The Explanation

The Explanation

https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/w13xtvml.rss
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Where the world is explained. Making sense of the big stories - looking behind the spin. Exploring the important questions about long-running stories and the latest global news. An honest, unvarnished, explanation of the world. Featuring new episodes of The President's Path, Unspun World with John Simpson, and The Media Show.

Episode List

The Media Show: Artemis II and Nasa’s media machine

Apr 16th, 2026 6:10 AM

The Artemis II mission has been presented as a major milestone in human spaceflight, with global audiences following live coverage and access provided by NASA. Questions have been raised about how official feeds, astronaut storytelling and media partnerships shaped reporting. Rebecca Morelle, BBC News science editor, describes the reporting environment she experienced.The BBC has announced plans to cut around 2,000 jobs and save £500 million, citing financial pressures including declining licence fee income and rising production costs. The changes come ahead of charter renewal negotiations and increased competition. Rhodri Talfan Davies, the BBC’s acting director general, outlines the scale of the challenge.A Kuwaiti-American journalist is reportedly being held by authorities in Kuwait after posting footage of a US Air Force jet crash near Kuwait City. The case has drawn attention to press freedom in the region. Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, sets out the known details.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Callum McLean

The President’s Path: The political consequences of war and peace for Trump

Apr 10th, 2026 1:01 PM

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how The president's attitude towards the people of Iran has changed - from saying he would help them to threatening to destroy Iranian civilisation. They also look at how his actions are being viewed at home and the political consequences of this war for President Trump. 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.

The Media Show: Investigating Sam Altman

Apr 9th, 2026 5:20 AM

Ronan Farrow, perhaps the world’s most prominent investigative journalist, has turned his attention to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. The investigation, published by The New Yorker, draws on more than a year of reporting. Farrow outlines how it was conducted and the questions it raises about power and influence in AI. Madhumita Murgia, AI Editor at the Financial Times, gives her analysis of the issues at the heart of the report, including how the media covers leading figures in Silicon Valley. Also on the show, Misha Glenny discusses his podcast The Race to Control the World, as well as his role as the new presenter of In Our Time.Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Pat Sissons

The President's Path: Trump’s address over the Iran war

Apr 3rd, 2026 12:30 PM

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the impact the US-Israel war with Iran is having on the US and President Trump’s relationship with his allies. With no end date in sight - and an escalation of oil prices - where does this leave President Trump at home in the US and in the world?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: path@bbc.co.ukSenior Producer: Clare Casey Executive Producer: Anna Holford

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

Apr 2nd, 2026 6:00 AM

Artificial intelligence is starting to change how some journalists work, as newsrooms test whether it can help produce more content. One reporter says AI is now helping him write more than 600 articles a year. Nick Lichtenberg, Business Editor at Fortune, Jane Martinson, Professor of Financial Journalism, City, University of London, and Max Goldbart, International TV Co-Editor, Deadline, discuss the pros and cons of letting AI into the newsroom. Two major court cases in the United States have put fresh attention on social media and its impact on young users. In Los Angeles, a jury found Meta and Google liable after deciding their platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive. In New Mexico, Meta was ordered to pay damages over claims it misled users about child safety. Lily Jamali, BBC North America Technology Correspondent, outlines developments from Silicon Valley, and Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Centre for Humane Technology, reflects on the design of features such as infinite scroll. In the UK, new research is being developed to understand how social media affects teenagers. A large study involving thousands of students will test limits on usage, alongside a government-backed pilot looking at restrictions for under-16s. Professor Amy Orben, psychologist at the University of Cambridge, explains how the research will work and what it aims to measure.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Mark Pickett

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