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.
61episodes
Episodes
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The President's Path: US-Iran conflict reignites
Jul 1000:16:03Tap to summarizeSumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann examine the renewed fighting between the US and Iran, and the potential political implications for Americans and President Trump’s political future. 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: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
Transcribe →The Media Show: Farage's fight with the Media
Jul 900:22:58Tap to summarizeNigel Farage has accused parts of the British media of mounting a politically motivated campaign against him after reports about his financial interests prompted an investigation by Parliament's Standards Commissioner. Gabriel Pogrund, editor of the Insight investigations team at The Sunday Times, outlines the reporting behind their story, while journalist Michael Crick and Brendan O'Neill of Spiked discuss the political and journalistic issues.A High Court judgement has dismissed all claims brought by Prince Harry and six other claimants against Associated Newspapers over allegations that journalists used unlawful methods to obtain information. The ruling marks a significant moment in the long-running legal and political legacy of Britain's phone-hacking and press intrusion scandals. Susan Aslan, media lawyer, outlines the legal significance of the judgement. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Tim Bano Content producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical co-ordinator: Mark Dickins Sound engineer: Sarlota Hadroj Touzimska
Transcribe →The President's Path: America at 250
Jul 300:24:31Tap to summarizeSumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann reflect on where America is at, 250 years in. The team discusses a visit to the Great American State Fair in Washington DC, gauges the mood with the latest polling, and evaluates what the American dream means as we look ahead to the future.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: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive Producer: Anna Holford
Transcribe →The Media Show: The Murray brothers' media game
Jul 200:22:59Tap to summarizeWimbledon is under way and some of the sport's biggest names are increasingly becoming media businesses in their own right. Jamie Murray has joined the BBC's Wimbledon coverage as an analysis expert while launching a new YouTube channel, The Set, with his brother Andy. Jamie Murray explains why they decided to create their own platform, and Catherine Whitaker, co-host of The Tennis Podcast, looks at what more player-led media means for broadcasters and sports journalism.Netflix has added two more seasons of the Russian children's cartoon Masha and the Bear, prompting criticism from Ukraine. The country's Centre for Countering Disinformation says the programme is a form of Russian soft power, while its producers have previously said they receive no funding from the Russian state. Oleksandra Zhylina, a master's student at Charles University specialising in propaganda and disinformation, outlines the concerns. Clare Denning, Russia specialist at BBC Monitoring, explains why the debate has grown.More journalists are leaving traditional news organisations to build their own subscription businesses. Lachlan Cartwright has reported for the New York Post, Vanity Fair and The Hollywood Reporter before launching Breaker Media. Lachlan Cartwright explains why he went independent and how he is building a media business around exclusive reporting.This audio was edited on 2 July to add: “Since the programme was recorded, a spokesperson for the producers of Masha and the Bear has been quoted in news coverage as saying that their client ‘categorically rejects the false and defamatory suggestion that Masha and the Bear is associated with propaganda’.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Tim Bano Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman Sound: Robin Schroder
Transcribe →The President's Path: Has Trump taken over America’s big birthday?
Jun 2600:25:22Tap to summarizeSumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann look at the preparations and events to mark America’s 250th anniversary. As the country looks to the big day, there are questions around just who is throwing the party – and what this milestone looks like, in the context of big current political divisions. 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: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
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Unspun World: Has Britain become ungovernable?
Jun 2600:26:29Tap to summarizeJohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the factors behind the latest resignation of a British prime minister, explores the state of US politics and society on the eve of the country’s 250th birthday, and analyses the results of the Colombian presidential election.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
Transcribe →The Media Show: How Shop workers became content
Jun 2500:22:58Tap to summarizeThe shop workers union USDAW says the filming of retail staff by customers for social media has become increasingly common, with concerns about videos being uploaded without workers' consent. The issue is highlighted by the experience of a shop worker who appeared in content created by former television presenter Michael Barrymore, now a social media creator with millions of followers across TikTok and YouTube. Jayne Allport, National Officer at USDAW, outlines the union's concerns. The resignation of Sir Keir Starmer has intensified scrutiny of Labour's relationship with the media, with attention turning to Andy Burnham as a potential future leader. Burnham's years as Mayor of Greater Manchester have provided a public record of his dealings with journalists. Joshi Herrmann, founder and editor of The Mill, reflects on Burnham's approach to media engagement. Online romance fraud continues to affect victims around the world, with organised groups in Nigeria responsible for many high-profile scams. A new book traces the origins and evolution of the so-called Yahoo Boys, named after an early generation of fraudsters who relied on Yahoo email accounts. Carlos Barragán, a New York Times reporter, recounts his reporting from Lagos. BBC Radio 4 Long Wave closes this month, bringing to an end a century of long-wave broadcasting in the UK. The network's transmitters at Droitwich, Westerglen and Burghead are due to cease operation as listening habits continue to shift towards digital platforms. Jeffrey Borinsky, broadcasting historian, reflects on the history and legacy of Long Wave radio.Production team Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Apprentice researcher: Cameron Taylor Technical Coordinator: Luke Sweeney Sound: Mark Pickett
Transcribe →The President's Path: What did America actually win in the Iran deal?
Jun 1900:25:15Tap to summarizeCaitríona Perry is joined by White House reporter Bernd Buzman and CBS News political director Fin Gomez to unpack the memorandum of understanding with Iran, signed with a flourish by President Trump before G7 leaders at Versailles. With a 60-day clock now running toward bigger talks, they ask what America has actually gained — given the Strait of Hormuz was open and petrol cheaper before Operation Epic Fury began.The team digs into the unresolved nuclear question, the daunting task of diluting Iran's enriched uranium on a timeline that took the Obama administration 20 months, and the politics driving it all: JD Vance positioning himself as the face of the deal, midterm pressures and an uneasy MAGA base.They also weigh a renewed push on Ukraine, rumours swirling around Cuba, and a strikingly public rift between Trump and Netanyahu. Could the flashpoint in Lebanon yet unravel the whole Iran deal?
Transcribe →Unspun World: Winners and losers of the US-Iran agreement
Jun 1900:26:29Tap to summarizeJohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the new deal aimed at ending the war between the US and Iran, analyses Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, and looks at the worsening situation for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Transcribe →The Media Show: Citizen journalists at protests - reporting or activism?
Jun 1800:22:58Tap to summarizeFollowing the sentencing of 13 people for violent disorder during protests in Southampton, attention has turned to the role of content creators who film demonstrations and public disorder. The judge cited the usefulness of footage filmed by so-called “citizen journalists”. Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and content creator Wesley Winter give their perspective on the issue. The BBC has begun setting out changes as part of plans to deliver significant savings across the organisation. The measures include the closure of several programmes across radio and current affairs output, alongside wider reductions in staffing. Jonathan Munro, Global Director of BBC News, outlines the changes. Norma Percy has spent years getting to the heart of some of the biggest moments in recent history. Her documentaries have been celebrated for talking directly to the people who made the decisions. As the BBC airs her latest film - about Brexit - she reflects on her storied career and the future of documentary making.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producers: Lisa Jenkinson and Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Jack Sharp Sound: Rebecca Millar
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