The production team say they set out to see the world in a new way. So is the WS’s new science show Unexpected Elements achieving its aims?

We hear what listeners think as the show beds in - and we speak with the programme’s producer about how to make science appeal to all.

Plus: why are there programme trailers in the middle of podcasts?

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon.

A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

A seven-part drama has been telling the dramatic story of what happened after a tsunami hit the Japanese nuclear plant at Fukushima in 2011. The show’s producer and writer join us to explain how they used actors and dramatisation to bring the disaster to life. But how much poetic licence did they need to use?

And listeners give us their feedback.

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon

A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Producer: Howard Shannon

A Whistledown Production for BBC World Service

We live in an age of information warfare, weaponised narratives and captured media. So, what agendas are at play behind these? In a new series called The Global Jigsaw, BBC Monitoring tackles one subject in-depth in each episode, examining its portrayal through global media outlets. We ask the show’s editor what inspired this format and find out what listeners make of it.

Plus, did Witness History give due credit to all the Allies taking part in a campaign in North Africa during World War Two? One listener takes issue.

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon.

A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

With the launch of a new unit, BBC Verify, the BBC is now sharing the fact-checking and investigative work its journalists and correspondents do behind the scenes with the audience. We ask the BBC’s director of news content what “transparency” actually means and why it is important?

Plus, is the corporation getting repetitive with its use of interviewees? A listener tells us he has heard the same guest in three different programmes.

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon

A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

Schedule changes earlier this year saw some programmes merged or changed - including the creation of a new technology show. After two months on air, we ask listeners what they think of Tech Life. Is it a change for the better - or worse - from the two programmes it replaced? We ask the show’s producer how it is settling in.

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon

A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

Its mission was to highlight the situation of the Ukrainian people and that country’s culture - but was it mission accomplished? We are talking of course about the Eurovision Song Contest which was recently staged in the UK on behalf of 2022’s winners Ukraine. We speak with the editor of BBC Ukraine Marta Shokalo about how her team provided insight and information to the wider BBC to ensure Ukraine was accurately reflected and sensitively portrayed.

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon

A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The recent Coronation of King Charles III was a historical event that was comprehensively covered by the BBC World Service. Many listeners contacted us with their views on the coverage and commented on whether there needs to be more discussion, on-air, of the role of the monarchy? Strong views from all round the world.

Plus, as the fighting in Sudan continues, we hear how the World Service has launched a pop-up radio station to keep the country informed about events. How was it put together and where has the money come from?

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon.

A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service

The Lazarus Heist and its criminal investigation into financial fraud has returned for a second series. Listeners tell us what they think and we ask if there is ever an issue with over-egging the Hollywood- thriller style production in a documentary podcast? The show’s hosts join us to answer your comments.

Plus, we need your help following Saturday’s Coronation of King Charles III.

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon

A Whistledown production for BBC World Service

We profile the BBC WS’s online offering: but is it user friendly enough and is it keeping up with ever changing technology? We put these points to the online team.

Plus, a fond farewell to one of the English network’s longest serving news presenters, Bola Mosuro, who this week left the BBC after 31 years.

Presenter: Rajan Datar

Producer: Howard Shannon

A Whistledown production for BBC Word Service