The Explanation

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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.

  1. 10 HR AGO

    The Media Show: Bonfire of the Murdochs

    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

    23 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    The Media Show: The Epstein files

    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

    23 min
  3. The President’s Path: Epstein files

    6 DAYS AGO

    The President’s Path: Epstein files

    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

    25 min
  4. Unspun World: Is time running out for Iran's supreme leader?

    6 DAYS AGO

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

    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

    26 min
  5. The President’s Path: Minneapolis unrest

    30 JAN

    The President’s Path: Minneapolis unrest

    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

    26 min
  6. Unspun World: Is Europe toughening its stance on Trump?

    30 JAN

    Unspun World: Is Europe toughening its stance on Trump?

    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

    26 min

  7. 29 JAN

    The Media Show: Netflix’s skyscraper live stunt

    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

    23 min

  8. 24 JAN

    The Evidence: Anaesthesia

    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

    49 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC World Service
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    280
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    The Explanation

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