The Intelligence

The Intelligence is typically hosted by a rotating cast of journalists from The Economist, alongside audio producers who bring the scripts to life. The show features a different correspondent almost every day, allowing listeners to hear directly from the specialized reporters who actually covered the story. The format ensures deep expertise is delivered alongside the daily news summary.

Episodes of The Intelligence generally run for about 25 to 30 minutes, making them perfect for a daily commute. The Economist releases new episodes every weekday morning, providing a concise but deep dive into one major global news story. The structure usually includes an introduction, a long-form interview, and a brief concluding segment.

The Economist launched The Intelligence podcast in 2018 as part of its expansion into daily audio content. It quickly became one of the most highly rated news podcasts globally, sitting comfortably alongside the paper's weekly episodic shows. It marked a shift for the publication from strictly long-form audio to daily news delivery.

Yes, The Intelligence is completely free to stream or download on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. While The Economist's written articles and long-form audio shows often sit behind a strict paywall, this daily podcast is fully accessible without a subscription. The publication uses it as a gateway to attract new readers to their broader journalistic offerings.