In the fast-paced world of news, podcasts have become a popular way to stay informed on the latest headlines and analysis. Here are some of the best news podcasts to keep you up-to-date and engaged with the world around you.
1. The Daily
I absolutely love The Daily, which is produced by The New York Times. It’s a daily news podcast that covers the most important stories of the day in great depth and detail. I’m always impressed by the high-quality reporting and analysis that goes into each episode, and I appreciate how the hosts take the time to provide historical context and explain complex issues.
Each episode is around 30 minutes long, which makes it perfect for my morning routine. I listen to it while I’m getting ready for the day, and it helps me feel more informed and engaged with the world around me. The Daily covers a wide range of topics, from politics and international news to culture and sports. I love how it keeps me up-to-date on the latest developments while also giving me a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
One of the things I appreciate most about The Daily is its commitment to accuracy and impartiality. The reporters and hosts always present multiple perspectives and are careful to fact-check their reporting. I feel like I can trust the information I’m getting from The Daily, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s media landscape.
2. Apple News Today
Apple News Today is a daily news podcast produced by Apple News. It offers a curated selection of the top news stories of the day, as well as a mix of feature stories, interviews, and special segments. The podcast is hosted by Shumita Basu and Duarte Geraldino, both of whom are experienced journalists with backgrounds in radio and television news.
One of the unique features of Apple News Today is its use of the Siri voice assistant to deliver the news. Listeners can ask Siri to play the latest episode, or they can simply open the Apple News app and select the podcast from the News+ tab. The podcast also features rich audio design and original music, which adds to the immersive listening experience.
Apple News Today covers a wide range of topics, including politics, business, technology, science, and entertainment. The hosts provide insightful analysis and context for each story, helping listeners to better understand the news and its impact on their lives. They also interview a diverse range of guests, including journalists, experts, and newsmakers, to provide multiple perspectives on the issues of the day.
3. Today in Focus
Today in Focus is one of the best news podcasts that delves deep into one major story or issue each episode. The hosts take the time to explore the nuances and complexities of each topic, providing a more complete picture of the situation at hand. The production quality is top-notch, with great sound design and music that really enhance the listening experience.
What makes Today in Focus one of the best news podcasts is the wide range of topics it covers. From politics and international affairs to social issues and cultural trends, there’s always something interesting and thought-provoking to listen to. It offers a diversity of voices and perspectives that the podcast showcases, with reporters and experts from all over the world weighing in on the issues of the day.
4. The NewsWorthy
The NewsWorthy is a daily news podcast that offers a fast, fair, and fun summary of the latest headlines. Each episode is around ten minutes long and covers the top news stories of the day, from politics and world events to entertainment and technology.
Hosted by journalist Erica Mandy, the podcast provides a digestible format for busy people who want to stay informed but don’t have a lot of time. With its engaging and conversational tone, The NewsWorthy is a great option for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest news in a convenient and accessible way.
5. Your Daily Drive
Your Daily Drive is a daily news podcast from Spotify that combines news and music in a unique way. The podcast is designed to be listened to during your daily commute, with a mix of top news stories and personalized music recommendations based on your listening history.
Each episode of Your Daily Drive is around 30 minutes long and features news updates from a variety of sources, including NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. The podcast also includes weather and traffic updates, as well as personalized music recommendations based on your listening history and preferences.
What sets Your Daily Drive apart is its blend of news and music, which makes it a great option for anyone who wants to stay informed and entertained during their daily commute. With its curated selection of news stories and personalized music recommendations, it’s a great way to start your day and stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends.
6. The Globalist
The Globalist is a daily news podcast from Monocle, an international affairs and lifestyle magazine. Each episode is around 30 minutes long and covers the biggest news stories of the day, with a focus on global affairs, politics, and business. The podcast is hosted by Monocle’s editor-in-chief Tyler Brûlé and a rotating panel of journalists and experts from around the world.
What sets The Globalist apart is its global perspective and its focus on the intersection of business and politics. The hosts provide insightful analysis and context for each story, drawing on their expertise and connections to offer a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. They also interview a wide range of guests, including business leaders, politicians, and academics, to provide multiple perspectives on the news.
7. FiveThirtyEight Politics Podcast
The Politics podcast by FiveThirtyEight, led by renowned statistician Nate Silver and his team, maintains the same wonky and nerdy reputation as its parent publication by examining the news through the lens of polls, figures, and statistics. The podcast features individuals who are truly passionate about the intricacies of the U.S. political system, offering in-depth analysis of both national and local politics.
Recent episodes have explored topics such as public opinion on age limits for political candidates and the impact of Donald Trump’s endorsements on Republican primary candidates. By tuning in, listeners can gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest happenings in Washington and across the nation, all while being informed by data-driven insights.
8. Today, Explained
If you’re a news enthusiast, Vox’s ‘Today, Explained’ is a podcast that is definitely worth your time. Although it may be considered slightly meta, this excellent podcast provides a deeper analysis of the day’s news stories, exploring the narratives behind the headlines. Even if you’re a novice news consumer, you can benefit from the insights of Sean Rameswaram and Noel King, the podcast’s hosts.
