World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
Mark Zuckerberg defends Meta in landmark social media addiction trial
The Meta boss defended his leadership and answered questions about Instagram, with reports from the courtroom saying he was testy under questioning. Also, why is JPMorganChase opening more than 160 new bank branches in the United States in a world of online banking? And a coffee producer in Brazil explains…
Is it a Tokyo drift for tourism?
We hear from a tour guide in Tokyo as the number of oversees visitors to Japan has fallen for the first time in four years partly because of a big drop in tourists from China after a diplomatic row between the two countries Also a farmer tells us about the…
Shein under the EU's microscope
With the European Union launching a formal investigation into fast fashion giant Shein over the Chinese business’ possible breaches of digital law, we hear from Thomas Regnier on what the EU Commission’s concerns are. Andrew Peach speaks to Oscar-winning film and TV producer Tom Nunan on the latest in Netflix…
France and India close to landing fighter plane deal
A $35 billion deal would see France delivering over 100 Rafale jet fighters. The talks are taking places as a major conference on AI gets underway in Delhi. Also, Warner Brothers Discovers says it will temporarily re-open negotiations with Paramount Skydance in another takeover twist. And we hear about a…
India steps into the AI spotlight
Delhi is hosting an artificial intelligence summit with politicians and tech executives from more than 20 different countries convening in India to discuss how AI could reshape economies and regulation. Elsewhere, Sam Fenwick looks at what a major factory closure means for South Africa's sugarcane farmers. And, who will actually…
India steps into the AI spotlight
Delhi is hosting an artificial intelligence summit with politicians and tech executives from more than 20 different countries convening in India to discuss how AI could reshape economies and regulation. Elsewhere, Sam Fenwick looks at what a major factory closure means for South Africa's sugarcane farmers. And, who will actually…
Disney bites to protect its characters
The US entertainment giants Disney gets tough with ByteDance over alleged copyright infringement. Disney accuses the Chinese tech firm ByteDance of stealing its intellectual property by training its new AI tool, Seedance, on Disney characters and images of real-life actors. ByteDance says it will address Disney’s concerns. Cuba cancels a…
Disney bites back to protect its characters
The US entertainment giant accuses ByteDance of stealing its intellectual property by training its new AI tool, Seedance, on Disney characters and images of real-life actors. ByteDance says it will address Disney’s concerns. Plus, Cuba cancels a prestigious cigar festival in a worsening fuel crisis caused by the US blocking…
Cuba goes dark
Cuba goes dark as fuel shortages affect power supplies. We hear from the people affected by the outages, and the price the island nation is paying as the darkness spreads. As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we speak to the man in charge of…
Bangladesh election: can new leadership boost its clothing industry?
The next government faces the huge task of restoring stability to key sectors, including the vital garment industry. We hear from a denim manufacturer and young voters about what they want next. And the designer behind Japan’s Hello Kitty character for more than four decades is stepping down. Presenter: Andrew…
Trump revokes landmark climate ruling
President Trump says greenhouse gas emissions do not endanger public health, rolling back a landmark finding that formed the legal basis for US climate regulation. Andrew Peach gets reactions. Also, South Africa's president sets out his plans to tackle growing water shortages. And a dispute over the future of Ben…
Why Russia blocked WhatsApp
Russia has ordered a block on WhatsApp, as the Kremlin continues to tighten restrictions on foreign messaging platforms and digital communications. Also, China is heading into the Lunar New Year holiday after a turbulent period in its trade relationship with the United States. Despite tensions, Beijing says it’s striking deals…
What’s behind the US job numbers?
The US jobs market shows signs of steady but subdued growth. Andrew Peach examines what’s driving the numbers, including the impact of tariffs and a tougher immigration crackdown. Also, Dutch brewer Heineken cuts thousands of jobs worldwide as beer consumption falls. And we look at the rise of “biohacking” and…
Jobs grow in the US – beating expectations
US employers added a greater-than-expected 130,000 jobs in January, helping nudge the unemployment rate lower to 4.3%, according to official government statistics released on Tuesday The figures could help ease fears about the health of the job market, after last year's sharp slowdown as firms wrestled with changes, including major…
Tourism on alert as Cuba run out of jet fuel
Cuba has warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available, signalling a deepening energy crunch as the US seeks to squeeze Cuba’s oil supply. We find out what this means for tourism. Transparency International says corruption is worsening worldwide, with the global average score in its Corruption…
BP steps up cost cutting as profits slide
Oil giant BP is pulling back billions that had been earmarked for shareholders as it looks to steady its finances after a fall in profits. Leanna Byrne asks what it means for BP’s longer-term strategy in energy? Also, how unusual is it for a major artist to walk away from…
Social media on trial in LA
A landmark US trial begins today in Los Angeles, where plaintiffs say Instagram and YouTube were built to addict kids. We hear from our North America Technololgy Correspondent on what the families said today in court. Then to Japan, where Sanae Takaichi’s decisive election win is being read by markets…
Nikkei hits record after Takaichi victory
Long:Japanese stocks have surged after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s resounding election win, pushing the Nikkei to a record high. Andrew Peach looks at what it means for Japan’s economy. We’ll also hear about concerns from Indian farmers over the country’s interim trade agreement with the United States. And why a…
The EU gets tough with TikTok
With TikTok being told by the EU to change what it believes is an 'addictive design' or face fines, we speak to cyber-psychologist Dr Sarah Hodge, and France's ambassador for digital affairs and AI, Clara Chappaz, on whether the continent is set to follow Australia's lead and ban children below…
The key questions on tech sell off
We answer the basic questions you want answering about the AI-Induced sell off of tech stocks this week You'll hear why one of the world's biggest car makers Stellantis has seen its value cut by a fifth And as the Winter Olympics gets under way - we meet the owner…