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.
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India is seeing a new wave of anti-government protests inspired by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party. Award-winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy discusses what the movement reveals about the country's political moment. Also, member states of the ICC have voted to remove its chief prosecutor Karim Khan. And, the US moves a considerable amount of military assets near the Middle East. Plus, an update on the “Mackerel Wars.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and their blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are hiking oil prices. Also, two of OpenAI's agents teamed up in a surprise move to hack into a different company's digital library during a test when the AI models were supposed to be cut off from the internet. And, a look at the role of salmon in human migration to North America. Plus, a new establishment in Tokyo aims to teach foreigners about Japanese bar culture. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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US President Donald Trump has approved a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that would expand cooperation on nuclear energy, despite its leader suggesting it would build nuclear weapons if necessary. Also, residents of southern Iran say they're living in constant fear of further attacks while struggling to access basic necessities. And, Germany is set to ban alcohol from its national railway platforms and stations. Plus, a new UN report finds the number of people globally experiencing hunger dropped in 2025 compared to the year before. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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To mark the 47th anniversary of the toppling of Nicaragua’s dictatorship, President Daniel Ortega announced the country will no longer hold elections. Also, days after an ICE agent shot and killed 25-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine, his death is reverberating across the US and his native Colombia. And, a British amateur genealogist is tracking down and publishing into an online archive the stories of people who were enslaved on the former British colony of Grenada. Plus, digging for vinyl in Tijuana. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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While Iran and the US continued to trade attacks for an eighth consecutive night, Gulf states have had to defend themselves from Iranian drones and missiles in recent days. Also, views from Spain and Argentina as Spain celebrates its second World Cup championship title. And, protests continue in the Indian capital as the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party marches on Parliament to demand the education minister’s resignation. Plus, the new “Freedom Needs a Soundtrack” podcast tells the story of how the Tibetan Freedom Concerts began, what they achieved and what their legacy is. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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Massive wildfires in Canada are continuing to spread in Ontario, with intense fires in the north of the province prompting evacuations. Also, an anti-government activist enters 20 days of hunger strike in support of India’s “Cockroach Janta Party,” calling for the country's education minister to resign. And, the US has announced that it wants to dismantle the International Criminal Court. Plus, a correctional facility in Pennsylvania is trying to adopt the "Scandinavian Prison Project,” prioritizing the well-being of everyone in the prison system. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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We take a look at how the wildfires in Ontario are affecting the province's largest city. Also, Ukrainians take to the streets of Kyiv to protest the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov by the president And, France becomes the latest country to legalize assisted dying. Plus, an update on the World Cup as the final two games take place this weekend. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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Cuba’s entire national power grid collapsed yesterday — for the third time in less than 10 days. Also, Egypt announces the discovery of an entire city in the Western Desert. And, after years of negotiations between the EU and the UK, the border wall between the British territory of Gibraltar and Spain has come down. Plus, French singer Camille releases her first album in 15 years. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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Portugal is hoping to shift more emphasis from fire suppression to prevention — namely, improving how forests are managed so that they'll burn less. Also, a new music video released by two Iranian artists remembers the stories of the schoolchildren killed by a US strike on the southern Iranian city of Minab. And, fans worldwide are decrying the refereeing at this year’s World Cup. Plus, a look at how AI chatbots shift their values depending on which language they’re speaking. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
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The US has once again imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, designed to prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. Also, following two powerful earthquakes that devastated Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, anger is growing in some of the hardest-hit communities over unsafe public housing. And, a look at how India’s caste system persists even in diaspora communities across the globe. Plus, a conversation with Cambodian singer Chhom Nimol on how she developed her unique voice. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices