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On 27 January 2023, broadcaster Mahmoud Al-Mossallami hosted BBC Arabic radio\u2019s final transmission after 85 years on air. It's the latest strategy shift for BBC World Service, which launched in 1932 as the BBC Empire Service. Over the years its radio content has transformed in order to meet historical challenges, cater to growing audiences and adapt under financial constraints. But with a listenership of millions across multiple nations, is something larger and more important than just a radio service being lost with the shuttering of BBC Arabic radio? To discuss the history and future of Britain's soft power as a broadcasting powerhouse, former BBC producer and Intelligence Squared's Head of Podcasts, Farah Jassat, is joined by Emma Robertson, historian and co-author of BBC World Service: Overseas Broadcasting, 1932\u20132018, and Hosam El Sokkari, former Head of BBC Arabic. Plus, BBC World Service anchor Mahmoud Al-Mossallami himself reflects on his long career and that final broadcast.\n...\nDid you know that Intelligence Squared offers way more than podcasts? We\u2019ve just launched a new online streaming platform Intelligence Squared+ and we\u2019d love you to give it a go.\xa0\nIt\u2019s packed with more than 20 years\u2019 worth of video debates and conversations on the world\u2019s hottest topics. Tune in to live events, ask your questions or watch back on-demand totally ad-free with hours of discussion to dive into for just \xa314.99 a month. Visit\xa0intelligencesquaredplus.com\xa0to start watching today.\xa0\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices