NPR introduces 'State of the World' daily podcast

Wednesday, October 11, 2023; Washington, D.C. – Today, NPR introduced the daily podcast, State of the World, an expansion of the State of Ukraine podcast, featuring important international coverage and storytelling from NPR journalists on the ground.

The State of Ukraine podcast launched in March 2022 as a response to listeners' interest in this conflict. The State of the World podcast will continue to feature stories about Ukraine while covering other international news of the day, including the unprecedented developing story in the Middle East.

With new episodes Monday through Friday, the podcast will discuss the state of world affairs with rich context, rigorous reporting, and serious analysis to help listeners understand what's happening, what's at stake, and why it matters.

"NPR's international reporters tell stories that help connect listeners across borders and boundaries to the news that matters," said Didrik Schanche, Chief International Editor at NPR. "The correspondents bring curiosity and compassion to their work, producing fact-based award-winning journalism that brings the world to NPR's audience across platforms. It's journalism that inspires NPR's audience to not just understand the world but to care."

"As the nation's leading audio-first newsroom — with 35 bureaus around the world — NPR is uniquely equipped to deliver on-the-ground reporting and global perspectives to on-demand audiences," said Beth Donovan, Senior Director of News and Daily Habit Podcasts at NPR. "In times of crisis, this work is a vital public service, one we're proud to deliver. In just a few minutes each day, State of the World will feature distinctive, trustworthy and timely journalism on the most important and interesting stories from around the world."

Listeners will hear reporting from familiar NPR voices including our correspondents in Israel, Daniel Estrin and Aya Batrawy, as well as Ukraine correspondent Joanna Kakissis and teams rotating out of these locations.

You can also follow NPR's international coverage on NPR.org, the NPR app and your local Member Station.

State of the World joins NPR's daily podcasts including Up First, Consider This, The Indicator from Planet Money, Pop Culture Happy Hour, The NPR Politics Podcast, and Book of the Day.

About NPR

NPR's rigorous reporting and unsurpassed storytelling connect with millions of Americans every day — on the air, online, and in person. NPR strives to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and cultures. With a nationwide network of award-winning journalists and 17 international bureaus, NPR and its Member organizations are never far from where a story is unfolding. Listeners can find NPR by tuning in to their local Member stations (npr.org/stations), and now it's easy to listen to our stories on smart speaker devices. Ask your smart speaker to, "Play NPR," and you'll be tuned into your local Member station's live stream. Your speaker can also access NPR podcasts, NPR One, NPR News Now, and the Visual Newscast is available for screened speakers. Get more information at npr.org/about and by following NPR Extra on Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and Instagram.

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