The Explanation

Epizode

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  The President's Path: Trump on the world stage 28.09.2026 16min

  Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's big week on the international stage, from the United Nations General Assembly to hosting China's president at the White House. They examine how the US president is managing friends and rivals, and grappling with an increasingly complex global landscape.
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  Unspun World: The state of Germany's government 25.09.2026 26min

  John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of Germany’s government after resounding regional election defeats, looks at the effect of American cutbacks on the of future of the United Nations, and examines what we can learn from the tightly controlled elections in Russia. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
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  The Media Show: Earl Spencer, the Palace and the Press 24.09.2026 22min

  The publication of Earl Spencer’s book about Princess Diana, serialised by the Daily Mail, has reignited debate over who shapes her legacy. BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan, Evening Standard Royal Editor Robert Jobson and media lawyer Mark Stephens discuss the competing narratives in the press and legal implications.The small village of Piddington in the UK has drawn global attention over plans to house more than a thousand asylum seekers. Guardian journalist Amelia Gentleman and BBC South’s Jamie Morris report on how a local dispute became an international story.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Margherita Campanaro Sound: Mark Pickett
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  The President's Path: Is Canada's EU relationship a threat to Trump? 18.09.2026 16min

  Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss the European Union's ambition for Canada to become its first-ever "associate member", a status that does not currently exist. They examine what such a partnership could mean for Canada, President Trump’s reaction, and whether deeper ties with Europe could reshape Canada's future relationship with its neighbour. Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
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  Unspun World: Yemen hostilities escalate 18.09.2026 26min

  John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the latest outbreak of hostilities in Yemen, examines whether there is any hope for a Palestinian state in the Middle East, and explores the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
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  The Media Show: Is the right of reply under threat? 17.09.2026 22min

  The right of reply has long been a cornerstone of journalism, giving those involved in a story the chance to respond before publication. But with politicians and public figures now using social media to publish their own version first, is this principle being undermined? Guto Harri, former Downing Street Director of Communications, Professor Karen Fowler-Watt from City St George’s, University of London, and journalist Matt Shea assess how the practice is changing. As streaming services compete for attention, TV remotes usually now include buttons for platforms like Netflix and YouTube, often paid for by the services themselves. UK broadcasters argue this disadvantages British platforms and have called for a dedicated ‘British’ button. Technology historian Edd Thomas and Professor Catherine Johnson from the University of Leeds explain why the remote has become such a significant battleground.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Production Assistant: Cameron Taylor Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola Sound: Nicola Brough
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  The President's Path: How 9/11 changed America and the world 11.09.2026 16min

  Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann reflect on the legacy of the 9/11 attacks 25 years on, examining their lasting impact on US society and foreign policy, and how that day reshaped the course of the world.
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  The Media Show: A television experiment that lasted 60 years 10.09.2026 22min

  In 1964, a group of seven-year-olds appeared in a TV documentary about class in Britain. The cameras returned every seven years to see how their lives had changed. Now, more than 60 years later, 70 Up brings the project to an end. Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual at ITV, talks about the people who took part and the legacy of a remarkable TV experiment. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has given an interview to Katie Razzall and The Media Show. She talks about BBC funding and cuts, its place in the UK media landscape, and proposals for a UK streaming service and a public service algorithm. Jake Kanter, international investigations editor at Deadline, gives his reaction.Channel 4’s undercover investigation into Reform UK has raised questions about how undercover journalism works and how political parties use opinion polls that later appear in the media. Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, and Stephan Shakespeare, CEO of YouGov, consider the issues raised by the story. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Production co-ordinator: Colette Cunningham Technical co-ordinator: Mark Dickins Sound engineer: Allyson Purcell-Davis
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  The President's Path: Trump's second term: How America and the world sees him 04.09.2026 1h 2min

  Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann answer your questions on Trump’s presidency and examine the key issues that could shape the midterms, from his approach to foreign policy and relations with US allies to the domestic political battles and key races to watch.Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
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  The Media Show: Meet the 'meat proxies' 03.09.2026 22min

  “Meat proxy” is a new term coined to describe someone who acts as a human conduit for material generated by AI. Software engineer Niklas Gruhn, who came up with the phrase, joins Will Oremus, staff writer at The Atlantic and Fortune’s executive editorial director Diane Brady, to discuss how much AI is being used in journalism and when readers should be told about it.Five years after US troops withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban returned to power, Lyse Doucet has been back in the country, including visiting one of the secret schools set up for girls. BBC News’ Chief International Correspondent discusses what it takes to report from Afghanistan now, the restrictions she encountered and the difficult decisions involved in protecting contributors.Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Junior production co-ordinator apprentice: Cameron Taylor Technical co-ordinator: Christopher Brown Sound engineer: Michael Campbell
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  Heated rivalry: US v Canada 28.08.2026 16min

  Mark Carney’s tough response to Donald Trump signals an escalation to the trade war between Canada and the United States. What does the dispute could mean for people and businesses on both sides of the border? What impact could the tariffs have on Trump’s midterm prospects? Could Canada could turn to other trading partners and European allies for support? Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Whitehouse correspondent Bernd Debusmann explore.
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  The Media Show: Is YouTube the new TV? 27.08.2026 22min

  A special show from the Edinburgh TV Festival, where some of the industry’s biggest players have gathered from around the world to debate the future of television. YouTube now has 2.7 billion monthly active users, watching more than a billion hours of video every day, and many in the industry are asking whether it has become “the new TV”. Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK and Ireland, gives the platform’s perspective on its growth, its algorithm and its relationship with creators. Claire Mundell, Managing Director and Creative Director of Synchronicity Films, Richard Cowles, CEO of Lifted Entertainment, and Jamie MacDonald, Head of Originals at After Party Studios, give their perspectives on the state of the industry and what could be coming next.Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Laura Cain Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Sean Mullervy and Ben Andrews
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  The President's Path: Trump redefines America’s friends and foes 21.08.2026 15min

  Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian explore how President Trump is reshaping America's relationships with allies and adversaries. They discuss Trump's willingness to meet North Korea's Kim Jong Un again, rising tensions with ally Oman, and what it could mean for the United States’ role on the world stage.Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
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  The Media Show: The death of Jason Arday 20.08.2026 22min

  The death of Cambridge academic Jason Arday has prompted intense debate about media conduct, following weeks of reporting on allegations of plagiarism and questions about aspects of his life story. Critics have accused journalists of contributing to an atmosphere of relentless scrutiny, while others argue that legitimate public interest questions were being pursued. Nick Clark, a childhood friend of Jason Arday, reflects on his experience of speaking to reporters. Charles Moore, columnist at The Telegraph and The Spectator, Seun Matiluko, freelance journalist, Sarah Ditum, Times Columnist and Stephen Bush, columnist at the Financial Times, consider questions of proportionality, public interest and journalistic responsibility.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Allyson Purcell-Davis
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  The President's Path: Trump and the AI data centre debate 14.08.2026 16min

  Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian discuss how AI data centres are becoming an important issue for voters ahead of the midterms. They look at concerns about the energy use and environmental impact of these facilities, and why the Trump administration sees them as key to competing with China. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics - in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected]
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  The Media Show: James May's YouTube move 13.08.2026 22min

  For years, YouTube was largely seen as the home of creators who built their audiences online. But increasingly it's becoming a destination for established TV presenters too. James May, best known for Top Gear and The Grand Tour, joins Katie Razzall alongside producer Lucy Brown to discuss building their YouTube channel, Planet Gin. Holly Graham, Chief Commercial Officer at Little Dot Studios, explains what it takes to build a successful YouTube brand and whether television success translates online.Last month, The Times' Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had been exploring plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Martyn explains how he broke the story, while Tariq Panja, Global Sports Correspondent at The New York Times, discusses the growing role of investigative journalism in football.The resignation of University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has become one of the biggest stories in British academia. Jack Grove, investigations editor at Times Higher Education, explains how he first uncovered concerns about Arday and why legal threats prevented publication at the time.Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Dan Hardoon Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman Sound: Robin Schroder
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  The President's Path: Is Trump the AI president? 07.08.2026 15min

  Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's efforts to balance AI innovation and regulation, the divisions within his cabinet over AI policy, and the challenges posed by China's rapid AI development. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics - in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Gareth Bebb
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  The Media Show: Alternative Hollywood 06.08.2026 22min

  More film studios are making films for audiences they believe are not well served by mainstream Hollywood. Many are aimed at Christian viewers or people with more traditional values, and some have become major box office successes. The trend reflects changes in how films are funded, promoted, and distributed to different audiences. Max Tani, Media Editor at Semafor, Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO of Wonder Project, and Brandon Purdie, Head of Theatrical and Brand Development at Angel Studios, outline different perspectives from across the industry. Prison radio is developing in different ways around the world, with stations giving prisoners the chance to learn broadcasting skills and share information inside prisons. Garth St Clair, co-founder of Rise Maximum Radio in Trinidad and Tobago, and Ninna Gaensler-Debs, co-director of Uncuffed in California, describe how prison broadcasting works in their organisations.Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Laura Cain
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  The President's Path: Does Zelensky have the upper hand in the Ukraine war? 31.07.2026 16min

  Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Zelensky's visit to Washington, where he pushed for greater US support to bolster Ukraine's air defences. They examine whether relations between Trump and Zelensky are warming, and what this renewed diplomatic effort, along with a new package of sanctions on Russia, could mean for the war in Ukraine.Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected]
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  The Media Show: Interviewing Elon Musk 30.07.2026 22min

  The Economist's interview with Elon Musk attracted global attention before Musk then described interviewer Zanny Minton Beddoes as a "traitor to the West". The interview followed 90 minutes of conversation for The Insider, The Economist's video series. Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, explains how the interview came about and the reaction after it was published.Huge wildfires in France and Spain have dominated news coverage across Europe, creating difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions for journalists reporting from the scene. Sadiya Chowdhury, Correspondent at Sky News, explains her approach and Mehdi Lebouachera, Global Director at AFP, gives the backstory to a photograph that appeared on front pages around the world.Presenters: Ros Atkins Producers: Lucy Wai and Dan Hardoon Researcher: Lizzie Harris Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Joe McCartney