Should you listen?
Americast offers a thorough analysis of US news and politics from the BBC. It combines insights from experienced journalists with on-the-ground observations and social media updates, making it suitable for listeners keen on understanding current American issues.
~32 min episodes · New episodes weekly · 639 episodes
You'll like this if
- you follow US politics closely
- you appreciate expert analysis
- you want updates on social media trends
- you enjoy hearing from special guests
Maybe skip it if
Those looking for a light or casual take on news should skip this podcast.
About Americast
Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media. The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday on the World Service. Oh, and by the way, you can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
What to expect
Each episode runs for about 30 minutes and features a mix of analysis and discussions. The show is hosted by various BBC journalists and includes segments where listener questions are answered, often with the help of special guests.
Where to start
New listeners might start with the episode titled 'Has Pete Hegseth lost control of the Pentagon?' for a timely discussion on current events.
- Language
- English
- Type
- podcast
Questions about Americast
Is Americast worth listening to?
Americast is worth listening to for its in-depth analysis of US news and politics from the BBC.
How long are Americast episodes?
Americast episodes typically run for about 30 minutes.
What is the release schedule for Americast?
Americast is published weekly, with episodes released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Who hosts Americast?
Americast features various BBC journalists, including Sarah Smith and Justin Webb.
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