Is BBC News Too Fast? Choose English-Language News You Can Follow
Compare BBC News, BBC Learning English, and easy-English radio to find a news format that fits what you want to understand. Try a simple listening test.
Easy English radio · live
The world in clear English.
Improve your English just by listening.
Made for English learners.
World news, conversations and stories in slow, simple English. Listen live and read every word on screen as it is spoken.
- Simple words, a slow and clear pace
- Read every word as it is spoken
- Listen again with transcripts and sources
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About the radio
How it worksSlow English FM is a free live radio in easy, slow English, for English learners. You can listen and read at the same time. Scripts and voices are made by AI. Our news is based on real articles from established news organisations, checked against the sources and published with links so you can read them yourself.
Schedule
Times are shown in your own time zone.
Listen again
Choose a programme and replay its episodes, each with its transcript and its sources.
CommentaryA specialist voice takes a few minutes on one story.
Daily NewsThe detailed bulletin of the day in easy English. One edition is kept for each day.
Daily Random FactsOne surprising fact, explained in a minute.
Everyday EnglishShort tips on grammar, vocabulary and expressions you can use the same day.
Famous PeopleLives and ideas of people from around the world.
In ConversationInterviews and round tables that take one subject and explain it, in clear, slow English.
Irregular VerbsSets of irregular verbs to listen to and repeat.
StoriesFiction in easy English, in short chapters, with expressions taken from each chapter.
The Word of the NewsUseful words taken from the news of the day, explained with an example.
Today in HistoryAn event from the past, told on its anniversary.
World DiscoveryPlaces, cultures and ideas, one at a time.
Format
Hour
Practise your English
Listening guides
Practical ways to listen to English and explore Slow English FM.
7–12 of 13 guides
How to Use a Transcript to Improve Your English Listening
Learn how to compare a short audio clip with its transcript, spot difficult expressions, and listen again without reading.
How to Understand English News When It Sounds Too Fast
Explore why English news can be hard to follow and try a focused listening exercise with a short audio passage.
How to Learn English by Listening to Live Radio
Join a live English radio programme, find the topic and decide when to keep listening or switch to a replay.
Radio, Podcasts or Videos: Which Should You Choose for English Listening?
Compare live radio, podcasts and videos for English listening practice based on your time, playback controls and visual support.
Which News Radio Station Should You Choose to Learn English?
Find an English news radio station you can follow. Compare clear speech, topics, transcripts and listening options.