PodcastsDocumentaryThe Explanation

The Explanation

BBC World Service
The Explanation
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301 episodes

  • The Explanation

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

    02/04/2026 | 22 mins.
    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
  • The Explanation

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

    27/03/2026 | 24 mins.
    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: [email protected]
  • The Explanation

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

    27/03/2026 | 26 mins.
    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
  • The Explanation

    The Media Show: Cold-calling Trump

    26/03/2026 | 22 mins.
    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
  • The Explanation

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

    20/03/2026 | 25 mins.
    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: [email protected]

    Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan
    Editor: Silvia Costeloe
    Executive producer: Anna Holford

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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.
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