Politics Podcasts

I was talking today to my AS class about easy ways to keep up to date with politics as they are so reluctant to read a “proper paper” (no, I tell them, the Metro doesn’t count). I suggested that they dip into some of the range of excellent podcasts that are available.

In particular, the two best that I subscribe to are The Guardian’s “Politics Weekly” and BBC Radio 4’s “Weekly Political Review” which I receive through iTunes and listen to as I walk to work (less frequent in this weather) or am trying to avoid marking (more likely).

Of course, there is also Radio 4’s “Friday Night Comedy” podcast, where you can catch up with either “The Now Show” or “The News Quiz” both of which cast a satirical eye on current affairs.

My absolute favourite though has to be “The Bugle” which is produced by The Times online. Presented by comedians Andy Zaltzman and John Oliver (of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” fame), it is an often surreal but always amusing look at the news both sides of the Atlantic.

I live in hope that students may actually find themselves picking up some amazing, unusual insight or at least will want to know more about the stories behind the jokes.