The Explanation

BBC World Service
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The Explanation is a snackable audio guide giving you the backstory behind the headlines. In each episode, presenter Claire Graham meets a BBC News correspondent who has lived and breathed these stories. She’ll hear clear analysis along with powerful archive. The Explanation will go back in time to unpack complex chains of events and will make the stories in question easier to understand.

  1. The President’s Path: Trump's Troubles

    3 DAYS AGO

    The President’s Path: Trump's Troubles

    Trump enters a new political season as Congress returns from its summer recess. Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry, and Courtney Subramanian look at challenges to his agenda. Every Friday, 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: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Adrian Chiculita

    25 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    The Media Show: France’s political crisis

    France’s Prime Minister, François Bayrou, has called a parliamentary confidence vote after his proposals to abolish two public holidays triggered widespread opposition. The unrest has coincided with the emergence of a grassroots movement, ‘Bloquons Tout’, which began on messaging apps and is now pushing its message through social media. BBC News Paris Correspondent Hugh Schofield assesses how French media outlets are reporting the crisis, while Paola Sedda, associate professor of Information and Communication Sciences at the University of Lille, examines the protesters’ tactics and their uneasy relationship with journalists. American Vogue has appointed Chloe Malle as its new head of editorial content, with Anna Wintour remaining in a senior role at Condé Nast. Michael Grynbaum, media correspondent at The New York Times, explains what the change signals for the future of glossy magazines. And a new book revisits the career of George Ward Price, the Daily Mail correspondent who became known for his extraordinary access to Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. Historian Richard Evans, author of Interviewing Hitler, tells his story. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Rosie Strawbridge Technical Coordinator: Craig Johnson Sound: Mike Campbell

    23 min
  3. The President’s Path: Trump’s law and order

    29 AUG

    The President’s Path: Trump’s law and order

    Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington DC draws equal parts praise and concern. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Courtney Subramanian examine crime data, community reactions, and the politics behind the move. Every Friday, 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: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Adrian Chiculita

    25 min

  4. 28 AUG

    The Media Show: The mystery freelancer

    A number of publications, including Wired and Business Insider, have withdrawn articles initially attributed to a freelance journalist named Margaux Blanchard. Press Gazette first reported the concerns after an editor flagged a suspicious pitch. The true identity of the writer and whether AI authored the pieces remain unclear. Jacob Furedi, editor of Dispatch, and Dr Glenda Cooper, Head of Journalism at City St George’s, University of London, discuss. The new football season arrives alongside changes in coverage. Two YouTube channels - The Overlap and That’s Football - have secured live UK rights to show some Bundesliga matches. Minal Modha, Head of Sport Media Rights at Ampere Analysis, explains the strategy. Graham Scott, columnist at Telegraph Sport, on pivoting to journalism from his previous role as a Premier League referee. Parenthood is the latest BBC wildlife series narrated by David Attenborough. It was filmed across 23 countries and six continents, following how animals raise their young. Jeff Wilson, series producer and director at Silverback Films, reveals how it was made. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant producer: Martha Owen Production co-ordinator: Ruth Waites Sound: Holly Palmer Technical co-ordinator: James Cherry

    23 min

  5. 22 AUG

    The President’s Path: Trump the peacemaker?

    Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for ending several international conflicts and continues to present himself as a global peacemaker. Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr examine the president's efforts to broker deals in Ukraine and Gaza, his broader foreign policy approach, and how these initiatives align with his stated ambition to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. Every Friday, 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.uk

    25 min

  6. 21 AUG

    The Media Show: Trump, Zelensky and the cameras

    Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington for talks with Donald Trump and other European leaders. The timing coincided with Anushka Asthana’s first day as US editor for Channel 4 News, who describes her early impressions of covering the American political landscape. Meanwhile, independent Russian broadcaster TV Rain, operating in exile from Amsterdam, also reported intensively on the Washington meetings. Ekaterina Kotrikadze, news director and anchor, TV Rain, explains how the organisation continues to reach audiences under pressure of censorship and surveillance. The Edinburgh TV Festival has been taking place this week, and brings together industry voices to assess the future of television in the UK and beyond. Camilla Lewis, creative director, Curve Media, and Matt Belloni, co-founder, Puck, provide their perspectives on where money, audiences and creative opportunities are moving. Hedge fund Hunterbrook is experimenting with an unusual model for the news business: publishing investigative journalism while also using its findings to guide investment decisions. Sam Koppelman, co-founder, Hunterbrook, outlines how the company separates editorial and financial operations while aiming to sustain investigative reporting. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producers: Lucy Wai and Martha Owen

    23 min
  7. The President’s Path: Trump’s Latino base

    15 AUG

    The President’s Path: Trump’s Latino base

    Donald Trump will not be on the ballot in next year’s midterm elections, but his policies will be put to the electoral test. On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr explore how the President’s latest actions on immigration and economy could shape Latino voter behaviour in the 2026 midterms. Every Friday, 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: John Ringer Editor: Adrian Chiculita

    25 min

  8. 14 AUG

    The Media Show: Interview of an AI avatar

    Four Al Jazeera journalists and two freelance journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, prompting renewed scrutiny of press freedoms and the treatment of reporters in conflict zones. Israel claims one of the journalists, Anas al-Sharif, was affiliated with Hamas. Media rights groups have rejected the allegation, and questions remain about access restrictions and the role of freelancers. Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Oren Persico, staff writer at Israeli outlet Seventh Eye discuss the risks and constraints facing journalists in Gaza and how the story is framed in Israeli media. An AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a teenager killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has been interviewed by the former CNN anchor Jim Acosta. The avatar was created by Joaquin’s parents to raise awareness about gun violence. Manuel Oliver, co-founder of Change the Ref, and Claire Leibowicz, Head of the AI and Media Integrity Program at the Partnership on AI, explain how the avatar was made and the editorial implications of using avatars in journalism. The i Paper’s housing correspondent Vicky Spratt broke the story that led to the resignation of a UK government minister – a story which came from her social media platform. She reflects on how digital platforms have changed the way journalists can source and share their work. Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Dan Hardoon Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Sarlota Hadroj Touzimska

    23 min
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About

The Explanation is a snackable audio guide giving you the backstory behind the headlines. In each episode, presenter Claire Graham meets a BBC News correspondent who has lived and breathed these stories. She’ll hear clear analysis along with powerful archive. The Explanation will go back in time to unpack complex chains of events and will make the stories in question easier to understand.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC World Service
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    The Explanation

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