Reuters

On Assignment

A Documentary , Society & Culture and News podcast

#81 in Documentary · 🇵🇰 #104 in Documentary · 🇵🇭

About the show

Dive into the stories behind the news with a new podcast from Reuters. We take you past the headlines right to the heart of the action. From the frontlines of war to corporate boardrooms and the centers of political power, listen to our award-winning investigative journalists around the world make sense of the most important stories today.

Newest episodes

The pope's South America tour

Oct 31, 2026 21 min

Pope Leo embarks on a tour of South America next week. The trip will be a chance to connect with one of the strongest Catholic populations in the world and a personal voyage for a man who spent decades in Peru as a priest and bishop. On this episode of On Assignment, Vatican reporter Joshua McElwee and Latin America correspondent Cassandra Garrison talk about the Pope's recent health concerns, the Catholic Church's recent struggles in Latin America and what to expect from the trip. Podcasts, breaking news, and video analysis from the source. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the Reuters app here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the Morning Bid podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the ⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Uncovering 'heat storms'

Oct 24, 2026 25 min

Reuters reporters set out to define a heat wave and uncovered something far bigger: "heat storms" that now blanket vast stretches of the planet. On this episode of On Assignment, the journalists behind the investigation, Maurice Tamman and Ben Welsh, explain how extreme heat became a constant feature of modern life, and why they needed new language to describe it.

Could Trump interfere in the midterms?

Oct 17, 2026 28 min

As President Trump seeks greater influence over how elections are run, election officials across the country are bracing for disputes over voting, ballot counting and the certification of results. Reuters reporters Peter Eisler and Mike Spector join On Assignment to discuss the scenarios officials and legal experts fear could test the boundaries of federal authority before and after the 2026 midterms. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

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All episodes

The pope's South America tour

Oct 31, 2026 21 min

Uncovering 'heat storms'

Oct 24, 2026 25 min

Could Trump interfere in the midterms?

Oct 17, 2026 28 min

When your journalism goes to Hollywood

Oct 3, 2026 26 min

Reporter Jeff Horwitz is having a surreal week. His investigation into Facebook has been turned into a major Hollywood film starring Jeremy Allen White. On this episode of On Assignment, the Pulitzer prize-winning journalist reflects on the Facebook Files investigation, his relationship with whistleblower Fances Haugen, and the impact the revelations had on the debate over social media's harms. He also shares what it's like to see his own story transformed for the big screen in Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Inside China's AI race

Sep 19, 2026 26 min

As the US and China race to dominate artificial intelligence, Reuters correspondents Eduardo Baptista and Laurie Chen say the two countries aren't even playing the same game. On this episode of On Assignment, they take us inside China's AI industry - from Beijing's push to weave AI into every corner of society, to the murky world of chip access, distillation and export controls. Hear what it takes to report on one of the most fast-moving industries on Earth, and why the answer to "who's winning" may depend entirely on how you define the race.

Under siege in the West Bank

Sep 12, 2026 30 min

As wars rage across the Middle East, another conflict is unfolding the occupied West Bank. On this episode of On Assignment, Reuters correspondent Pesha Magid travels to the Palestinian village of Qusra, which has become the focal point of a growing struggle over land, security, and political power.

Chasing Ebola

Aug 8, 2026 22 min

This week On Assignment goes to eastern Congo to witness the unseen work of containing an Ebola outbreak. Reuters correspondent Clément Bonnerot follows a surveillance officer through Bunia as he searches for missed cases, investigates deaths and navigates the practical challenges of outbreak response. His reporting reveals how limited resources, public mistrust and misinformation can hinder efforts to stop the virus, while highlighting the dedication of the health workers trying to stay ahead of it.

Behind the interview: Reza Pahlavi and the future of Iran

Aug 1, 2026 35 min

Reuters investigative reporters Steve Secklow and Gavin Finch recently sat down with exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah, for a rare and wide-ranging interview. Listen to that interview in this episode of On Assignment and go behind the scenes of how the story and the interview came about. Read their special report here: Regime change? Inside Reza Pahlavi's faltering bid to lead Iran

Wildfires: A photographer's perspective

Jul 25, 2026 23 min

Wildfires are blazing across the world. Veteran Reuters photojournalist Michael Blake shares his experience documenting wildfires over the last 40 years. Hear what it is like to travel into the flames when everyone is leaving and how covering the Palisades fires in his own community changed his perspective on capturing these natural disasters.

