BBC DOCS AND SPECIALS
Each month, the BBC World Service offers new documentaries and specials selected specifically for U.S. audiences, with in-depth, relevant reporting. Typically one-hour, or two half-hours on a similar topic, they offer great content for any time of day, and satisfy audiences' needs for deeper narratives and more reflective listening.
Monthly offerings are available via ContentDepot, complete with promos and billboards. Click on individual titles to visit and subscribe to unique ContentDepot pages, where you can access programs as air windows open.
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Witness History: Pride Month
June 1 - June 30, 2024
One hour
An all-new special edition of Witness History from the BBC World Service. Remarkable stories of LGBT+ rights, told by the people who were there.
World Questions: Michigan, USA
June 8 - July 5, 2024
One hour
A debate with leading lawmakers and campaigners in Michigan, USA. The cost of living, abortion laws, parental control in schools and an upcoming Presidential election - all will be up for debate in the swing state of Michigan, USA. Anu Anand will present the program, which will be recorded in front of a local audience in the state capital of Lansing.
The Forum: Music on the move
June 22 - July 19, 2024
One hour
A brief history of portable music. Most of us remember the first portable music gadget we owned; a transistor radio, a boombox, a Walkman or perhaps an iPod. We might even recall the songs we played on it. But we might be less aware of how profoundly audio technology developments from the 1950s to 2000s changed the ways in which we consume music outside of the home or concert venue.
Iszi Lawrence discusses the history of portable music with Dr. Annie Jamieson, curator of sound technologies at Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum, American drummer and poet Damon Krukowski, Jahnavi Phalkey, science historian and Founding Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru, and World Service listeners. Presented by Iszi Lawrence.
World Book Club: Kevin Kwan
July 6 - August 9, 2024
One hour
Kevin Kwan discusses his internationally best-selling novel, Crazy Rich Asians, with readers from around the world. Chinese-American academic Rachel Chu lives a modest and happy life with her boyfriend and fellow academic Nick. But when Nick invites her home to Singapore to meet the family, everything changes - starting with the first class flights. Saturated with wildly wealthy and deliciously dysfunctional super-elites, this ironic and funny rom-com makes a perfect escapist summer read.
The Evidence: Salt
July 20 - August 16, 2024
One hour
For eons, salt has been crucial to human health, culture, and diet. On this episode of The Evidence, we explore the strange science of salt taste – why it can be sweet, salty, or even a flavour enhancer. We look at how salt keeps our bodies running, and what happens if we have too little of it. And while too little salt may be bad, too much is also a problem. What does the science say about how much salt is optimal, and what can we do to make sure we’re eating the right amount? Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of salty experts who will help find the answers to these questions and more.
The Forum: History of mountaineering
July 27 - August 23, 2024
One hour
Humans have always co-existed with mountains, as ancient remains found in glaciers prove. But our interest in them may have been more spiritual or religiously motivated, rather than as a place to go to improve our health and wellbeing. In some cultures today mountains are still considered to be the home of deities. So when did mountaineering become a popular pastime and how did the obsession with bagging summits start? Iszi Lawrence investigates our evolving relationship with the planet’s highest peaks.
Air Windows
The BBC World Service has blanket contractual arrangements in place, typically offering a seven-day rebroadcasting window for non-news programs. If you would like to request an air window extension, please contact your Station Relations Representative. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis and may be granted subject to rights.
Program image use
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Video Usage
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Visit the BBC Media Partner Centre for detailed program descriptions, new program rundowns, content downloads, and more.
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