A note from Jon Zilka, Controller BBC WSE

Dear Stations,  

Today BBC News announced cost savings it is seeking to deliver in 2026/27 and 2027/28. BBC World Service English (WSE) is part of BBC News, and we, too, have proposed efficiencies within our programming and operations. We will end production of three programs in the coming months: The Inquiry, The Fifth Floor, and The Conversation. We will also continue to develop new formats and replacement programming. For example, from October 2026, The Conversation will be replaced on WSE schedules by A History of America in 100 Objects . We will communicate schedule changes as they happen via Content Depot messaging.

Additionally, the March 2027 summer schedule will bring a change to the airtime of one edition of Newshour-- the 3 pm EDT edition will move to 5 pm EDT. There is no change to the 4pm EDT edition. On weekdays, Newshour will air at 9 am, 10 am, 4 pm and 5 pm EDT. There are no changes planned for weekends. This will allow the programme to be broadcast simultaneously on the BBC’s domestic talk radio station, Radio 4.

There is no plan to change the editorial remit of the programme which will remain focused on the big global stories and themes of the day, showcasing the best of the BBC’s reporting and analysis as well as featuring a rich agenda of cultural, scientific and business items. We will also refresh the sound and music of the programme.

In the coming months we plan to work with APM and other parts of BBC News to explore replacement live programming options for the 3pm EDT hour.

Thank you for your support of the BBC World Service and BBC News. Our partnerships in the USA and around the world remain of huge importance to us and of great benefit to our audiences everywhere.

Jon Zilkha
Controller, BBC World Service English