Politics in Podcasts
Given the very fluid nature of politics, where events can move so quickly, I use several podcasts to keep up to date with news and opinion. Here are some I enjoy: -
General overview
These are very popular and attract a lot of listeners. Opinions are always obvious so these are not unbiased sources.
‘The Rest is Politics’ – this is hosted by Alistair Campbell (he was Director of Communications for Tony Blair when he was Prime Minister) and Rory Stewart (ex-Conservative MP and government minister). They discuss UK and global issues and are both excellent communicators. They like to say they ‘disagree agreeably’ They can sometimes use strong language so just be aware of that.
‘The News Agents’ – hosted by three ex-BBC reporters (Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel, and Lewis Goodall), this vies with The Rest is Politics in the popularity stakes. Again, issues range from the UK to the more global and, given their television background, they communicate clearly. And again, they sometimes use strong language.
‘Past Present Future’ – presented by David Runciman, former Professor of Politics at Cambridge, this podcast addresses ideas which are political, historical, cultural, economic, and scientific; just about everything, then. There is always the background focus on how society is affected by these ideas, though, and it is invariably fascinating. Runciman is not overtly biased in his presentation but he does sometimes air his opinion on issues.
UK politics
‘Political Fix’ – the Financial Times newspaper produces a number of excellent podcasts which are usually free from bias, and this one focuses on UK issues. Contributors are FT journalists with years of experience in their fields and this is a good way to catch up with the week’s events in 30 minutes or so.
‘Parliament Matters’ – this podcast, produced by the Hansard Society, is presented by ex-BBC Parliament correspondent Mark D’Arcy and Ruth Fox, who is Director of Research at the Hansard Society. It covers the more procedural elements of how Parliament works but is always interesting and shows the listener how the centre point of UK politics goes about its business.
‘Inside Briefing’ – this podcast is produced by the Institute for Government, a think tank which researches policy as well as the way government works. It is an influential body which is listened to by politicians of all sides as researchers are experienced in their fields. The podcast features IfG contributors as well as guests from the world of politics. You can learn a lot here about how government works, and what it can do better.
Global Politics
‘The Rachman Review’ – hosted by the Financial Times’ chief foreign reporter Gideon Rachman, this is a weekly 30 minute investigation into one important issue at a time. He will often interview significant figures from the political world to gain greater insight into the event or issue under discussion. This always a worthwhile listen.
‘The Global Story'– this is the BBC’s podcast on global affairs, covering a very wide range of issues. It is daily during the working week so there is plenty to keep you interested.
Politics on Television
Politics is always on news programmes, but for greater depth the following are among the most useful: -
- ‘Channel 4 News’ – on for an hour each weeknight at 7pm, there is space to investigate issues more fully.
- ‘BBC Newsnight’ – on for around half an hour each weeknight at 10.30pm, political events and issues are analysed with reporting and interviews.
Both programmes can be accessed via the relevant streaming option.
Politics in Print
Digital media has become the primary access point for young people to read about politics, but newspapers and magazines are still relevant and important. There is space available to develop stories and look at different interpretations, and ‘legacy media’ such as newspapers are still the ones who break the significant stories. For example, it was the Daily Mirror along with ITV News that dug up what became known as Partygate .
A digital paywall exists for all of these except The Guardian.
Left-leaning publications
- The Guardian
- The New Statesman
- The Observer
Neutral/centrist publications
Right-leaning publications
- The Daily/Sunday Telegraph
- The Times/The Sunday Times
Politics in Books
Politics moves quickly so books can often be out of date soon after they are printed. There are some which are very worthwhile to introduce you to the fundamental issues, though, and here are some you may wish to read. Be aware that authors may sometimes use strong language, especially if they are quoting people they have interviewed.
UK Politics
- Out: How Brexit Got Done and How Four Prime Ministers Were Undone, Tim Shipman, 2024
- Why We Get the Wrong Politicians, Isabel Hardman, 2022
- How Westminster Works…and Why It Doesn’t, Ian Dunt, 2024
- Failed State, Sam Freedman, 2024
Political ideas
- How Democracy Ends, David Runciman, 2019
- The History of Ideas, David Runciman, 2024
- Ideology: A Very Short Introduction, Michael Freeden, 2003
Global Politics
- Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics, Tim Marshall, 2016
- The Making of the Modern Middle East: A Personal History, Jeremy Bowen, 2023
- New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West, David E Sanger, 2024
- The State of Africa: A History of the Continent Since Independence, Martin Meredith, 2021