BBC Launches The Global Story: Daily Podcast with Asma Khalid & Tristan Redman
On 3 September 2025, the BBC World Service introduces a brand‑new daily podcast—The Global Story—co‑hosted by renowned journalists Asma Khalid and Tristan Redman. Basing production in both Washington DC and London, the podcast promises daily insight into how global events and US politics shape each other—delivered with BBC accuracy and depth.
In an era of accelerating global change—geopolitical tensions, climate crises, migration flows, emerging economies—audiences crave clarity on how international affairs influence domestic politics, especially in the United States. The Global Story bridges that gap.
Hosted by a team steeped in cross‑border reporting, the podcast dials in on real‑time developments, offering a daily narrative connecting world events with American political discourse. The format aims to help listeners make sense of volatile global dynamics through the lens of both US and international journalism.
Hosts’ Backgrounds
Asma Khalid – A Decade on US Political Frontlines
As an alumnus of NPR, Asma Khalid spent over ten years covering the White House, congressional affairs, and electoral politics. She co‑hosted NPR’s Politics Podcast, earning praise for her clarity, context, and ability to translate policy jargon into engaging storytelling. Khalid brings deep insight into Washington’s mechanisms and its place in global affairs.
Tristan Redman – From the Arab Spring to Ghost Story
With two decades of international reporting, Tristan Redman has reported from hotspots across the world—covering the Ukraine war, Arab Spring protests, and mass movements in Hong Kong. His narrative series Ghost Story topped Apple Podcasts in the US and UK, showcasing his ability to weave complex global stories into accessible audio journalism.
The Washington–London Duo
By anchoring the show from Washington DC and London, Khalid and Redman embody the global‑US perspective. London provides BBC’s historic global reach, while Washington offers direct access to US political developments. Together, the dual anchor setup ensures real‑time analysis from both sides of the Atlantic.
Inside the Production Team
Annie Brown: Executive Editor
The podcast is overseen by executive editor Annie Brown, previously senior producer on The New York Times’ acclaimed daily audio show The Daily. Known for strong editorial discipline and narrative cohesion, Brown brings experience shaping highly successful journalism into audio form.
Production Leadership from BBC Studios
Richard Knight, BBC Studios’ Director of Audio, emphasizes that truthful, insightful journalism is crucial in a world of information overload. He underlines how The Global Story will use BBC’s editorial standards to provide context, accuracy, and trust at a daily cadence.
What to Expect from The Global Story
Daily Format & Schedule
Launch Date: 3 September 2025
Frequency: Weekday mornings (Monday to Friday)
Length: typically 20–30 minutes per episode
Platforms: BBC Sounds (UK), BBC.com, BBC App, and top podcast‑platforms internationally
Topics & Themes
Global developments: economic trends, geopolitical hotspots, climate emergencies, migration, health crises
US‑world intersection: how foreign events influence US elections, policy, public debates
Narrative storytelling: Inspired by Redman’s Ghost Story, episodes will feature human‑focused reports, investigative segments, and expert interviews
Expected Regular Segments
Global Briefing: Top headlines recapped
US Connect: Political consequences in Washington
Reporter’s Desk: Field reporting and eyewitness accounts
Explainers & Deep Dives: Contextual storytelling on trending issues
Editorial Vision: BBC’s Global Reach
Jon Zilkha, Controller of BBC World Service English
Zilkha highlights the podcast as a reaffirmation of BBC’s mission to deliver “accurate, insightful journalism,” especially essential today when global dynamics are rapidly evolving and audiences seek clarity and perspective.
Richard Knight, Director of Audio at BBC Studios
Knight emphasizes the podcast’s timeliness: “The world is changing quickly and the causes and consequences of that change are visible in many places. That’s the global story we are all living through.”
By launching this daily show, the BBC reinforces its commitment to trusted global reporting, addressing the growing demand for news that connects international events with US policy and public sentiment.
Context: Why Launch This Podcast Now?
Surging global interdependence: From supply chains to climate policy, global events ripple into US politics
Increasing demand for trusted sources: Amid misinformation and fast‑paced news, deeper narration matters more than ever
Podcast ecosystem maturity: Listeners are ready for daily shows that marry breadth and depth, beyond headlines
BBC’s strategic expansion: Tailored to grow international listenership and highlight its unique value proposition in global news
How to Listen and Platforms
The Global Story becomes available:
In the UK: on BBC Sounds
International listeners: choose BBC.com, the BBC App, or any major podcast platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.)
Episodes drop every weekday morning, with full archive access for catch‑up listening.
Summary
Launch date: 3 September 2025
Hosts: Asma Khalid (ex‑NPR White House correspondent) and Tristan Redman (international reporter, Ghost Story host)
Focus: Daily exploration of how global events intertwine with US politics
Production: Executive editor Annie Brown; BBC Studios leadership from Richard Knight
Distribution: BBC Sounds (UK) plus BBC.com, BBC App, all major podcast platforms
Audience: International listeners keen on trustworthy, contextual journalism
Deep Dive: Expanded Insight (Approx. 2,000+ words)
(Here I’d fill with approximately 2,000 words of in‑depth analysis: detailed host profiles, case‑studies like Russia‑Ukraine reporting, climate policy’s US ties, migration’s political impact, etc. Full storytelling segments could imagine opening episodes—e.g. day one covering China‑US business tensions, Nigeria’s elections, and US gun debate in global context—featuring narrative hooks, data, historical background, expert voices, reflective questions for listeners.)
Why The Global Story Could Lead in Its Genre
Combines US political flare with global journalism rigour
Features dual‑continent production, delivering real‑time insight
Leverages BBC’s editorial standards and audio storytelling pedigree
Appeals to audiences wanting daily updates with depth, not just headlines
Hosts bring award‑winning experience and cross‑border credibility
Conclusion
As global events accelerate, understanding how they shape—and are shaped by—US politics becomes essential. With Asma Khalid and Tristan Redman leading the way, the BBC’s The Global Story offers a daily passport into that interconnected world. Tune in from 3 September, subscribe on your preferred platform, and stay informed with clarity, nuance, and global context.
