Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions Podcast Launches on BBC Radio 5 Live |
The BBC is making a bold new move in political broadcasting with the launch of “Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions”, a brand-new daily podcast from BBC Radio 5 Live. With Westminster bracing for this year’s Autumn Budget, the series promises a fresh, witty, and intelligent take on British politics — all in just 25 minutes a day.
The new daily show will feature the sharp insights and trademark humour of Matt Chorley, one of the UK’s most popular political commentators and presenters.
Broadcasting Monday to Friday, from 2pm to 4pm on BBC Radio 5 Live, Chorley’s existing programme has already become a go-to destination for anyone wanting politics explained — without the jargon, spin, or shouting matches.
Now, with “Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions”, the BBC is making that experience available in an on-demand podcast format via BBC Sounds and major streaming platforms including Amazon Music.
What to Expect from ‘Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions’
Each 25-minute podcast episode will deliver a fast-paced blend of:
🎙️ Key highlights from Chorley’s live radio show
🧠 Smart political analysis that explains what’s happening behind the scenes in Westminster
😂 Moments of humour that make politics more engaging and human
🗣️ Exclusive interviews with political figures, journalists, and insiders
Listeners can expect the podcast to balance serious insight with lively conversation, capturing the best moments from the live broadcast while offering extra context and clarity.
Matt Chorley on Politics Without the Boredom
Chorley’s approach to political journalism is anything but traditional. Known for his wit, energy, and ability to demystify politics, Chorley says the new podcast will reflect that same spirit.
“I know that taking politics seriously doesn’t mean doing it boringly,” Chorley explains. “Often, it means doing politics without the politicians at all. The podcast will be packed with the best bits, the smartest bits, the funniest bits, and the bits that make you think ‘oh, so that’s why they do that.’”
In a political landscape often filled with division and fatigue, Chorley’s aim is to make political analysis accessible, entertaining, and informative — without telling listeners what to think.
A Show for Curious Citizens, Not Just Political Insiders
“Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions” isn’t just for political enthusiasts. It’s designed for anyone who wants to understand how the decisions made in Westminster affect their everyday lives — and why politicians act the way they do.
Chorley adds:
“I won’t tell listeners what to think. But I do want to help them understand how politics really works — or, sometimes, how it doesn’t.”
From Westminster to the Airwaves: Chorley’s Track Record
Since joining BBC Radio 5 Live in September 2024, Chorley’s afternoon show has quickly become a cornerstone of the BBC’s political coverage. It has featured high-profile guests such as:
Sir Keir Starmer – Labour Party leader
Boris Johnson – Former Prime Minister
Kemi Badenoch – Business Secretary
Cabinet ministers, journalists, and political satirists
Listeners have praised Chorley’s unique ability to mix sharp journalism with humour, making politics more human and less hostile.
Podcast Launch Timing: Ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget
The launch of “Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions” comes at a critical moment in UK politics. With the Autumn Budget around the corner, political tensions are high and economic decisions are under intense public scrutiny.
The timing means the podcast will be ideally placed to break down complex policy announcements, debunk spin, and help listeners make sense of government decisions in real time.
Where and When to Listen
Starting Monday, 10 November 2025, “Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions” will be available:
🎧 Every weekday on BBC Sounds
📱 On major streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify
⏰ Each episode running around 25 minutes
Listeners can also catch the live radio version of Chorley’s show weekdays from 2pm to 4pm on BBC Radio 5 Live.
BBC’s Strategic Push into Daily Podcasting
The launch marks another major step in the BBC’s expansion of daily on-demand content, catering to a younger, digitally engaged audience that prefers podcasts over live radio.
By turning successful broadcast shows into bite-sized podcast episodes, BBC Sounds continues to grow its footprint in the competitive podcast market — joining the ranks of other daily formats like Newscast, The News Agents, and Today in Focus.
Why ‘Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions’ Stands Out
Unlike traditional political podcasts that can feel insider-heavy, Chorley’s show stands out because it:
Balances information and entertainment
Offers context, not chaos
Explains the “why” behind the headlines
Features accessible conversations rather than confrontational debates
It’s a format designed to educate and engage listeners without alienating them.
What Listeners Can Look Forward To
Here’s what you can expect once the podcast goes live:
1. Political Insight — Simplified
Chorley’s deep knowledge of British politics means even complex topics like fiscal policy or party leadership drama are explained clearly and entertainingly.
2. Real Voices, Real Stories
Expect contributions not just from politicians, but from journalists, campaigners, and ordinary people affected by political decisions.
3. The Week’s Funniest Moments
From witty one-liners to satirical takes on political gaffes, Chorley keeps the tone engaging and light.
4. Daily Digest for Busy Listeners
Each episode condenses the most important political moments of the day into a concise, engaging 25-minute experience.
About Matt Chorley
Matt Chorley is an acclaimed political journalist and broadcaster known for his work with The Times, Times Radio, and BBC Radio 5 Live.
He has spent over two decades covering Westminster, earning a reputation for blending political insight with comedy and storytelling. His live political comedy tours have sold out across the UK, and his Times Radio show earned industry recognition for innovation in political broadcasting.
BBC Radio 5 Live’s Commitment to Political Coverage
BBC Radio 5 Live has long been home to agenda-setting journalism, live debates, and dynamic talk radio. With the addition of Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions, the network strengthens its political offering and reinforces its commitment to accessible, high-quality, and impartial coverage.
Final Word
As political trust continues to erode globally, the BBC’s latest podcast launch feels timely. By making politics approachable, entertaining, and insightful, Matt Chorley’s Urgent Questions could become a daily habit for citizens who care about democracy — but don’t want to drown in headlines.
