[Swprograms] Programmes I Like (# 10)

[Peter Bowen <peter.bowen@xxxxxxxxx>]

"The World"--Public Radio International:

   Are you an American , and seeking "a spin of the world"? Start here.

   "The World" is a 58-59 minute current affairs co-production of the
BBC World Service, PRI, and Boston's WGBH. It is broadcast from
Boston, usually with Lisa Mullins in the chair.

  After a one minute menu of items to come, there is a 5 minute
newscast. This consists of news from NPR, as well as news and weather
from the local station broadcasting "The World".

   After the news, there are the reports and interviews that make up
the bulk of the programme. The leading items focus on topics presently
in the news, and are political in nature. Other political stories are
of news items that fall under the radar screens of other news
programmes.

   Lighter fare is also given much prominence, viz. historical,
economic and cultural topics. Some stories are humorous, and even
frivolous, in nature. The last item is always a musical slot: a report
or interview, along with some music from the featured artist(s).

   Some features form part of an on-going series, that are offered
over the course of several programmes.

   "The World" is similar to a combination of  two BBC World Service
offerings: "Newshour" and Outlook".  It combines the current affairs
thrust of "Newshour" with the lighter presentation style and human
interest pieces of "Outlook". Although the content varies from
day-to-day, it is usually about 25-30% softer items.

   And yet, this is an American show for an American audience. The
stories covered are those of interest to an American audience. The
presenter is American, as are most of the reporters. There are lots of
sponsorship breaks, musical stings, and lighter fare.

   Breaks occur for 1-2 minutes at :19 and :49 past the hour, as well
as at the start and end of the show, for sponsorship announcements,
local station trails, weather, etc. There is a larger break at :29 for
more sponsorship stuff, trails, and a 1-2 minute BBC World Service
news summary.

   Lastly, this programme contains something which is rather neat: a
geo-quiz. Found in the second half of the programme, the host provides
clues to a geographical place somewhere in the world. Several minutes
later, usually after the :49 break, the answer is provided, along with
an interview with an expert on that particular place.

   "The World" is a relaxing, middle-of-the-road current affairs
programme that makes few demands on the listener.

Website:   http://www.theworld.org

E-Mail:      <theworld@xxxxxxx>

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