It covers international news with a specific focus on Asia and its financial markets.

During the UK's principle COVID-19 pandemic periods, Newsday was not broadcast from 27 March 2020 to 20 July 2021; during that time the slot was temporarily replaced with additional half-hour BBC World News bulletins.

On occasion the programme is broadcast from other locations, such as in November 2013 when Rico Hizon co-presented from Tacloban, Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan.

For a two-month period from February to April 2018, Leyl presented Newsday from London, with Hizon or Oi in Singapore.

After the 2023 merger of BBC World News and UK-only BBC News Channel, the Singapore presenter also presents the UK-focused headlines on the UK feed during commercial breaks on the international feed.