The Explanation

BBC World Service
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  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 16 HR AGO

    The Media Show: Is Larry Ellison the new Rupert Murdoch?

    Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and one of the world’s richest men, is becoming a major force in media. His son David runs Skydance, which recently took over Paramount and is now interested in Warner Bros Discovery. Ellison is also linked to a bid for TikTok in the US. These moves raise questions about whether his wealth and political ties influence media ownership. James Warrington, Media and Telecoms Editor at The Telegraph, explains Ellison’s growing role in global media and the concerns around it. Ellison’s donations to Tony Blair’s Institute for Global Change and Oracle’s possible role in the UK’s digital ID plans have also drawn attention. Some online groups have connected these facts to conspiracy theories about governments wanting more control over people’s lives. Dr Matthew Sweet, broadcaster and cultural historian, explains how ideas like this can spread from small corners of the internet into mainstream news. US President Donald Trump recently posted and deleted an AI-generated video promoting “med beds,” a conspiracy theory claiming that secret technology can cure any illness. The idea started in QAnon groups during the pandemic and has spread across Facebook, YouTube and Telegram. Dr Robert Topinka, Senior Lecturer at Birkbeck University, describes how such claims grow online and why they sometimes reach powerful politicians. The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, a tradition in British sport since the 1800s, will no longer be shown on the BBC. Channel 4 has signed a five-year deal to broadcast the race starting in 2026. Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of the Boat Race Company, outlines why the deal was made, while Pete Andrews, Head of Sport at Channel 4, explains how the broadcaster hopes to develop the event. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Callum McLean

    23 min
  2. The President's Path: Silencing voices

    6 DAYS AGO

    The President's Path: Silencing voices

    From late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension to an unprecedented Pentagon memo - where is the line between criticism and censorship? On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyze how the Trump administration is taking on its critics and tries to control the narratives in the media. 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 Producer: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Adrian Chiculita

    25 min
  3. Unspun World: World leaders formally recognise Palestinian statehood

    6 DAYS AGO

    Unspun World: World leaders formally recognise Palestinian statehood

    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what effect the recognition of Palestine as a state might have, examines whether Syria is back in the international fold, and looks at the latest restrictions that the Taliban have introduced in Afghanistan. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    27 min

  4. 25 SEPT

    The Media Show: Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension

    In the US, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air after making remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The broadcasting regulator, the FCC, warned stations about continuing to air his show. Donald Trump supported the suspension, but Disney, which owns ABC, later decided to bring the show back. Brian Stelter, Chief Media Analyst at CNN, looks at what this means for the relationship between politicians, broadcasters and entertainers. A BBC investigation has revealed new details about how the government is using hotels to house migrants. The Home Secretary has ordered an urgent review after concerns were raised about taxis being used to move asylum seekers and the conditions inside the hotels, which are currently home to around 32,000 people. BBC journalist Sue Mitchell shares what she found while reporting inside the hotels and the difficulties of recording people’s experiences. A new ITV drama called The Hack tells the story of phone hacking by the News of the World, Rupert Murdoch’s tabloid newspaper, which subsequently shut down because of the scandal. Executive producer Patrick Spence explains the choices made when dramatising real events and his motivation. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Martha Owen Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Chris Ablakwa

    23 min
  5. The President’s Path: Trump's diplomacy

    19 SEPT

    The President’s Path: Trump's diplomacy

    President Trump’s visit to the UK tests Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the “special relationship” - but the bigger test comes next, at the UN General Assembly. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr unpack Trump’s foreign relations and relationships, and how the world adapts to his style. 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 Producer: Gregory Zhygalov Editor: Adrian Chiculita

    25 min
  6. Unspun World: President Trump’s second state visit to the UK

    19 SEPT

    Unspun World: President Trump’s second state visit to the UK

    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the relationship between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, analyses whether Israel’s strike on Qatar has played into Iran’s hands, and looks at the widening split between Europe and the United States over Israel and Gaza. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

    27 min

  7. 18 SEPT

    The Media Show: Reporting Charlie Kirk’s killing

    The killing of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has raised questions about how the media should report on controversial figures while still showing respect to victims and their families. Meanwhile in London, more than one hundred thousand people joined the Unite the Kingdom rally, where Elon Musk spoke by video link. The event has sparked fresh debate about whether using terms like “far right” helps explain what happened or risks pushing audiences away. LBC’s James O’Brien, Talk TV’s Isabel Oakeshott and political commentator Guto Harri give their views on the challenges facing journalism when reporting on divisive stories. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai and Martha Owen Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Luke Sweeney Sound: Nathan Chamberlain

    23 min
  8. The President’s Path: The killing of Charlie Kirk

    15 SEPT

    The President’s Path: The killing of Charlie Kirk

    The killing of Charlie Kirk triggers shockwaves through the US, sparking grief, anger, and debate over politics, political violence and America’s future. On this live episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr discuss the killing of Charlie Kirk, reaction from across the political divide, and what it signals about the depth of polarization in the US. 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: Anna Holford

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    232
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    The Explanation

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