Data centers: Small town politics turn into a national fight

Jul 18, 2026 24 min

As AI transforms our lives, companies are racing to build data centers, the physical infrastructure needed to power such a technological revolution. On this week's episode of On Assignment, energy reporter Valerie Volcovici and video journalist Eric Cox travel to Middleton Township, Ohio. There, a new Meta data center and power station have sparked a debate about whether jobs and promises of investment are worth the cost of building this infrastructure. Hear how this small town's fight is being replicated around America and the world. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Collateral damage: The war comes for Iran’s ancient past

Jul 11, 2026 28 min

As U.S. and Israeli strikes hit targets across Iran, some of the country's most treasured cultural sites found themselves in the blast zone. Reuters reporters gained rare access to historic palaces and the UNESCO-listed heart of Isfahan, documenting shattered windows, damaged mosaics and centuries-old architecture scarred by war. On this episode of On Assignment, Pulitzer-winning investigative journalist Michael Pell explains how Reuters combined eyewitness reporting, satellite imagery and forensic analysis to uncover what happened—and why the loss of cultural heritage matters, even amid a conflict measured in human lives. Further reading Shattered tiles, trembling domes: An inside look at how the war has damaged Iran’s historic sites

Fourth of July from inside the White House

Jul 4, 2026 34 min

What's it really like to cover the most powerful office in the world when the news never stops, the facts are constantly in dispute, and access can be cut off without warning? On this episode of On Assignment, Reuters White House correspondents Nandita Bose, Steve Holland, Trevor Hunnicutt, and Humeyra Pamuk pull back the curtain on life inside the press corps. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Understanding Europe’s heatwave

Jun 27, 2026 19 min

As a record-breaking heatwave scorches Europe, the scenes—children hosed down in London, shoppers scrambling for fans in Paris—offer a glimpse of a continent struggling to cope. On this episode of On Assignment, host Jonah Green speaks with data journalist Ben Welsh, who built Reuters’ new Climate Monitor to measure just how unusual this moment really is. By comparing today’s temperatures to historical norms, the tool illustrates how today’s hot weather truly is a sharp departure from the past, and a glimpse of the future. Check out the Climate Monitor for yourself here.

Turkmenistan: A reporter’s rare journey

Jun 6, 2026 20 min

Felix Light is the first Reuters journalist to travel to Turkmenistan in more than 10 years. The former Soviet state, bordered by Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, has strong economic ties to China, but has isolated itself from Russian and western influences. Now Turkmenistan is starting to show signs of cautiously opening up. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Exposing a massacre

May 30, 2026 25 min

In this episode of On Assignment, set against the backdrop of Sudan’s civil war, Reuters journalists Nafisa Eltahir, Suzanne Vanhooymissen and Reade Levinson investigate what happened during the assault on al‑Fashir, a besieged city in Darfur. They reveal how they verified videos filmed by fighters and matched them with survivor testimony to reconstruct events in their documentary Death in Darfur: 3 days of horror caught on camera. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Covering Cannes

May 16, 2026 26 min

The red carpet. The stars. The parties. But behind the glamour and extravagance, it’s blood, sweat and tears. This week, Reuters showbiz reporter and Cannes veteran Rollo Ross takes us behind the scenes of the world’s most famous film festival. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

A conversation with Pulitzer winners

May 9, 2026 35 min

Reuters journalists received Pulitzer prizes for investigations into Meta and Trump's campaign of retribution, and were finalists for Illustrated Reporting and Breaking News Photography. We talk to the journalists and editors about the obstacles they overcame on their assignments in order to bring these stories to light. Beat Reporting - Jeff Horwitz and Engen Tham of Reuters National Reporting - Staff of Reuters, notably Ned Parker, Linda So, Peter Eisler and Mike Spector Illustrated Reporting (Finalists) - Adolfo Arranz, Poppy McPherson, Devjyot Ghoshal and Han Huang of Reuters Breaking News Photography (Finalists) - Photography Staff of Reuters On Assignment - Meta’s flirty chatbot and the man who never made it home On Assignment - Tracking Trump’s retribution targets Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Inside Chornobyl

May 2, 2026 28 min

Forty years after the world’s worst nuclear disaster, Chornobyl remains a place suspended in time — and newly exposed to danger. In this episode of On Assignment, Reuters correspondent Dan Peleschuk takes us inside the abandoned towns, sealed control rooms and vast confinement arc built to contain the radioactive remains of reactor four. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

On tour with Pope Leo

Apr 25, 2026 25 min

Joshua McElwee, who covers the Vatican for Reuters, has just returned from the pope's 10‑day journey across Africa. Joshua walks us through what it's like to cover America's first pope (Joshua is also a Chicago native) as he comes under increasing fire from the president. Plus, what it’s really like inside the Vatican and on the papal plane. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Inside Lebanon: A journalist's perspective

Apr 18, 2026 33 min

In this episode, Reuters Beirut Bureau Chief Maya Gebeily helps make sense of a country in crisis. Lebanon has endured civil war, foreign occupation, economic collapse and political paralysis. Then came war with Israel. Hear how Maya and her team cover the complexities of this nation in conflict settings and daily life. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Flying to the moon

Apr 4, 2026 19 min

Space reporter Joey Roulette takes us inside his day job to give a unique viewpoint of the Artemis II launch. Watch Joey unpack what's at stake for the astronauts trying to get further from earth than anyone before them and the geopolitical rivalries at stake. And get a glimpse of his unusual office in the sky this week. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Inside Iran: A video diary

Mar 28, 2026 15 min

The whole world can see the missiles flying over the Middle East. But what does life actually look like inside Iran right now? Reuters correspondent Ahmed Jadallah and his team became one of the first Reuters crews to report from Tehran in over a decade — navigating internet blackouts, restricted access, and nightly airstrikes to bring back something rare: the human story. In this episode of On Assignment, Jadallah takes us through the streets of Tehran — into bazaars and bombed-out buildings, through funerals and government rallies — to hear from ordinary Iranians trying to hold their lives together in wartime. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

In Search of Banksy

Mar 21, 2026 41 min

Follow two Reuters journalists Simon Gardner and Blake Morrison, on their international journey to unravel the true identity of Banksy, the enigmatic British street artist that's kept his identity just out of reach for decades. Hear how this mystery took them from a bombed-out Ukrainian village, through Bristol’s music scene, Manhattan’s high-rise art world and hundreds of documents to uncover a name. And so much more. Read the full story here: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/global-art-banksy/ Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Beyond Macron: What local French elections mean for the future of the republic

Mar 21, 2026 21 min

This weekend France is holding the second round of municipal elections which are seen as a key test ahead of next year's presidential race. The elections provide a glimpse into the rise of the far right as many contemplate an era beyond Macron. Our reporters fan out across France from Paris to Marseilles to cover the country’s “chaotic” political scene. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

The Oscars industrial complex

Mar 14, 2026 26 min

It’s the glitziest night of the year but behind the sparkle and the acceptance speeches lie big money and PR maneuvers. Entertainment reporters Dawn Chmielewski and Lisa Richwine pull back the curtain on the political-style machinery of awards season. And as Hollywood grapples with AI threats, studio mergers, and declining viewership, this year's Oscars remain refreshingly unpredictable. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Iran's future: Listen to our journalists in the Middle East

Mar 7, 2026 40 min

John Davison and Edmund Blair have covered the Middle East for decades, reporting from Iran, Iraq and across the region. Hear them discuss how the U.S. and Israel’s most ambitious operation yet against their arch-enemy compares to previous invasions, and what that means for global stability in the short and long term. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Mexico vs. the cartels

Feb 28, 2026 31 min

A pre‑dawn raid that killed cartel leader El Mencho triggered nationwide chaos, but our reporters say daily life in Mexico often looks very different from what goes viral online. Reuters correspondents Laura Gottesdiener and Emily Green join On Assignment to describe what it’s like to cover these criminal organizations. They also break down the cartel’s deep social and economic reach, and what El Mencho’s death means for Mexico now. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Four years of war: On the ground in Ukraine

Feb 21, 2026 27 min

Journalists in Ukraine share their experiences of the war in Ukraine. Hear how daily life has changed for Yulia Dysa and Max Hunder, not just as reporters, as they deal with daily bombardments, freezing temperatures and the shift in global support for the war since Trump took office. Host David Spencer explores how the country has changed after four years of war. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

What the world can learn from Aussie kids and the social media ban

Feb 14, 2026 29 min

The Australian social media ban seemed like an outlier when it was first introduced in December. Now, countries around the world are considering tough regulations to manage the online lives of children. On this episode, hear from teenagers no longer scrolling Instagram, and their parents, about how the first months of the ban are going. Are children now riding their bikes and playing footy, as the Prime Minister has claimed? Listen to Kim Vinnell and reporters Byron Kaye and Cordelia Hsu as they try to find out. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Super Bowl LX: Can the NFL go global?

