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The World
Weekdays at 3pm on Radio IQ

The World is public radio’s longest-running daily global news program. Our goal is to engage domestic US audiences with international affairs through human-centered journalism that consistently connects the global to the local and builds empathy for people around the world.

The World is a co-production of PRX and WGBH that broadcasts from the Nan and Bill Harris Studios at WGBH in Boston, Massachusetts. Launched in 1996 in response to a lack of international news in commercial media, The World has remained one of public radio’s most essential programs by providing its listeners with daily access to voices and stories not heard anywhere else. Our loyal broadcast listenership in the US measures 2.5 million each week, and our reach to global audiences — via broadcast, podcast and the web — is possible because of our strong editorial partnerships and digital distribution agreements.

Over the years, The World has carved out a niche by offering a unique perspective on daily news: covering American issues and events through the eyes of foreign observers, and contextualizing foreign affairs for American listeners. We maintain a steady focus on global events and issues, reminding listeners that the US is not isolated and that powers centered in Moscow, Kyiv, Beijing, Pyongyang, Riyadh, Istanbul, and elsewhere are reframing the global order every day. Our team does this by consistently working to get direct access to original sources: people on the ground who participate in the events we describe.

Our key areas of focus are global security, women & gender, the environment, migration and public health. From frontline diplomats to refugees in crisis, from environmental scientists in the field to protesters putting their lives on the line and individuals grappling with the impact of global cyberculture, The World starts with individuals at the core of a story and expands from there.

Latest episodes from The World
  • France is deploying 70,000 police and military personnel across its cities, with more protests planned for this weekend. But it’s far from alone; similar protests have spread to several countries across Europe. Also, a new Frontline documentary details the story of a woman’s journey from Turkey to Germany after she fled Syria when she was 11 years old. And, a look at the 28-year-old millionaire who inherited the Russian Wagner Group mercenary force. Plus, we follow the musical journey of Latin Grammy-nominated Argentine pop star Dillom, who will soon tour the United States. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • A vulnerability identified by AI in the popular programming language PHP set off a global scramble this week. As IT teams around the world rushed to take down websites that rely on PHP and patch the flaw, cybercriminals have raced to exploit it. Also, ahead of Sunday's presidential runoff in Brazil, we take a listen to some of the country's biggest musicians who are taking political sides. And, as Israeli strikes forced families across Lebanon to flee, many migrant workers found themselves abandoned and without shelter; but rather than wait for help, they mobilized their own networks. Plus, a museum in Switzerland puts historic artifacts found amid melting glaciers on display. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland took the lead for Ottawa during the high-stakes trade talks with the US in 2018. Her tough negotiating stance angered US President Donald Trump, as she details in her new book. Also, the British government has approved renewed production at the Jackdaw gas field, 150 miles off the Scottish coast. And, a closer look at Serbian politician Aleksandar Vučić. Plus, fighting loneliness among the elderly in Chile. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • For civil defense workers in southern Lebanon, saving lives comes at an enormous personal cost, as they navigate relentless danger, mourn colleagues killed in Israeli strikes and struggle with memories of those they couldn't save. Also, a new study finds that the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has caused 60% of marine life to decline in the area. And, unofficial results show roughly three-quarters of voters in the Canadian province of Alberta rejected a move toward separation from Canada in this week’s vote. Plus, a look at why funding scientific research overseas matters. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • What started as demonstrations over the French education system in the past month converged with other grievances — over things like housing and the cost of living — this weekend, with some protests turning violent. Also, lessons learned from Portugal's decriminalization of drugs. And, an Israeli colonel who served in the West Bank has called Israeli settler violence a national security threat. Plus, remembering Indian guitarist and songwriter Mahesh Tinaiker. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • Ousted former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's courtroom battle is only beginning, but Venezuela's political future is already being negotiated without him. Also, six months after the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule in Hungary, how much has changed? And, reactions across the Catholic world to Pope Leo XIV's cancer diagnosis. Plus, the world's largest regatta welcomes a Palestinian rowing team. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • Families are returning to southern Lebanon, but the fighting isn't over. Israeli strikes continue, and parts of the south remain under Israeli military control. Also, an international group of scientists, diplomats, and timekeepers changed how the world keeps time today. And, this week, Ukraine faced restrictions on access to Pentagon-funded Starshield and US intelligence sharing, hindering its ability to intercept drones and strike Russian targets. Plus, archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the oldest known shipwreck in the world! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • Houthi fighters are escalating their attacks on Saudi infrastructure and civilians, leaving Riyadh with few easy options. Also, Brazilian students are protesting promised education cuts by presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro. And, a look at how climate change is contributing to loneliness around the world. Plus, a stray dog that’s captured hearts in Chile. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • A trial begins for a Ukrainian national charged with sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline. Also, Indonesia’s wildfire season is at its worst in over a decade. And, Nepal has suspended its search for the more than 5,000 people still missing from August's catastrophic flooding. Plus, Formula One announces that it will hold its first African Grand Prix in three decades in Rwanda. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
  • Thousands of people marched through New Delhi Monday toward India's Supreme Court, where opposition leaders sought to challenge a sweeping revision of the country's voter registration lists that removed more than 130 million names from the rosters. Also, a look at sexual assault at universities in the UK. And, an update on Hezbollah’s current standing in Lebanon. Plus, a NOVA documentary on the militarization of space. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices