Podcast
The Explanation
Hosted by BBC World Service · EN
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.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The President's Path: The costs of the Iran war
6d ago00:24:54Tap to summarizeCaitriona Perry, Bernd Debusmann and CBS News' Fin Gomez look at how the Iran War is causing consumers to feel the pinch at the gas pump and the supermarket. They also take a closer look at this week's Texas primaries. Click here to subscribe to our channel: https://bbc.in/3VyyriM 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: Emer McCarthy Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
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Unspun World: Is the US preparing to invade Cuba?
6d ago00:26:27Tap to summarizeJohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the possibility of the US forcing regime change in Cuba, examines the effect of the war in Ukraine on Vladimir Putin’s standing in Russia, and looks at the increasing popularity of prediction markets. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
Transcribe →The Media Show: The French Rupert Murdoch
1w ago00:22:58Tap to summarizeMore than 600 actors, writers and directors have signed a letter raising concerns about the influence of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré over the country’s media and entertainment industry. James Waterhouse, Paris correspondent for BBC News, reports on the reaction from the film industry and the response from Bolloré-linked companies. Michael Grade is one of the best-known figures in British television. He has held senior roles at the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and until recently was chair of Ofcom, the UK’s media regulator. Following his departure from the role, he reflects on his own career and the future of the television industry.The Society of Editors says some local newspapers in the UK are struggling to get access to councillors and council leaders. Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society of Editors, outlines concerns raised by regional editors. Oliver Rouane-Williams, founder and editor of Ipswich.co.uk, and Michael Hadwen, leader of Suffolk County Council, respond to questions about local media access in Suffolk.High temperatures across parts of England and Wales have led to widespread coverage of the recent heatwave. The reporting has renewed debate about how broadcasters and newspapers talk about climate change and extreme weather. Laura Tobin, weather presenter for ITV, reflects on her approach.Production team: Presenter: Katie Razzall Producers: Lucy Wai and Lisa Jenkinson Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Chris Brown Sound: Volodymyr Muzyczka
Transcribe →The President's Path: Trump pivots to Cuba
2w ago00:24:59Tap to summarizeCaitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at why President Trump — just back from China — is suddenly turning his attention to Cuba. The Department of Justice has indicted former Cuban president Raúl Castro, the CIA director has flown to Havana for the first time in modern memory, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making the case for action 90 miles off the US coast. But with polls showing Trump's worst approval ratings of either term, gas prices biting swing voters, and an expensive primary "revenge tour" targeting Republicans who crossed him, is the Cuba pivot the win the White House is hoping for — or another distraction from the issues that will decide 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
Transcribe →Unspun World: Are US-China relations at a turning point?
2w ago00:26:28Tap to summarizeJohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether there has been a significant shift in the relationship between the United States and China, examines the long-term political turmoil in the United Kingdom, and looks at the psychological impact of artificial intelligence.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
Transcribe →The Media Show: Filming inside El Salvador’s mega-prison
2w ago00:22:58Tap to summarizeA Channel 5 documentary filmed inside El Salvador’s Cecot prison has drawn attention to the country’s tough approach to gang crime and the questions around filming in tightly controlled places. The prison holds thousands of suspected gang members and has become a powerful symbol of President Nayib Bukele’s security policies. Richard Madeley describes the strict conditions faced by the first British production team allowed inside, when filming Inside the World's Mega Prison.Matt Brittin has this week started work as BBC Director General. He joins the corporation at a time of financial pressure, changing viewing habits and growing debate about the power of technology companies. Matt Brittin joins The Media Show to set out his early priorities. Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor at The Sunday Times, gives her assessment.Allegations linked to Channel 4’s Married at First Sight have raised new concerns about welfare standards in reality television after a BBC Panorama investigation reported claims from former participants. Channel 4 has ordered an external review and removed all ten series from streaming while political and regulatory questions continue. Noor Nanji, Culture Correspondent at the BBC, outlines her reporting behind the investigation.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Volodymyr Muzyczka
Transcribe →The President's Path: Trump in China
3w ago00:25:06Tap to summarizeCaitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at President Trump's trip to China. A lot of people in both the Republican and Democratic parties don't want a deal with China. Many see China as a danger to America's national security. But for President Trump, a deal with China could mean a boost to the US economy and a chance to Make America Great Again. Can he pull it off and keep his supporters happy?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: Clare Casey Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
Transcribe →Unspun World: Why can’t the US and Iran reach a peace deal?
3w ago00:26:28Tap to summarizeJohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what is preventing the United States and Iran from reaching an agreement to end their conflict, examines the global economic impact of the confrontation, and looks at the growing threat from jihadists in West Africa. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
Transcribe →The Media Show: Wrestling with Trump
3w ago00:22:58Tap to summarizeMunya Chawawa found viral fame during the lockdown for his satirical videos on social media. Now he has a new Channel 4 documentary, Wrestling with Trump, which looks at the links between professional wrestling and the MAGA movement.Restrictions on prisoners in the UK speaking to journalists are in focus after The Guardian was told Jeremy Bamber can no longer exchange letters or phone calls with journalists. Bamber was convicted in 1986 of murdering his adoptive family and is serving life in prison. Simon Hattenstone, feature writer at The Guardian, and Emily Bolton, defence lawyer and founder of Objection, set out the issues.The top parenting influencers, often dubbed as “momfluencers”, can earn millions. The phenomena is the subject of a new book, Like, Follow, Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online. Author, Fortesa Latifi, and Jasmine McInnes, family and travel influencer, discuss the world of “sharenting”. Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Syd Dundon
Transcribe →The President's Path: Trump’s midterm messaging
4w ago00:24:49Tap to summarizeSumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Fin Gomez talk about the ongoing war in Iran and the upcoming midterm elections. Trump's presidential approval rating has been steadily declining in recent months, with polls hitting some of his lowest numbers of the term this week. With concerns over the ongoing war in Iran and rising costs at home, will the president hit the campaign trail to boost support - and will it be enough? 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: Clare Casey Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
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