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The Slow Newscast

The Slow Newscast

By: The Observer
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About this listen

The Slow Newscast from The Observer takes the news slowly. We investigate, and every week we focus on stories that really matter in the UK and around the world. From wars in Ukraine and Gaza through to true crime and injustice and real life mysteries, The Slow Newscast team is devoted to narrative investigations covering some of the biggest topics of the day.


Who are the people biohacking themselves in a quest for immortality? Or the man taking on an entire nation in the high seas to protect whales? And what happened when humanity's most distant messenger fell silent? From a newsroom with a different approach to journalism these are the stories we tell.


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© 2019-2020 Tortoise Media Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Why do mothers abandon babies?

    Why do mothers abandon babies?
    Mar 26 2026

    Every year babies are abandoned by their parents. Following a long reporting project exploring the story of one foundling on a search for her biological parents, Alexi Mostrous asks, 'why do mothers abandon babies?'. To try and make sense of these complicated, often hidden stories, he's joined by the series reporter Lucy Greenwell and the series' producer Katie Gunning.


    Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to all 6 episodes.


    To find out more about The Observer:


    Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content.


    Head to our website observer.co.uk


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    22 mins
  • Foundling | Tortoise Investigates

    Foundling | Tortoise Investigates
    Mar 24 2026

    Foundling is a six-part original series from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer. This is episode 1 - On the verge

    Journalist Lucy Greenwell goes in search of Jess following rumours and unanswered questions about where she was born and who gave birth to her.

    To listen to the rest of the series, just search for Tortoise Investigates wherever you get your podcasts.


    Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to all 6 episodes.


    To find out more about The Observer:


    Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content.


    Head to our website observer.co.uk


    Credits:

    Reporter - Lucy Greenwell

    Producer - Katie Gunning

    Original theme music - Tom Kinsella

    Sound design and additional music - Rowan Bishop

    Podcast artwork - Blythe Walker Sibthorp

    Narrative editor - Gary Marshall

    Editor - Jasper Corbett





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    41 mins
  • Can AI write good literature?

    Can AI write good literature?
    Mar 19 2026
    Last week, the New York Times ran an experiment that has far-reaching implications, especially for book lovers. It asked readers to compare five pairs of writing samples — one written by AI, the other by a well-known author — and choose which they preferred. AI was chosen much of the time. So, can AI actually write good literature? Book Prize judge Erica Wagner, The Observer's book editor Tom Gatti, and author Ada Barumé discuss.

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    24 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Some people have a lot of money to spend on their very successful wedding and are still unhappy with the result. That's it. That's the story. Now you don't have to listen to it and can listen to one of the other Slow News podcasts that actually has content. If I could give the 'story' zero stars I would.

A story about people with a lot of money.

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well researched and interesting episodes, can someone be on the biase side sometimes. But we'll worth listening to expand your world

Great podcast

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