Its main focus is on fast-paced international breaking news, covering as many stories with as much details as possible in each of its episodes.

The format includes report packages, interviews, and live reactions, updates, and images from where each story breaks out.

[2] The programme was announced by the BBC to begin broadcasting on 22 May 2023, with Lucy Hockings as the main presenter.

It is thought that Maryam Moshiri was at the time the chief relief presenter for all newly launched programmes, including BBC News Now.

On 6 December 2023, just before starting a newscast Moshiri was captured with her middle finger to the camera, for which she apologised saying it was a "private joke" with the staff.