World Business Report
Analysis of the big global business and economic issues, as they affect consumers and investors. Broadcast on weekdays.
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…