Skip to content
PodcastsDocumentaryThe Explanation

The Explanation

BBC World Service
The Explanation
Latest episode

343 episodes

  • The Explanation

    The Media Show: Can an AI actor win over Hollywood?

    23/07/2026 | 22 mins.
    An AI-generated actor called Tilly Norwood has been cast in the lead role of a forthcoming film, adding to the debate about artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The announcement follows criticism from actors including Emily Blunt and objections from the US performers' union. Eline Van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle6, explains why she created Tilly Norwood, while Jake Kanter, International Investigations Editor at Deadline, sets out the reaction from the film industry.
    Andy Burnham has become the UK's new Prime Minister, and his approach to the media is already attracting attention. His team has relied more on social media, online creators and direct communication than on traditional broadcast interviews. Lizzy Buchan, Political Editor of the Daily Mirror, Tom Nicholas, creator of the Slow News Day YouTube channel, and broadcaster Andrew Neil, presenter of The Andrew Neil Report, assess what this could mean for political journalism and public accountability.
    Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
    Content Producer: Lucy Wai
    Assistant Producer: Laura Cain
    Researcher: Ruth Waites
    Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola
    Sound: Robin Schroder
  • The Explanation

    The President's Path: Trump accuses China of US election 'meddling'

    17/07/2026 | 16 mins.
    Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann give their immediate reaction straight after Trump's primetime address, discussing the president's claims of Chinese interference in the 2020 election, the political response, and what the speech could mean for the upcoming midterm elections.
    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
  • The Explanation

    The Media Show: Trump's New York Times subpoenas

    16/07/2026 | 22 mins.
    The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists following reporting about alleged security concerns involving President Trump's new Air Force One, a plane donated by Qatar. The case has prompted debate over the balance between protecting national security and safeguarding press freedom. Claire Atkinson, founder of The Media Mix newsletter, outlines the latest developments.
    The BBC's latest annual report comes as the corporation warns that public service media is facing a period of jeopardy. The figures show a further fall in licence fee-paying households, alongside changing audience habits and continued financial pressures as charter renewal negotiations continue. Rhodri Talfan Davies, the BBC's Deputy Director-General, sets out the corporation's position.
    Broadcaster and author Iain Dale reflects on a career spanning politics, publishing, blogging and radio following the publication of his memoir Have I Said Too Much?. The interview covers the enduring appeal of the radio phone-in, the influence of social media on broadcasting, and changing relationships between politicians and traditional media.
    Presenter: Katie Razzall
    Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
    Content Producer: Lucy Wai
    Researcher: Ruth Waites
    Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola
    Sound: Allyson Purcell-Davis
  • The Explanation

    The President's Path: US-Iran conflict reignites

    10/07/2026 | 16 mins.
    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. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk
    Senior producer: James Kraft 
    Editor: James Kraft 
    Executive producer: Anna Holford
  • The Explanation

    The Media Show: Farage's fight with the Media

    09/07/2026 | 22 mins.
    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 Spiked discuss the political and journalistic issues.
    A High Court judgement has dismissed all claims brought by Prince Harry and six other claimants against Associated Newspapers over allegations that journalists used unlawful methods to obtain information. The ruling marks a significant moment in the long-running legal and political legacy of Britain's phone-hacking and press intrusion scandals. Susan Aslan, media lawyer, outlines the legal significance of the judgement.
    Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
    Producer: Tim Bano
    Content producer: Lucy Wai
    Researcher: Ruth Waites
    Technical co-ordinator: Mark Dickins
    Sound engineer: Sarlota Hadroj Touzimska
More Documentary podcasts
About 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.
Podcast website

Listen to The Explanation, Criminal and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
The Explanation: Podcasts in Family
  • Podcast The Cruelty
    The Cruelty
    True Crime