020

Show notes

As a row over regional coronavirus restrictions gets heated in England, is it time for a national ‘circuitbreaker’ lockdown?

Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar thinks so - he sits on SAGE and directs the Wellcome Trust, and tells Adam and Fergus that without a three week national lockdown, winter could be a bumpy ride.

Chris and Laura are back, too, to discuss the fallout in Westminster from these regional rows - and to explain what to make of Dame Louise Casey’s warning about large scale post-pandemic destitution.

Katya reunites the Brexitcast crew with the latest on EU trade talks.

And Chris Mason’s outro hangs in the balance - as we finally decide whether to ooze it or lose it.

Studio Director: Andy Mills Producers: Sej Asar, Frankie Tobi, Ben Weisz, Alix Pickles Editor: Dino Sofos