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Friday, 21 November, 2008

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The World Today is a comprehensive current affairs program which backgrounds, analyses, interprets and encourages debate on events and issues of interest and importance to all Australians. Below is the latest program summary and transcripts are published as soon as they become available. You can listen to today's full program or individual reports in Real Media, Microsoft Windows Media or MP3.

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Updated Friday, 21 November, 2008

Wood found guilty of killing ex-girlfriend

A jury has found Rene Rivkin's former chauffeur, Gordon Wood, guilty of murdering Sydney model Caroline Byrne 13 years ago. Wood was extradited from Britain two years ago to face trial over the death of his former girlfriend, after an initial inquest had delivered an open finding.

Australian stocks down… again

The Australian sharemarket has plunged to a new five-year low after more heavy falls in European and American markets. In what's become a daily trend, global investors are selling out of their exposures on signs that the US is now at the start of a deep and prolonged recession.

Trade talks boosted by collapse of world economy

It seems trade and foreign affairs ministers from the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly optimistic about a successful conclusion to the current round of trade talks. Australia's Trade Minister, Simon Crean, talks to The World Today from Peru, ahead of this weekend's meeting of APEC leaders.

Bleak Christmas forecast for retailers

A survey of shoppers has painted a worrying picture of the economy in the lead up to Christmas. It's also found more than a third of people have already cut back on their retail spending, and more have plans to do the same, despite the Federal Government's $10-billion economic stimulus package.

More wild weather for Queensland

There'll be no respite for Queenslanders this weekend with another fierce storm forecast to hit the state. The town of Blackwater is the latest victim of a series of storms that so far have killed two people, and damaged hundreds of homes, businesses and vehicles.

Insurance companies counting the costs

Insurance companies have already made provisions to cover the estimated $140-million damage bill from this week's storms. They're also putting more away to cover an expected increase in adverse weather events due to global warming, which will lead to higher premiums for consumers.

Schoolies targeted in anti-binge drink campaign

The Federal Government is launching a new advertising campaign aimed at shocking young people about the dangers of binge drinking. But while alcohol and drug awareness groups have welcomed the graphic campaign, some marketing experts are questioning the effectiveness of such ads.

Telstra wants clarity on broadband

Telstra executives have told the AGM the company won't bid for the national broadband contract unless they can keep its business interests together. Unions meanwhile have protested against the CEO's salary package, and threatened industrial action unless Telstra enters new pay negotiations.

Cannibal film difficult to digest

The life of the cannibal convict, Alexander Pearce, has been made into an Australian feature film. Pearce was one of eight convicts who escaped from a prison on Sarah Island in 1822 and got lost, resorting to cannibalism to survive. He was the only man to emerge from the bush.