BBC World Service
The Explanation
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.
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Episodes
The President's Path: US-Iran conflict reignites 10.07.2026 16:03
Sumi 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...
The Media Show: Farage's fight with the Media 09.07.2026 22:58
Nigel 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 Spik...
The President's Path: America at 250 03.07.2026 24:31
Sumi 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 i...
The Media Show: The Murray brothers' media game 02.07.2026 22:59
Wimbledon 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...
The President's Path: Has Trump taken over America’s big birthday? 26.06.2026 25:22
Sumi 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...
Unspun World: Has Britain become ungovernable? 26.06.2026 26:29
John 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 edi...
The Media Show: How Shop workers became content 25.06.2026 22:58
The 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 TikTo...
The President's Path: What did America actually win in the Iran deal? 19.06.2026 25:15
Caitríona 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 Operatio...
Unspun World: Winners and losers of the US-Iran agreement 19.06.2026 26:29
John 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.
The Media Show: Citizen journalists at protests - reporting or activism? 18.06.2026 22:58
Following 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...
The President's Path: Why is Trump hosting the UFC at the White House? 12.06.2026 24:36
Sumi, Caitríona and Bernd dig into a big week for President Trump, who is celebrating his 80th birthday - just weeks ahead of America's 250th - with UFC Freedom 250, an invite-only MMA fight on the South Lawn of the White House. Bernd reports back from the venue, where a 92-foot structure now towers over the executive mansion, while Caitríona runs through the practical headaches: searing heat, the...
Unspun World: Fighting resumes between Israel and Hezbollah 12.06.2026 26:28
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the impact of Israel’s recent attacks on Lebanon, analyses the flotation of SpaceX and what it will mean for Elon Musk, and looks at the outcome of the election in Armenia. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: Reporting the World Cup 11.06.2026 22:58
The men’s football World Cup begins this week in the US, Mexico and Canada. With matches being played in three different time zones, it presents an unprecedented challenge for the media. Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, Craig Hope, Chief Football Reporter at the Daily Mail, and Daniel Storey, Chief Football Writer at The i, set out their plans. Violent disorder on the streets in Belfast has...
The President's Path: Why did Trump and Netanyahu clash over the Iran war? 08.06.2026 24:58
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann unpack the extraordinary falling-out between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a reportedly "blazing row" that both men have since confirmed. Trump was left "perturbed" that Israeli operations in Lebanon risked derailing his Iran negotiations. But it isn't the first time he has vented at Netanyahu in public. Both in...
Unspun World: What's it like to live in Iran now? 05.06.2026 26:29
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the feelings of ordinary Iranians about the conflict with the United States, analyses the latest extreme global weather warnings, and looks at the state of Ethiopia as it heads to the polls. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Roya...
The Media Show: Inside Rafa Nadal's Netflix show 04.06.2026 22:59
A new Netflix documentary follows the final stage of Rafael Nadal's tennis career. The series is the latest high-profile sports documentary made for a streaming platform. Zachary Heinzerling, director of Rafa, outlines how the film was made and the level of access his team received. Minal Modha, senior research director at Ampere Analysis, provides context on the growing business of sports documen...
The President's Path: The costs of the Iran war 29.05.2026 24:54
Caitriona Perry, Bernd Debusmann and CBS News' Fin Gomez look at how the Iran War is causing consumers to feel the pinch at the gas pump and the supermarket. They also take a closer look at this week's Texas primaries. Click here to subscribe to our channel: https://bbc.in/3VyyriM Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key...
Unspun World: Is the US preparing to invade Cuba? 29.05.2026 26:27
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the possibility of the US forcing regime change in Cuba, examines the effect of the war in Ukraine on Vladimir Putin’s standing in Russia, and looks at the increasing popularity of prediction markets. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and...
The Media Show: The French Rupert Murdoch 28.05.2026 22:58
More than 600 actors, writers and directors have signed a letter raising concerns about the influence of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré over the country’s media and entertainment industry. James Waterhouse, Paris correspondent for BBC News, reports on the reaction from the film industry and the response from Bolloré-linked companies. Michael Grade is one of the best-known figures in British te...
The President's Path: Trump pivots to Cuba 22.05.2026 24:59
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at why President Trump — just back from China — is suddenly turning his attention to Cuba. The Department of Justice has indicted former Cuban president Raúl Castro, the CIA director has flown to Havana for the first time in modern memory, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is making the case for action 90 miles off the US coast. But with p...
Unspun World: Are US-China relations at a turning point? 22.05.2026 26:28
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether there has been a significant shift in the relationship between the United States and China, examines the long-term political turmoil in the United Kingdom, and looks at the psychological impact of artificial intelligence. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning...
The Media Show: Filming inside El Salvador’s mega-prison 21.05.2026 22:58
A Channel 5 documentary filmed inside El Salvador’s Cecot prison has drawn attention to the country’s tough approach to gang crime and the questions around filming in tightly controlled places. The prison holds thousands of suspected gang members and has become a powerful symbol of President Nayib Bukele’s security policies. Richard Madeley describes the strict conditions faced by the first Britis...
The President's Path: Trump in China 15.05.2026 25:06
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at President Trump's trip to China. A lot of people in both the Republican and Democratic parties don't want a deal with China. Many see China as a danger to America's national security. But for President Trump, a deal with China could mean a boost to the US economy and a chance to Make America Great Again. Can he pull it off and keep his s...
Unspun World: Why can’t the US and Iran reach a peace deal? 15.05.2026 26:28
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what is preventing the United States and Iran from reaching an agreement to end their conflict, examines the global economic impact of the confrontation, and looks at the growing threat from jihadists in West Africa. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Sil...
The Media Show: Wrestling with Trump 14.05.2026 22:58
Munya Chawawa found viral fame during the lockdown for his satirical videos on social media. Now he has a new Channel 4 documentary, Wrestling with Trump, which looks at the links between professional wrestling and the MAGA movement. Restrictions on prisoners in the UK speaking to journalists are in focus after The Guardian was told Jeremy Bamber can no longer exchange letters or phone calls with...
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