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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.

BBC World Service


    • Feb 27, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 288 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Explanation

    Trump's Texas showdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 25:04


    Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian and Fin Gomez look at one of the most talked-about Senate races - the Texas primaries. For Republicans, it is about who can win the President's endorsement. For Democrats, success here could shape party strategy for months and years to come. 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.uk Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: Silvia Costeloe Executive producer: Anna Holford

    Unspun World: Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 26:28


    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, examines how the war has changed Russia, and looks at whether Russia's long sporting isolation is coming to an end.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    The Media Show: The Andrew photo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 22:59


    An image of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor leaving police custody made front pages around the world. It quickly became the defining picture of the latest stage in the crisis linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Suzanne Plunkett, Chief Photographer at Reuters, outlines how her colleague Phil Noble secured the shot, and Arthur Edwards, Royal Photographer at The Sun, reflects on how single images can frame the narrative around the Royal Family. Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war has settled into a long and grinding conflict. Fighting has spread across a wide front, with drone warfare and repeated strikes on infrastructure. As the anniversary is marked, questions remain about how western media attention has shifted. Anthony Loyd, Special Correspondent at The Times, reflects on reporting from the region, and Olga Malchevska, Correspondent at BBC News, considers how the war is being covered across Eastern Europe.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Ozgur Cevik Sound: Allyson Purcell-Davis

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 25:06


    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 Trump to talk up his achievements one year back in office - and lay out his vision for the year ahead. What do we expect to see – and what surprises could pop up? 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.uk Senior Producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: Amrit Cheema Executive Producer: Anna Holford

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 26:28


    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of the transatlantic alliance, explores whether the Iranian regime can survive, and looks at the consequences of the repeal of key environmental regulations in the United States.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 22:58


    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, and the themes of his new book. Freston reflects on MTV's early days, creative risk‑taking, and what he has learned from decades shaping the media industry. Presenter Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 25:18


    Can President Trump keep Republican lawmakers on side? Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look back at a week where we saw Congress push back against President Trump on key issues like the Epstein files, ICE presence in Minneapolis - and his tariffs. It wasn't just from Democrats - some Republicans are speaking out against the President. 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.uk Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: Joe O'Brien Executive producer: Anna Holford

    Unspun World: Who is in control of Gaza now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 26:28


    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores who is actually governing Gaza at the moment, analyses the landslide election victory for Japan's prime minister Sanae Takaichi, and looks at a landmark trial in the US that will determine whether social media giants are responsible for harming children.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    The Media Show: Bonfire of the Murdochs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 22:58


    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's long-standing influence in British newspapers and the role of Fox News in American politics. Gabriel Sherman, author of Bonfire of the Murdochs, sets out the background to the succession battle and the company's direction under Lachlan Murdoch.A week of intense reporting on Sir Keir Starmer has led to debate about the role of political journalism in the UK. Some commentators have argued that reporting may have fuelled the sense of crisis which followed further revelations in the Epstein files. Simon Nixon, author of the Wealth of Nations newsletter, and Catherine Neilan, Whitehall editor at The Observer, debate how political reporting works.The Washington Post has announced around 300 job losses, cutting roughly a third of its newsroom. Some sections, including sport, have closed and foreign reporting has been reduced. The changes have prompted concern about the paper's future and about pressures facing major news organisations. Marissa Lang, former Enterprise reporter at The Washington Post and member of The Washington Post Guild bargaining committee, and Cameron Barr, former senior managing editor of the paper and now Investigations editor at Mill Media, describe the impact of the cuts and the wider challenges for the industry.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Dan Hardoon Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound engineer: Jack Wilfan Technical co-ordinator: Akik Rahman

    The Media Show: The Epstein files

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 22:58


    The latest batch of documents linked to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been released by the US Department of Justice. There are millions of files for journalists to go through, and coverage has focused on what they reveal and how responsibly they can be reported, particularly when powerful figures are named. Journalists Tina Brown and Jim Pickard talk about how the material is being handled and the pressures on newsrooms.NASA has postponed its planned Artemis II mission to the Moon at the last minute after a technical issue during rehearsals. For space journalists, major launches are among the biggest stories of the year, but delays are common and difficult to plan for. BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle and astrophysicist Professor Chris Lintott reflect on the challenges of covering space missions when plans change.This programme was edited on 05/02/2026.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Emily Channon Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Ozgur Cevik Sound: Allyson Purcell-Davis

    The President's Path: Epstein files

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 24:54


    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, Caitríona Perry, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian look at the ongoing pressure on Donald Trump's administration over the handling of the release of more Epstein files. They also discuss the announcement of a new trade deal with India – and President Trump's calls to Republicans to nationalise the vote. 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.uk Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: Anna Holford Executive producer: Anna Holford

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 26:28


    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the dangers facing the Iranian clerical regime, explores whether peace talks on the war in Ukraine can succeed, and analyses who is actually governing Venezuela.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    The President's Path: Minneapolis unrest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 25:31


    Minneapolis unrest deepens as protests spread after Alex Pretti killing. Donald Trump signals plans to de-escalate as protests and political tensions mount. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Fin Gómez and Bernd Debusmann look at how Donald Trump's administration is handling the unrest in Minneapolis. 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.uk Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko Editor: Silvia Costeloe Executive producer: Anna Holford

    Unspun World: Is Europe toughening its stance on Trump?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 26:28


    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the relationship between the EU and the United States after the row over Greenland, explores how the UK is trying to improve ties with China, and looks at the challenges facing the first female head of the Anglican Church.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    The Media Show: Netflix's skyscraper live stunt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 22:58


    The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during ICE operations in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of how events are recorded and reported, as video filmed by members of the public becomes central to news coverage. Meg Anderson, correspondent at NPR, outlines the challenge for reporters on the ground.Algorithms are in the news. Elon Musk says he will "open-source" the algorithms that power X. Instagram has recently started giving some users more control over what its algorithm recommends. And “the secret sauce” that powers TikTok has been part of the discussion this month as the company sells its US operations. James Ball, political editor at The New World, explains their fascination.Netflix's live broadcast of free solo climber Alex Honnold scaling a skyscraper in Taiwan has raised ethical questions about risk. Vicky Jessop, commissioning editor and culture writer at The Evening Standard, considers what the event tells us about the future of television.Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Laura Cain Researcher: Phil Hawkins Technical co-ordinator: Akik Rahman Sound engineer: Robin Schroder

    The Evidence: Anaesthesia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 49:25


    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 the world, more than 250 million people receive surgery requiring anaesthesia each year. But there are still plenty of unknowns. What happens to our brains and our consciousness when we're put to sleep? Why do so many people around the world still not have access to safe anaesthesia? And could the colour of your hair affect how much anaesthesia you need?In front of a live audience at Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia is joined on stage by Dr Kevin Fong, a consultant anaesthetist at University College London Hospitals and professor of public engagement and innovation at University College London; Jennifer Hunter, emeritus professor of anaesthesia and senior research fellow at the University of Liverpool; Emmanuel Stamatakis, professor of neuroscience at the University of Cambridge studying the science of consciousness; and Bruce Biccard, professor of anaesthetic science at the University of Oxford and author of the book Safer Surgery for Africa: Challenges and Solutions.Producer: Dan Welsh Editor: Martin Smith Production coordinator: Stuart Laws Sound engineers: Emma Harth and Steve Greenwood

    The President's Path: US-Europe breakup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 25:27


    Davos 2026 discussions underscore strains in US-Europe relations, as trade and security differences resurface and Donald Trump's influence shapes debate over the future of transatlantic cooperation. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine whether President Trump is driving a breakup with Europe. 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 a path@bbc.co.uk Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive producer: Anna Holford

    Unspun World: Trump's return, one year on

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2026 26:29


    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 second term, analyses the repercussions of the uprising against the clerical establishment in Iran, and explores whether a new blood test could transform the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

    The Media Show: The battle for brand Beckham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 22:58


    A public statement by Brooklyn Beckham has prompted extensive media coverage and online debate about how celebrity families manage press narratives. Katie Razzall is joined by Simon Boyle, former executive showbiz editor at The Sun, and Alexandra Shulman, former editor of British Vogue.Donald Trump's demands about Greenland have triggered an international crisis, with journalists tracking his statements made through official channels and on social media. Elisabet Svane, political analyst at Politiken, and Michael Birnbaum, White House reporter for The Washington Post, discuss their approach to the story.As the UK considers restrictions on children using social media, Australia's recent ban on accounts for children under 16 has become a reference point in media coverage. The Australian experience is explained by Bronte Gossling, reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Phil Hawkins Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Robin Schroder

    The President's Path: Trump's world domination

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 25:28


    Trump orders fresh sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials accused of directing the violent suppression of protests, while European allies deploy troops to Greenland amid rising tensions over renewed US territorial claims. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at Trump's fresh sanctions on Iran and European troops deploying to Greenland. 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.uk Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive producer: Anna Holford

    The Media Show: Iran protests and international coverage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 22:58


    Ongoing protests in Iran have prompted scrutiny of how international media organisations report events in a highly restricted environment, with criticism focused on prominence and framing of coverage. Behrang Tajdin of BBC Persian and Lyse Doucet, the BBC's chief international correspondent, set out the editorial constraints and considerations involved.The film Hamnet has opened in UK cinemas following major awards recognition, drawing attention to how producers identify and secure projects at an early stage. Liza Marshall of Hera Pictures describes how she acquired the rights to a story that's now the toast of Hollywood.Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai

    The President's Path: After Venezuela, what next for Trump?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 24:53