Feb 7, 2026 31 min

As the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks get ready for their gladiator moment, we speak to our global sports journalists about the NFL's attempts to reach new audiences. Hear how the rest of the world is reacting to America's game, Bad Bunny's halftime appearance, and the politics surrounding the most valuable league in sports. Plus, a Pats supporter dreams big. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising. Further Reading Five Super Bowl storylines to follow Bad Bunny focuses on unity and culture ahead of historic Super Bowl show Butler's iconic pick still opens Super Bowl doors 11 years on

Minneapolis from different angles

Jan 31, 2026 32 min

Listen to the journalists who have been on the ground in Minneapolis documenting actions by ICE agents, the protests and the fallout for this Midwestern city. Get a view from behind the camera and go inside the communities affected by Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Trump's second year

Jan 24, 2026 29 min

This week, Donald Trump celebrated his first year back in office with what he called “365 wins in 365 days.” What will the next 365 look like? And how will the US president be influenced by midterm elections in November? Reuters US and Canada editor Sally Buzbee joins On Assignment this week to discuss how she and her team are preparing to cover another year of Trump. Visit the ⁠⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

On the ground in Greenland

Jan 17, 2026 21 min

Reuters journalist Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen has been traveling to Greenland as a reporter for years. On this assignment, the story dramatically changed. Listen to Jacob’s account of how Greenlanders are dealing with being at the center of an international tug-of-war after President Donald Trump vowed to buy or seize the country “whether they like it or not.” Check out photos from our Greenland gallery. Visit the ⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Trump and Venezuela

Jan 10, 2026 32 min

Hear from our journalists covering the Pentagon and Latin America about reporting on the extraordinary capture of Nicolas Maduro, and what it all means for Venezuela and the world. Visit the ⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Retribution and reconciliation in Syria

Jan 3, 2026 26 min

Syria’s new rulers are trying to win over the Alawites after months of violence. But the reconciliation effort is controversial. On this episode of On Assignment, Reuters' Timour Azhari travels to Syria’s coastal provinces, the heartland of the Alawite religious minority which counts former President Bashar al-Assad among its number. He reports on the sectarian tensions and threat of violence that still stalk Syria more than a year since Assad's fall. Read our text story on this here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

The hidden victims of Congo’s war

Dec 27, 2025 27 min

Reporter Giulia Paravicini travels to Congo and Burundi to document how sexual violence has become a deliberate weapon of war—destroying not just individual victims, but entire communities. She speaks with dozens of survivors, from girls as young as 10 to women over 70, many eager to share stories the world has ignored. This episode reveals the brutal reality behind one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, and why ending it remains so difficult. Listen to Morning Bid podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Visit the ⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni on the year in news

Dec 20, 2025 31 min

In this special year-end edition of On Assignment, Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni sits down with host Jonah Green to reflect on the tumultuous 2025 news cycle. Galloni discusses the challenges of covering Trump’s second term, keeping journalists safe in war zones and how AI-generated misinformation complicates the pursuit of truth. Plus we look ahead on what to expect and how to prepare for the coming news cycle. Listen to Morning Bid podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Visit the ⁠⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

A peanut paste was saving Kenyan children - and then Trump took it away

Dec 13, 2025 21 min

Disruptions to U.S. humanitarian aid under president Donald Trump have been devastating to developing nations around the globe - even economically and politically stable nations, like Kenya. On this episode of On Assignment, Reuters East Africa Bureau Chief Ammu Kannampilly travels to Kenya's Turkana County, where malnutrition is spreading, and health workers faced empty shelves for months while aid was paused. She explains the challenges of filling the aid gap and the long-term impacts that could remain even as some aid resumes. Listen to Morning Bid podcast ⁠here⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠here⁠. Visit the ⁠Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement⁠ for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit ⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠ to opt out of targeted advertising.

