IF YOU’RE a podcast listener who’s interested in the big issues affecting Singapore and the region, then The Business Times’ (BT) new Lens On podcast channel on current affairs might be right up your alley.

Lens On is the newest of BT’s seven podcast channels. Lens on Singapore is the first series in the channel, with plans for more in the works.

Hosted by podcast editor Claressa Monteiro and podcast correspondent Howie Lim, the series will feature monthly episodes that look deeply into the impact of global developments, societal changes and government policies on the city-state.

For the inaugural Lens on Singapore episode, launched on Monday (Jul 17), Monteiro spoke with several experts for their views on that perennial hot potato: Singapore versus Hong Kong. Have a listen: 

In a short interview, Monteiro shared more about the work that went into the series and what listeners can expect.

1. What inspired you to start Lens on Singapore?

BT already puts out great business, investment and market content in both text and podcasts. I felt a current affairs podcast would be a good complement to our existing content.

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2. How much work went into producing the first episode? And why current affairs in Singapore for this first Lens On series?

A lot of work, probably more than we’ve ever done on any other podcast series, went into the first episode and will go into all subsequent episodes because of the format. 

Why current affairs in Singapore? Business and investment decisions are so intrinsically tied to geopolitical, societal and policy issues. We aim to provide as big a picture for our audience as possible, beginning with Singapore.  

3. Considering it’s a monthly episode, how will you be picking topics that interest listeners?

Our focus is twofold in picking topics to cover. They have to be relevant to Singapore and Singaporeans but, at the same time, have to be relatable to the broader Asean community as well. Issues like climate change or food security aren’t just Singapore priorities.

4. How does Lens on Singapore fit into BT’s podcast content range? What makes it different?

I believe it will slot in very nicely into the BT Podcasts’ stable of content. Both Howie Lim and I have covered this type of content for years as broadcast journalists, so we are looking forward to bringing that experience to a podcast format. 

As to what makes it different, we have been concentrating on finance- and investment-based podcasts. For the first time, we are producing audio content in which investment and finance aren’t the main focus. 

5. Do you think there’s an increasing appetite for such “audio news story” podcast content? Who do you think it will appeal to?

Yes, we do. If you look at some of the most successful podcast content globally, it is very much “audio news story” podcasts. The New York Times’ The Daily podcast is one example, and it registers more than 100 million downloads a month. 

I hope Lens on Singapore appeals to everybody and gives BT consumers a new go-to show for content that is thought-provoking and relevant.