    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, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at the US operation that seized the President of Venezuela. 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 is on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.ukSenior Producer: Oksana Kundirenko Executive Producer: Anna Holford

    The Media Show: Reporting the Venezuela operation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 22:58


    Reports that major US newspapers delayed publishing details of the US raid in Venezuela have prompted renewed scrutiny of how journalists handle sensitive national security information. The decision by the New York Times and the Washington Post followed warnings from the White House that publication could endanger American troops, raising questions about press freedom, editorial independence and ethical responsibility. Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, outlines how the story emerged.Debate over the US coverage has drawn attention to how similar situations are handled in the UK, where defence reporting operates under a voluntary advisory system. The Defence and Security Media Advisory Committee issues guidance intended to prevent the publication of material that could risk lives or compromise operations, while preserving press freedom. Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds OBE, Secretary of the DSMA Committee, and Larisa Brown, Defence Editor at The Times, discuss how the system works. A ballot by the actors union Equity has found overwhelming support for industrial action over digital scanning of actors. Paul Fleming, General Secretary of Equity, sets out why the union is pressing producers for stronger protections as AI tools become more widespread.

    The Media Show: How to Make a Hit TV Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 22:58


    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 Media Show, four of the UK's top creatives in unscripted television reveal their secrets. From The Traitors to Pointless, Hunted to Gogglebox, they discuss what makes a hit format, how casting decisions are made, how streamers and influencers are changing the landscape, and where the next big hit might come from. With Tim Harcourt, Chief Creative Officer, Studio Lambert; Matt Bennett, Director of Programmes, Shine Television; Tamara Gilder, Joint MD, Remarkable Entertainment; Art Sejdiu, Head of Commissioning Development, Channel Four.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Dan Hardoon Content producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites

    The President's Path: Year in review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2025 49:04


    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 Courtney Subramanian discuss the moments that stood out to them in 2025. 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.uk Senior Producer: Aisling Taylor Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive Producer: Anna Holford

    The Media Show: Meet The Tech Bros

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 22:58


    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 extraordinary level of influence over the future of society. The Media Show profiles four of them: Mike Isaac from The New York Times explains the rise of Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI; Lauren Goode from Wired outlines the power and beliefs of venture capitalist Marc Andreessen; Stephen Witt, biographer of Jensen Huang, describes how the Nvidia boss has built the chips powering modern AI; and Richard Spencer of The Times reports on DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng, whose work has challenged the dominance of US tech companies.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Content Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites

    The President's Path: Maga coalition cracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 25:17


    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 the Maga coalition's internal divides signal for Trump's leadership.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: Oksana Kundirenko Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive Producer: Anna Holford

    The Media Show: Reporting the Bondi beach attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 22:58


    A mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah event created major challenges for journalists trying to confirm fast-moving details. Newsrooms had to decide how to describe the attack, when to name suspects and how to treat unverified online posts. Jacqueline Maley, senior writer at the Sydney Morning Herald, explains the decisions behind early reporting and the influence of social media. The UK government has begun a consultation on BBC charter renewal, which will shape the organisation from 2028. It raises questions about how the BBC is governed, how it supports producers across the UK and how it might be funded in the future. Options include subscription models, advertising and changes to licence fee income. Alex Farber, media correspondent at The Times, outlines what is being considered. In Florida, Donald Trump has filed a defamation case against the BBC over an edited sequence in the Panorama documentary which triggered the resignation of the corporation's Director General and its CEO of News. Stuart M Benjamin, professor of law at Duke University, sets out the legal issues. Short, vertical micro dramas are becoming a major part of China's entertainment industry, with revenues expected to exceed cinema box office figures. The format is spreading to other regions through low-cost, rapid production and app-based viewing. Mengchen Zhang from the BBC's Global China Unit describes the trend in China, while Clare Thompson, non-executive director at K7 Media, outlines its international growth.Presenters: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites

    The President's Path: Affordability

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 25:19


    Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at how President Trump is tackling affordability and the cost of living for Americans. 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.uk Senior producer: Jack Surfleet Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive producer: Anna Holford

    The Media Show: Netflix's Hollywood takeover drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 22:59


    Netflix's agreement to buy Warner Bros Discovery has triggered an immediate hostile counter-bid from Paramount, intensifying concerns within Hollywood about consolidation and streaming dominance. Natalie Jarvey, senior correspondent at The Ankler, and Dade Hayes, business editor at Deadline, assess why Warner Bros are in demand and what the takeover could mean for viewers. Five broadcasters have now withdrawn from next year's Eurovision Song Contest in protest at Israel's participation. BBC Music reporter Mark Savage explains the latest developments. Meta is reducing its investment in virtual-reality projects and directing greater resources into AI. The metaverse was once Mark Zuckerberg's vision for the future of the company. Alex Hern, AI correspondent at The Economist, and Charlotte Henry, author of Streaming Wars, outline the implications.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Chris Brown Sound: Sarah Kimberley

