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What in the World

BBC World Service
What in the World
Latest episode

699 episodes

  • What in the World

    The verdict’s in…is social media about to change forever?

    27/03/2026 | 10 mins.
    A 20 year old woman in the US has successfully sued Meta and YouTube over her childhood addiction to social media, winning $6million in damages.
    Jurors found that Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, and Google, owner of YouTube, intentionally built addictive social media platforms that harmed her mental health.
    This result is likely to have implications for hundreds of similar cases now winding their way through US courts. Meta and Google said they disagreed with the verdict and intended to appeal.
    In this episode BBC tech correspondent Joe Tidy explains the arguments made in the trial and whether this decision could lead to any changes in the way they work. And we hear your views on whether you think these apps are addictive and what you make of the ruling.
    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
    Email: [email protected]
    WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
    Presenter: Iqra Farooq
    Producers: Benita Barden, William Lee Adams and Julia Ross-Roy
    Editor: Verity Wilde
  • What in the World

    Why are celebrities like KSI buying football clubs?

    26/03/2026 | 12 mins.
    Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham, Michael B Jordan and AFC Bournemouth, Snoop Dogg and Swansea City FC. And now YouTuber KSI and Dagenham and Redbridge. There’s a growing list of celebrities investing in lower league English and Welsh football clubs. But is this a good thing for the clubs? And how much influence do these celebs actually have? Emma Middleton from BBC Sport explains. We also hear from some fans around the world.
    It’s not just English and Welsh football. Celebrities are also buying into American football teams, Formula One and cricket with the Indian Premier League. Journalist Janhavee Moole tells us about the situation in India.
    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
    Email: [email protected]
    WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
    Presenter: Iqra Farooq
    Producers: Benita Barden, Chelsea Coates and Julia Ross-Roy
    Video producer: Tim Hodges
    Editor: Verity Wilde
  • What in the World

    How the Iran war is impacting other places like Dubai

    25/03/2026 | 11 mins.
    The war in Iran isn't just affecting people in countries directly involved in the conflict. It has driven up oil prices around the world, impacting the lives of people from the Philippines and India to Nigeria. Nick Marsh, our Asia business correspondent, explains how some governments are reacting.
    Plus we hear from Azadeh Moshiri, our correspondent in Dubai. She explains how Iran’s strikes on the UAE have impacted its reputation.
    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
    Email: [email protected]
    WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
    Presenter: Iqra Farooq
    Producers: William Lee Adams and Ash Mohamed
    Editor: Julia Ross-Roy
  • What in the World

    How gangs are taking advantage of South Africa’s water crisis

    24/03/2026 | 10 mins.
    South Africa is facing a water crisis. South Africa is one of the driest countries in the world. It relies on its rainwater, levels of which are unpredictable, unevenly distributed, and decreasing as a result of global warming. But the main issue contributing to water shortages is ageing infrastructure; rusting pipes that break and leak. And there are also allegations of theft by “water tanker mafias”.
    The BBC’s Mayeni Jones has been to a part of South Africa that’s been badly affected by droughts and water shortages to investigate these groups. She explains how they operate and what the government is doing to try to tackle the water mafia. And we hear from young South Africans who are affected by the water shortages.
    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
    Email: [email protected]
    WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
    Presenter: Iqra Farooq
    Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison, Chelsea Coates and Ash Mohamed
    Video producer: Tim Hodges
    Editor: Verity Wilde
  • What in the World

    BTS mark comeback with Arirang album and historic concert

    23/03/2026 | 8 mins.
    BTS are back! It’s the first time all seven members have been together since completing mandatory military service in South Korea. They’ve returned with a 14-track album titled Arirang and an 82-date world tour. Fans in South Korea were treated with the opportunity to see them for free in a huge opening night show in Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.
    BBC Korean’s Yuna Ku tells us what it was like be at the comeback show. Plus we hear from those who watched the concert on Netflix from across the globe. Music journalists Clint Edwards and Chase Karng also give us their first impressions of Arirang.
    Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
    Email: [email protected]
    WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
    Presenter: Iqra Farooq
    Producers: William Lee Adams, Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden
    Editor: Verity Wilde

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About What in the World

Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world. Big stories, small stories and everything in between. Understand more, feel better. Five days a week, Monday to Friday.
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