Skip to main content

The BBC has cut its Arabic radio service after 85 years

Broadcast 
Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.
A Kuwaiti man with head scarf listens to BBC Arabic on a small portable radio
BBC Arabic radio was a valuable source of reliable information for 85 years until the BBC cut the radio service in 2023(PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images))
Share

The Arabic radio service that the BBC began in January 1938, has been cut after 85 years on air. BBC Arabic is one of 10 foreign language radio services including the Chinese, Hindi and Persian services, that the BBC World Service has cut for budgetary reasons. 

Guest: Hosam El Sokkari, a former head of BBC Arabic radio.

Producer - Chris Bullock

Broadcast 
Share
Full Episode

Sunday Extra 19 March 2023

Duration: 2 hours 8 minutes

In this episode

We need a new cyber army

An aerial view of the circular buildings of the UK Government Communications Headquarters, also known as GCHQ.
Duration: 13 minutes 37 seconds

On the Kremlin's service in Africa

Two Russian officials meet with a Central African Republic govt minister er
Duration: 15 minutes
Playing

The BBC has cut its Arabic radio service after 85 years

A Kuwaiti man with head scarf listens to BBC Arabic on a small portable radio
Duration: 11 minutes
Get the ABC listen app
Take your favourite podcasts and radio with you
QR code image for downloading the ABC listen app

Discover more podcasts

Download the ABC listen app to hear more of your favourite podcasts

Download on the App StoreGet in on Google Play
Back to top

Footer