    The President's Path: The health of healthcare

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 25:33


    Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at how RFK Jr is shaping US health policy in President Trump's second term. 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.uk Senior producer: Jack Surfleet Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive producer: Anna Holford

    The Media Show: Manchester's YouTube problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 22:59


    The Mayor of Greater Manchester has accused vloggers of provoking vulnerable people to generate online views, with a particular focus on the city's Piccadilly Gardens. Sarah Lester, editor of the Manchester Evening News, and Charlotte Dewar, chief executive of the Independent Press Standards Organisation, discuss the issues.A new investigation suggests widespread use of illicit streaming devices and apps now threatens the financial viability of the Premier League's TV deals. Adam Leventhal, senior writer at The Athletic, and Minal Modha, head of sport media rights at Ampere Analysis, assess the scale of the trend.Netflix's expanding interest in podcast-style formats has led them to sign a deal with Gary Lineker's The Rest Is Football show. Nick Hilton, co-founder of Podot, explains why podcasts are becoming strategically important for the streamer.Plus, Ian Hislop reflects on another year as editor of Private Eye, and discusses his magazine's approach to journalism and satire.Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Allyson Purcell-Davis Production co-ordinator: Ruth Waites Technical co-ordinator: Ozgur Cevik

    The President's Path: Trump v California

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 24:12


    Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at how US President Donald Trump is challenging the state of California, and how its governor, Gavin Newsom, is returning the favour. 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.uk

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 22:58


    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 Culture Media and Sport Committee, and Lionel Barber, Former Editor of The Financial Times discuss the implications. Also on the show, Dr Alice Enders of Enders Analysis explains why The Telegraph has been sold to the owners of the Daily Mail in a £500m deal. And CNN correspondent Donie O'Sullivan on his new documentary investigating why claims about white farmers in South Africa continue to circulate in US politicsProducer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Craig Johnson Sound: Robin Schroder

    The President's Path: Redistricting

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 25:18


    Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at how the Republicans and Democrats are using redistricting as a tool, and how it could affect the political geography of the US. 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.uk Producer: Jack Surfleet Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive Producer: Anna Holford

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 22:58


    A new Netflix documentary captures Ed Sheeran performing live across New York in a single continuous take. Its executive producer, Ben Winston, reveals how the show – One Shot – was made, and discusses some of his company's other TV hits including Carpool Karaoke. Also on the show, as Donald Trump vows to take the BBC to court, where might the corporation go next as the crisis at the top continues. With Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor of The Sunday Times, Baroness Tina Stowell, Former Chair of the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee, Phil Riley of Boom Radio and Jordan Schwarzenberger of Arcade Media.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Martha Owen Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Ozgur Cevik Sound: Dafydd Evans

    The President's Path: US-Venezuela boat strikes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 25:29


    Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at the latest US strikes on Venezuelan vessels and what it could mean for future relations between the two countries. 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.uk Producer: Jack Surfleet Compliance editor: Anna Holford Executive Producer: Anna Holford

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 26:28


    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 city of Pokrovsk, explores how difficult it will be to rebuild Gaza, and looks at how quantum computing could change the way we solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 22:58


    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 bias and raising concerns over decision-making and governance. The Media Show is joined by a panel of insiders and commentators to assess where the BBC goes next. With former BBC communications chief John Shield, former BBC News executive Jamie Angus, journalist Jane Martinson, columnist Tim Montgomerie and Tina Brown, former editor of Vanity Fair.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant producer: Martha Owen Production co-ordinator: Ruth Waites Technical co-ordinator: James Cherry Sound engineer: Mike Campbell

    The President's Path: Elections fallout

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 26:31


    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, Courtney Subramanian and Sumi Somaskanda look at the success of Zorhan Mamdani, Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill in the 2025 elections, and what it could mean for the future of the Democrats and Republicans in the midterms. 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.uk Producer: Jack Surfleet Editor: Silvia Costeloe Executive Producer: Anna Holford

    Unspun World: War-weariness in Russia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 26:29


    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 for the Kremlin, examines the government shutdown in the United States, and analyses whether there will be any effective action from the upcoming climate conference in Brazil.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski

    The Media Show: Lessons from Top Gear

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 22:59


    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 Adventure – he reflects on his career and working with the famous trio of Clarkson, Hammond and May. Mishal Husain has left the BBC after twenty-six years to start a new chapter at Bloomberg. She talks about her time on major stories and how moving to a new newsroom has changed her work. As Celebrity Traitors reaches its finale in the UK, the show's executive producer, Mike Cotton, reveals what goes on behind the scenes and how he's keeping the result a secret.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Lois Wheeler Technical Coordinator: Ozgur Cevik Sound: Chris Ablakwa

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