The Explanation

BBC World Service
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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. 15 HR AGO

    The Media Show: How far should reporters go with AI?

    Artificial intelligence is starting to change how some journalists work, as newsrooms test whether it can help produce more content. One reporter says AI is now helping him write more than 600 articles a year. Nick Lichtenberg, Business Editor at Fortune, Jane Martinson, Professor of Financial Journalism, City, University of London, and Max Goldbart, International TV Co-Editor, Deadline, discuss the pros and cons of letting AI into the newsroom. Two major court cases in the United States have put fresh attention on social media and its impact on young users. In Los Angeles, a jury found Meta and Google liable after deciding their platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive. In New Mexico, Meta was ordered to pay damages over claims it misled users about child safety. Lily Jamali, BBC North America Technology Correspondent, outlines developments from Silicon Valley, and Aza Raskin, co-founder of the Centre for Humane Technology, reflects on the design of features such as infinite scroll. In the UK, new research is being developed to understand how social media affects teenagers. A large study involving thousands of students will test limits on usage, alongside a government-backed pilot looking at restrictions for under-16s. Professor Amy Orben, psychologist at the University of Cambridge, explains how the research will work and what it aims to measure. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Mark Pickett

    23 min
  2. The President's Path: Is the US fighting two wars against Iran?

    6 DAYS AGO

    The President's Path: Is the US fighting two wars against Iran?

    Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how US-Israel strikes on Iran have developed into an economic conflict, too – a battle over energy, with a small body of water right at the centre. 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

    25 min
  3. Unspun World: US pauses strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure

    6 DAYS AGO

    Unspun World: US pauses strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure

    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump’s decision to call a halt to US attacks against Iran’s power plants, examines what the future might hold for the Iranian people, and explores the significance of the first manned journey to the Moon in half a century. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    26 min

  4. 26 MAR

    The Media Show: Cold-calling Trump

    Donald Trump’s phone number is apparently not impossible to come by – but there’s also a strategy as to what time of day to call. Edward Luce of the Financial Times and Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, discuss tactics. Matt Brittin has been appointed as the BBC’s new Director General, following a long career at Google where he led operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Alex Farber, Media Correspondent at The Times, gives his assessment. A new BBC podcast, Everything is Fake (and Nobody Cares), addresses questions around misinformation and shifting audience trust in the world around us. Presenter Jamie Bartlett outlines the themes behind the project. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Emily Channon Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Sarah Kimberley

    23 min
  5. The President's Path: Trump slams allies over Iran war help

    20 MAR

    The President's Path: Trump slams allies over Iran war help

    Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the impact the US-Israel war with Iran is having on ties with some of Washington’s closest global allies. Nato countries say it’s not their war – and some Gulf states are dealing with the realities of being dragged into a conflict they did not start. With no sign of fighting easing, where does this leave President Trump in the world? 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

    25 min
  6. Unspun World: How is the Iran war impacting the global economy?

    20 MAR

    Unspun World: How is the Iran war impacting the global economy?

    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the economic effects of the war in the Middle East, explores how the conflict is actually helping Russia, and looks at how the escalating tensions between Hungary and Ukraine might affect the upcoming elections in Hungary. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    26 min

  7. 19 MAR

    The Media Show: Reporting from Inside Iran

    A small number of international journalists have been allowed into Iran following the start of conflict involving the US and Israel. CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen describes his experience. The 98th Academy Awards took place as viewing figures continue to fall and the film industry faces wider change. Tom Brook, Correspondent, BBC News, and Katey Rich, Awards Editor, The Ankler, outline changes in awards coverage and the relationship between Hollywood and the media. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Laura Cain Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Jack Wilfan Technical Coordinator: Margot Campanaro

    23 min
  8. The President's Path: Trump’s mixed messages over war on Iran

    13 MAR

    The President's Path: Trump’s mixed messages over war on Iran

    Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the latest on the US-Israel war with Iran. They take stock of the Trump administration’s changing messaging on timelines, and unpack the broader consequences we’re seeing - with the Gulf region brought into the conflict, and the knock-on effects on energy with the disruption to a key shipping route: the Strait of Hormuz. 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
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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
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2026
  • Show Website
    The Explanation

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