World Business Report

Latest Episodes:

What the paramount warner merger could mean for Hollywood Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Paramount Skydance has settled a lawsuit with dozens of US states, removing a major hurdle to its $110bn (£82.8bn) merger with Warner Bros Discovery. We hear from the Hollywood film editor.

Also in the show, we are looking ahead to talks between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping this week and we hear of more passenger chaos, this time in US airports.

(Picture: Paramount water tower at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Credit: Reuters)

Novo Nordisk shares slide Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

Shares in Novo, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy have fallen more than five per cent as the Danish pharmaceutical company sets out its future growth strategy.

China and the US talk AI ahead of talks between the countries' leaders this week.

And thousands protest in Barcelona against overtourism and plans to expand the city's airport.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

Saudi Arabia halts October crude deliveries to some European refineries Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

The situation is a result of reduced deliveries of crude oil via Saudi Arabia's East/West pipeline which was attacked by Houthi rebels from Yemen.

Warren Buffett's son Howard replaces him as Chair of Berkshire Hathaway.

And we why US College football is coming to Wembley Stadium in London.

Japan is raising rates again Sep 18, 2026

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Japan's central bank has raised interest rates to their highest level since 1995, we'll be finding out how one business is feeling and will more rate hikes be the new normal.

The Australian government is considering a total ban on smart glasses in its offices and schools over security concerns.

And Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé has ended his partnership with Nike after two decades.

Presenter: Guy Kilty Producer: Barbara George

Canada wants closer ties with the European Union Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

Canada's PM Mark Carney is in Europe to discuss an EU-Canada Associate Member deal. President Trump suggests such a deal would be ‘hostile act’.

Motorists in Nigeria express fury at the rising cost of petrol and diesel.

And thousands of staff at a UK bank are demanding concessions after the company said it wants employees to work from the office more often.

How can the EU make a social media ban a success? Sep 17, 2026

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The European Union has announced plans for a social media ban for young people at the same time that tech bosses have backed restrictions for similar age groups. Luke Wilson hears from a researcher of Digital Child Futures about what makes a successful ban.

Plus, as Americans Todd Boehly and Mark Walter sell their stakes in Chelsea, where does this leave the football club?

Fed raises US interest rates by 0.25% Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

The Federal Reserve has raised rates for the first time since 2023 the bank focuses on inflation fight. Chair Kevin Warsh defied Donald Trump’s calls for lower borrowing costs.

2026 summer wheat exports from Russia and Ukraine will be 60% lower than pre-war average. Attacks on ports and shipping are to blame. Experts tell World Business Report that global wheat prices are likely to rise.

One of Ed Sheeran's support acts has been dropped by his US concert promoter for his views on Palestine. World Business Report looks at the financial fall-out.

US businesses brace for Fed decision Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

As businesses in the US prepare themselves for a potential interest rates hike, Luke Wilson hears from a dairy farmer about how it could impact his bottom line.

Plus, as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen backs a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the EU we ask, just what could that relationship look like?

Why are you paying more to borrow money? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

In recent weeks the US Treasury Secretary has tried to tame the bond markets. The cost of bonds affects how much you pay for borrowing such as mortgages and credit cards. But can Scott Bessent succeed where so many before him have failed?

Also the luxury brand LVMH appears to be losing some of its shine. Why has the luxury giant lost its appeal and how much is the second-hand market to blame?

Elsewhere the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed more than 3,400 people, what does it take to develop a vaccine?

(Photo Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

How rising fuel is affecting German industry Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

As fuel prices rise across the world, Luke Wilson hears from an economist in Germany about the impact on the country's industry.

Plus, how are costs to borrow money affecting mortgage rates?