Americast
4.6/5
Critic Rating
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...
Critic Reviews
Score: 4
James Marriot • The Times UK • Oct 3, 2024
"...much more knowledgeable and professional operation. Because the BBC mandates impartiality, the presenters are compelled to find interesting things to say about Trump’s appeal to almost half of America rather than just ranting about him Scaramucci-style. …"
Score: 5
Edward Wickham • Church Times • Aug 2, 2024
"...diligent and immediate...superseded in relevance — and contextual detail…"
Score: 5
Alice Florence Orr • PodcastReview.org • Apr 26, 2024
"listeners can expect consistently high-profile interviews with government officials and top journalists. With another election approaching, Americast is essential listening for transatlantic analysis."
Score: 5
Patricia Nicol • The Times UK • Sep 25, 2022
"All episodes, so far, are rewarding listening."
Score: 4
James Marriot • The Times UK • Sep 23, 2022
"...the carousel of egos is well greased. Everyone gets to have their say and the 45-minute episodes are roomy enough for all of these competing voices to sound natural rather than the too-obvious result of backroom HR wrangling. Webb holds the whole thing together with self-deprecating charm. In fact the whole show has an atmosphere of unfakeable warmth and friendliness."
Score: 4.7
Miranda Sawyer • The Guardian • Sep 3, 2022
"The whole pace of Americast was far swifter than that of The News Agents, which I prefer: the setup clearer and the tone warm enough, though I could have done without the weather discussion...programmes are good and will almost certainly get better. Americast will motor on like the Rolls-Royce it is..."
