BBC World Service is launching Asia Specific, a new visualised podcast delivering in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on stories shaping the Asia-Pacific region.
From 19 November, the twice-weekly podcast will be presented by BBC journalist Mariko Oi from the network’s Singapore bureau.
Each episode will feature correspondents, regional experts and reporters from across the BBC’s extensive newsgathering and language teams, offering insight into the political, social and economic trends driving change in Asia and beyond.
Mariko Oi, who has covered major stories including the 2011 Japan earthquake, the Trump–Kim summits, pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and the Tokyo Olympics, said: “I am thrilled to be presenting Asia Specific.
“I’ve always been passionate about telling Asian stories to our global audiences. Asia is incredibly vast and diverse, but there are themes and stories that bind us together.
“Our team reflects that diversity, and we’ll be working in a truly multicultural newsroom in Singapore to cover stories that matter both regionally and globally.”
The podcast brings together a team of accomplished journalists led by Bill Birtles, formerly ABC’s China correspondent and Indonesia bureau chief.
He joins BBC World Service alongside Derek Cai, who has worked for the BBC, The Wall Street Journal and The Straits Times, and Rachel Lee, a producer and reporter from the BBC’s Korean Service.
Regular contributors will include South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and China correspondent Laura Bicker.
Jon Zilkha, Controller of BBC World Service English, said: “We’re pleased to be announcing Asia Specific, a new English-language podcast for audiences across the Asia-Pacific.
“We’ll be drawing on expertise from across BBC News to deliver trusted, in-depth reporting. It’s an important addition to our global storytelling, bringing original analysis on the stories shaping Asia — and the world.”
Episodes will be on YouTube before becoming available on BBC Sounds in the UK, and internationally on BBC.com, the BBC app and major podcast platforms.
The BBC says that the visualised format marks a continued evolution of its multiplatform news strategy, combining broadcast-quality journalism with on-demand accessibility.