Tracking Trump’s retribution targets

Nov 29, 2025 26 min

On this week's On Assignment, Reuters reporters Ned Parker and Peter Eisler join host Jonah Green to detail how Donald Trump's campaign of retribution has targeted about 470 people and organizations — from civil servants and universities to law firms and media — reshaping U.S. governance through firings, threats, frozen funds and coercive deals. Listen to Morning Bid podcast here. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Europe’s left gets tough on immigration

Nov 22, 2025 26 min

Britain’s Labour government is tightening the rules for handling asylum seekers. The overhaul comes at it tries to stem the rise of the populist Reform UK party. In this episode of On Assignment, we look at the rapidly changing politics of immigration in Europe on the left and the right - and how Britain's own plans are modelled on those of Denmark's Social Democratic government. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Trump vs. the BBC

Nov 15, 2025 29 min

President Trump is threatening the BBC with a $1 billion lawsuit over a documentary that allegedly misrepresented his January 6th speech. The controversy has already forced out the broadcaster's top two leaders and sparked its biggest crisis in decades. This week's On Assignment examines Trump's legal strategy against media outlets, the BBC's unique role in British society and what this means for press freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Inside Ukraine's ‘fortress belt’

Nov 8, 2025 24 min

Reuters journalists witness daily life under drone fire in Kramatorsk, a key Ukrainian city just 20 kilometers from the front line. As Russia pushes deeper into the Donbas region, we explore how drone warfare has transformed the conflict and what Ukraine's grip on this strategic territory means for any future peace talks. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

The Peace-prize winner, Trump and Venezuela strikes

Nov 1, 2025 31 min

Donald Trump's pressure on Venezuela is giving hope to the country's opposition party, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado. While some hope Trump's policies will pressure Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro to step down, others worry about the human cost of Trump's pressure campaign. Our investigative reporter Sarah Kinosian and Pentagon correspondent Phil Stewart explore what Trump's policies mean for Venezuela and the wider Caribbean. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Syria's hidden graves

Oct 25, 2025 25 min

A Syrian mechanic's curiosity led to the discovery of a massive cover-up operation. In this episode, our journalists investigate how the Assad regime moved tens of thousands of bodies from an exposed mass grave to a secret desert location, and what this means for families still searching for their missing loved ones. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Viktor Orban's political future

Oct 19, 2025 29 min

As Budapest gets ready to host Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is preparing for his re-election. Hungarians vote this spring, and the man known as Europe's strongman is losing in the polls. Reporter Krisztina Than returns to the countryside where Orban cemented his power base by building a migrant wall. Now, he faces growing dissatisfaction over the country's economy and a rising opponent who is connecting with rural voters. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

This is the town that Wegovy helped build

Oct 11, 2025 19 min

Denmark's seaside town of Kalundborg is also known as "Novo Town." It's the core of pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk's production empire. Wegovy, launched in 2021, made Novo Nordisk Europe's most valuable company. Since then, fierce competition has slowed Wegovy sales and Novo Nordisk's share price has plunged by more than $400 billion. Denmark's senior correspondent Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen explores the impact of the company on a single town. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Federal workers under attack

Oct 4, 2025 33 min

President Donald Trump is threatening mass firings of federal workers during the shutdown. This week's On Assignment takes us inside the work done by our investigative reporters this summer to document the intimidation and harassment of federal workers by a group linked to Trump. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

UNGA and global diplomacy in the Trump era

Sep 27, 2025 26 min

Join our journalists at the UN General Assembly for a rare look behind the scenes. Listen in as they tackle high-stakes diplomacy, broken escalators and the challenges of global politics in the second Trump era. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Europe’s migration crisis a decade later

Sep 20, 2025 25 min

Ten years ago, Europe faced an unprecedented wave of migration as millions fled war and poverty. Germany’s open-door policy reshaped communities like Altena, sparking hope and tension alike. In this episode, reporter Riham Alkousaa visits Altena and explores the lasting impact for Germany, Europe, and herself. From integration success stories to rising anti-immigration sentiment, we explore how migration continues to redefine politics and lives. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

Vaccines, RFK Jr. and America’s health

Sep 13, 2025 31 min

Join our health and politics reporters as they examine recent moves by RFK Jr. at the CDC and on autism research. Listen to correspondents Robin Respaut, Jeff Mason and Julie Steenhuysen discuss how health policy, science and research are being changed by politics, and the potential ramifications for the public. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Listen to Reuters World News ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising.

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Podcast details

Created by: Reuters
Status: Active
Latest episode: Oct 31, 2026
Episodes: 57
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 27 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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