While it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the news stories before tuning in, there’s no need to spend hours preparing, and listeners can choose which stories they want to explore in more depth. Whether you’re a news junkie or just interested in staying informed, “Today, Explained” offers a great way to gain a better understanding of the news and its impact on our lives.
9. New Scientist Weekly
The NewsWorthy is a daily news podcast that offers a fast, fair, and fun summary of the latest headlines. Each episode is around ten minutes long and covers the top news stories of the day, from politics and world events to entertainment and technology.
Hosted by journalist Erica Mandy, the podcast provides a digestible format for busy people who want to stay informed but don’t have a lot of time. With its engaging and conversational tone, The NewsWorthy is a great option for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest news in a convenient and accessible way.
10. World Business Report
The World Business Report podcast is a daily program produced by the BBC World Service that I enjoy listening to. It covers the latest business news from around the world, with a focus on global markets, finance, and economics. Each episode is around 25 minutes long and features expert analysis and commentary from journalists and industry insiders.
I appreciate how the World Business Report offers a truly global perspective on business news, with coverage of markets and companies from Asia to Europe to the Americas. The podcast also covers a wide range of topics, from macroeconomic trends to company earnings reports to the latest developments in technology and innovation.
What makes this one of the best news podcasts is its clear and concise reporting style. The hosts and reporters provide a wealth of information without overwhelming the listener with jargon or technical language. They also do a great job of making complex issues accessible to a general audience.
11. 60 Minutes
The 60 Minutes podcast is an audio version of the iconic CBS television news program. Each episode features in-depth investigative reporting and interviews with newsmakers and experts from a variety of fields. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from politics and current events to science, health, and culture.
One particularly interesting episode is “The Whistleblower” from September 2021, which details the story of an Air Force whistleblower who exposed the use of toxic chemicals at a U.S. military base. Another great episode is “The Nuremberg Prosecutor” from May 2021, which features an interview with Benjamin Ferencz, the last surviving prosecutor from the Nuremberg war crimes trials.
Other notable episodes include “The Great Vaccinator” from March 2021, which profiles Dr. Anthony Fauci and his efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and “The Price of Generics” from February 2021, which investigates the rising cost of generic drugs in the United States.
Overall, the 60 Minutes podcast is an excellent source of in-depth journalism and investigative reporting. Its reporters and producers are some of the best in the business, and the podcast is a great way to stay informed on the latest news and developments in a variety of fields.
12. World Story of the Day
World Story of the Day is a daily podcast from NPR that features a compelling story from around the world. Each episode is around three minutes long and covers a wide range of topics, from politics and economics to culture and human interest stories.
The podcast is a great way to stay informed and engaged with the world, and it offers a unique perspective on the issues that matter most. Whether you’re a news junkie or just looking for a quick and interesting story to start your day, World Story of the Day is definitely worth checking out.
13. TIME’s The Brief
If you prefer content-focused podcasts and aren’t interested in chatty hosts or personality-driven shows, then Time Magazine’s daily podcast The Brief is one of the best news podcasts to check out.
The podcast features straight-up narrations of one of its articles per day, usually running around half an hour in length. Each edition is a weighty feature that generally relates to the biggest news of the day, although it is often US-centric, it still covers a range of topics from the war in Ukraine to other global events.
Overall, ‘The Brief’ is a great way to access Time Magazine’s informative articles in audio format. It’s perfect for those who are on the go or prefer listening to reading, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the latest news and developments. With its focus on content over personality, it’s a refreshing change from other news podcasts and a reliable source of insightful journalism.
14. On the Media
On the Media is a weekly podcast that is essential listening for anyone who is interested in media criticism and analysis. The podcast provides an in-depth look at the world of journalism, examining the ways in which news and information are reported, consumed, and manipulated in the digital age.
Hosted by Bob Garfield and Brooke Gladstone, On the Media is a smart and insightful podcast that isn’t afraid to ask tough questions and challenge conventional wisdom. The hosts provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise, drawing on their decades of experience in journalism and media.
What sets On the Media apart is its commitment to examining the media from a critical perspective. The podcast takes a hard look at the ways in which the media can shape public opinion and influence politics, and it’s not afraid to call out biases or inconsistencies in reporting.
15. The New Yorker Radio Hour
The New Yorker Radio Hour is a weekly podcast from the esteemed magazine The New Yorker. The podcast features a mix of interviews, stories, and in-depth reporting on a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, and the arts.
Hosted by David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, each episode is around an hour long and features contributions from the magazine’s top writers and editors. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from in-depth profiles of artists and musicians to discussions of the latest political and cultural trends. This show is a great way to stay informed and engaged with the world of arts, culture, and current events.
Your Favorite News Podcasts
Whether you’re a news junkie or just looking for a convenient way to stay up-to-date on the latest headlines, there’s a podcast out there for you. This is just a selection of some of the best news podcasts out there, and there are many more great options to explore.
We would love to hear from you – what’s your favorite news podcast? Please let us know in the comments below! In the meantime, here are some more lists of our favorite podcasts:
