The Explanation

The Media Show: How far should reporters go with AI?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Artificial intelligence is starting to change how some journalists work, as newsrooms test whether it can help produce more content. One reporter says...

The President's Path: Is the US fighting two wars against Iran?

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how US-Israel strikes on Iran have developed into an economic conflict, too – a battle ...

Unspun World: US pauses strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump’s decision to call a halt to US a...

The Media Show: Cold-calling Trump

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump’s phone number is apparently not impossible to come by – but there’s also a strategy as to what time of day to call. Edward Luce of...

The President's Path: Trump slams allies over Iran war help

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the impact the US-Israel war with Iran is having on ties with some of Washington’s clos...

Unspun World: How is the Iran war impacting the global economy?

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the economic effects of the war in the Middle Ea...

The Media Show: Reporting from Inside Iran

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A small number of international journalists have been allowed into Iran following the start of conflict involving the US and Israel. CNN’s Frederik ...

The President's Path: Trump’s mixed messages over war on Iran

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the latest on the US-Israel war with Iran. They take stock of the Trump administration’...

Unspun World: What do people in Iran think about the war?

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores what life in Iran is like as the war intensif...

The Media Show: Who’s shaping American media?

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ros Atkins is in Washington DC speaking to some of the most influential voices in American journalism. Together, they reveal how very different media ...

The Strait of Hormuz

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway that carries 20% of the world’s oil — is now an active war zone. What in the World tracks the disrupt...

Unspun World: Can Iran hold out against US-Israeli strikes?

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the Iranian regime will survive, looks a...

The Media Show: Iran and the bigger story

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Events in Iran have led news bulletins, alongside ongoing wars in Ukraine and Sudan. As crises compete for attention, questions are being raised about...

Trump’s Texas showdown

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian and Fin Gomez look at one of the most talked-about Senate races - the Texas primaries. For Republicans, it is ab...

Unspun World: Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the mood in Ukraine after four years of war, exa...

The Media Show: The Andrew photo

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

An image of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor leaving police custody made front pages around the world. It quickly became the defining picture of the latest ...

The President's Path: Inside Trump’s State of the Union

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode: Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Fin Gomez look ahead to next week’s State of the Union address. It’s a chance for President ...

Unspun World: What’s the future of US-Europe relations?

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of the transatlantic alliance, explore...

The Media Show: MTV’s co‑founder on reshaping pop culture

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ros Atkins sits down with MTV co‑founder Tom Freston to explore how the channel became a global cultural force, the turning points of his career, an...

The President’s Path: Is Trump facing a Republican rebellion in Congress?

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Can President Trump keep Republican lawmakers on side? Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look back at a week where we saw Congress...

Unspun World: Who is in control of Gaza now?

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores who is actually governing Gaza at the moment, an...

The Media Show: Bonfire of the Murdochs

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A new book focuses on the future of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire after a legal dispute within his family. The case has renewed attention on Murdoch...

The President’s Path: Epstein files

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The release by the Department of Justice of a new tranche of Epstein files has put more political pressure on President Trump. On this episode, Cai...

Unspun World: Is time running out for Iran's supreme leader?

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the dangers facing the Iranian clerical regime, ...

The Media Show: The Epstein files

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest batch of documents linked to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been released by the US Department of Justice. There are millions...

The President’s Path: Minneapolis unrest

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Minneapolis unrest deepens as protests spread after Alex Pretti killing. Donald Trump signals plans to de-escalate as protests and political tensions ...

Unspun World: Is Europe toughening its stance on Trump?

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the relationship between the EU and the United S...

The Media Show: Netflix’s skyscraper live stunt

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during ICE operations in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of how events are recorded and reported, as video film...

The Evidence: Anaesthesia

24 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the science of anaesthesia.It’s estimated that around th...

The President’s Path: US-Europe breakup

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Davos 2026 discussions underscore strains in US-Europe relations, as trade and security differences resurface and Donald Trump’s influence shapes de...

Unspun World: Trump's return, one year on

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks back at the first year of Donald Trump’s secon...

The Media Show: The Battle for Brand Beckham

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A public statement by Brooklyn Beckham has prompted extensive media coverage and online debate about how celebrity families manage press narratives. K...

The President’s Path: Trump’s world domination

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trump orders fresh sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials accused of directing the violent suppression of protests, while European allies deploy...

The Media Show: Iran protests and international coverage

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ongoing protests in Iran have prompted scrutiny of how international media organisations report events in a highly restricted environment, with critic...

The President’s Path: Maduro captured

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trump's actions in Venezuela and the removal of Nicolás Maduro sparks talk of further US operations in the region. In this episode Caitríona Perry, ...

The Media Show: Reporting the Venezuela operation

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Reports that major US newspapers delayed publishing details of the US raid in Venezuela have prompted renewed scrutiny of how journalists handle sensi...

The Media Show: How to Make a Hit TV Show

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered how reality TV gets made? Why some shows become instant classics, while others vanish without trace? In this special edition of...

The President’s Path: Year in review

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A look back at the first year of President Trump’s second term in office. On this episode Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and C...

The Media Show: Meet The Tech Bros

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time Magazine named “The Architects of AI” as their Person of the Year for 2025. This is a group of people, mostly men, who now wield an extraordi...

The President’s Path: Maga coalition cracks

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A look at what the divisions in the Maga coalition mean for Trump.On this episode Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at what t...

The Media Show: Reporting the Bondi beach attack

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah event created major challenges for journalists trying to confirm fast-moving details. Newsrooms had t...

The President’s Path: Affordability

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at how President Trump is tackling affordability and the cost of living for Americans. Ev...

The Media Show: Netflix’s Hollywood takeover drama

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Netflix’s agreement to buy Warner Bros Discovery has triggered an immediate hostile counter-bid from Paramount, intensifying concerns within Hollywo...

The President’s Path: The health of healthcare

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at how RFK Jr is shaping US health policy in President Trump’s second term. Every weeke...

The Media Show: Manchester’s YouTube problem

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has accused vloggers of provoking vulnerable people to generate online views, with a particular focus on the city’s ...

The President’s Path: Trump v California

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at how US President Donald Trump is challenging the state of California, and how its ...

The Media Show: Another day, another BBC editing row?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pressure on the BBC has continued after a line about Donald Trump was removed from the Reith Lectures on legal advice. Dame Caroline Dineage, Chair of...

The President’s Path: Redistricting

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at how the Republicans and Democrats are using redistricting as a tool, and how it co...

The Media Show: Ed Sheeran’s one-shot film

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new Netflix documentary captures Ed Sheeran performing live across New York in a single continuous take. Its executive producer, Ben Winston, reveal...

The President’s Path: US-Venezuela boat strikes

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at the latest US strikes on Venezuelan vessels and what it could mean for future rela...

Unspun World: Are Russian forces on the brink of seizing Pokrovsk?

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses why Russia is so keen to capture the Ukrainian c...

The Media Show: Trump’s billion-dollar BBC threat

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A day of turmoil for the BBC as Director General Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness both resign, following a leaked memo alleging editorial bia...

The President’s Path: Elections fallout

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How Republicans and Democrats fared in this year’s elections, and what it could mean for the midterms next year. On this episode, Caitríona Perry...

Unspun World: War-weariness in Russia

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores war-weariness in Russia and the problem it poses...

The Media Show: Lessons from Top Gear

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Andy Wilman is the producer who turned Top Gear and The Grand Tour into global hits. As he publishes his autobiography - Mr Wilman’s Motoring Advent...

The President’s Path: Electoral battlegrounds 2025

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The first big elections of Trump’s second term reveal how Americans are reacting to his presidency, and how Democrats are fighting to rebuild their ...

Unspun World: Donald Trump’s China strategy

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses President Trump’s approach to dealing with Chi...

The Media Show: Advertising race row

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A row over comments by a British MP has reignited debate about who we see in adverts. Sara Denby from the University of Oxford and Dino Myers-Lamptey ...

The President’s Path: Shutdown and teardown

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Demolition work has begun on part of the White House to make way for President Trump's new ballroom, as US government remains shut down. On this epi...

Unspun World: Will Hamas really give up control of Gaza?

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Hamas will lay down its weapons in Gaza,...

The Media Show: When the Royals lose control of the story

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New attention on Prince Andrew has reopened debate about how the Royal Family is covered by the media. Following confirmation that he will no longer u...

Weight loss jabs: A medical game changer?

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are proven to be highly effective for weight management. They are also increasingly being found to treat other ...

The President’s Path: How many wars has Donald Trump ended?

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump claims to have ended eight wars in eight months. Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda unpack President Trump’s c...

Unspun World: Who will run Gaza?

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses who will actually be running Gaza in the wake of...

The Media Show: The Gaza Ceasefire

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, attention has turned to how the story itself is being covered and interpreted. From live reporting in Tel Aviv to v...

The President’s Path: Supreme Court shapes Trump's powers

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US Supreme Court begins its new term with a docket full of potentially significant cases that could define the scope of Donald Trump's presidentia...

Unspun World: Is peace in Gaza now possible?

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether two years on from the 7 October attacks ...

The Media Show: Reporting from Inside Putin’s Russia

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Rosenberg, BBC News Russia editor, is one of the few Western reporters still based in Moscow. He talks about working under tight controls, renew...

The President’s Path: Trump’s power

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump is expanding his powers over the federal workforce and flexing his muscles in front of generals. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, ...

The Media Show: Is Larry Ellison the new Rupert Murdoch?

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and one of the world’s richest men, is becoming a major force in media. His son David runs Skydance, which rece...

The President's Path: Silencing voices

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension to an unprecedented Pentagon memo - where is the line between criticism and censorship?On this epis...

Unspun World: World leaders formally recognise Palestinian statehood

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what effect the recognition of Palestine as a st...

The Media Show: Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the US, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air after making remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The broadcasting regulator, t...

The President’s Path: Trump's diplomacy

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump’s visit to the UK tests Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the “special relationship” - but the bigger test comes next, at the UN ...

Unspun World: President Trump’s second state visit to the UK

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the relationship between Sir Keir Starmer and Do...

The Media Show: Reporting Charlie Kirk’s killing

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The killing of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has raised questions about how the media should report on controversial figures while still sh...

The President’s Path: The killing of Charlie Kirk

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The killing of Charlie Kirk triggers shockwaves through the US, sparking grief, anger, and debate over politics, political violence and America’s fu...

Unspun World: Protests hit France as new PM takes office

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the latest political crisis in France is...

The Media Show: Super Mario Bros at 40

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Super Mario Bros reaches its 40th anniversary. First released in 1985, the Nintendo title redefined video game design and propelled Mario from a suppo...

The President’s Path: Trump's troubles

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump enters a new political season as Congress returns from its summer recess. Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry, and Courtney Subramanian look at ch...

The Media Show: France’s political crisis

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

France’s Prime Minister, François Bayrou, has called a parliamentary confidence vote after his proposals to abolish two public holidays triggered w...

The President’s Path: Trump’s law and order

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington DC draws equal parts praise and concern. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Courtney...

The Media Show: The mystery freelancer

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A number of publications, including Wired and Business Insider, have withdrawn articles initially attributed to a freelance journalist named Margaux B...

The President’s Path: Trump the peacemaker?

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending several international conflicts and continues to present himself as a global peacemaker. Sumi So...

The Media Show: Trump, Zelensky and the cameras

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington for talks with Donald Trump and other European leaders. The timing coincided with Anushka ...

The President’s Path: Trump’s Latino base

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump will not be on the ballot in next year’s midterm elections, but his policies will be put to the electoral test. On this episode, Sumi S...

The Media Show: Interview of an AI avatar

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Four Al Jazeera journalists and two freelance journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, prompting renewed scrutiny of press freedoms an...

The President’s Path: Democratic offensive

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Texas walkouts to TikTok-savvy governors, Democrats are embracing a bold new playbook to reshape America’s political map. On this episode, Sumi...

The Media Show: Taiwan’s war drama tests political boundaries on screen

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new Taiwanese television series depicts a fictional Chinese military invasion. Zero Day Attack has prompted debate over censorship, political influe...

The President’s Path: Trump’s grievances

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Trump continues to air a broad set of grievances, from the Biden administration and Barack Obama to the media, autopens, and even windmills ...

The Media Show: Is AI polluting the internet beyond repair?

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A growing concern among digital commentators is whether artificial intelligence is irreversibly distorting the internet. Once a conspiracy, dead inter...

The President’s Path: Trump’s first six months back in office

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From tariff threats and deals to controversial immigration policies and rising global tensions, Donald Trump’s first six months back in the White Ho...

The Media Show: YouTubers and the migrant hotel protest

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Epping, just outside London, protests have taken place near a hotel housing asylum seekers. While mainstream news outlets reported the story, a vid...

The President's Path: Why are Epstein files dividing MAGA and Trump?

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Under mounting pressure from his own base, US President Donald Trump says he has ordered the Justice Department to release additional documents relate...

The Media Show: A superinjunction that gagged the media

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A legal order known as a superinjunction prevented UK media from reporting a government data breach that exposed nearly 19,000 Afghans who had applied...

The Media Show: Oasis concert photo row

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Oasis returned to the stage in Cardiff for the first time in over a decade, drawing both fan excitement and media access concerns. While audience memb...

Unspun World: Donald Trump's foreign policy

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses US President Donald Trump’s approach to foreig...

The Media Show: Gaza documentary controversy

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The BBC’s decision not to broadcast a Gaza war documentary, later picked up by Channel 4, has prompted scrutiny over its editorial standards. The fi...

Unspun World: Has Iran weathered the storm?

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the Iranian regime has successfully weathe...

The Media Show: Iranian harassment of BBC journalists

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Iranian authorities are accused of targeting journalists at BBC Persian by intimidating their family members in Iran. Correspondent Behrang Tajdin out...