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The Explanation

BBC World Service
The Explanation
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348 episodes

  • The Explanation

    The President's Path: Is Trump the AI president?

    07/08/2026 | 15 mins.
    Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's efforts to balance AI innovation and regulation, the divisions within his cabinet over AI policy, and the challenges posed by China's rapid AI development.

    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: Gareth Bebb
  • The Explanation

    The Media Show: Alternative Hollywood

    06/08/2026 | 22 mins.
    More film studios are making films for audiences they believe are not well served by mainstream Hollywood. Many are aimed at Christian viewers or people with more traditional values, and some have become major box office successes. The trend reflects changes in how films are funded, promoted, and distributed to different audiences. Max Tani, Media Editor at Semafor, Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, CEO of Wonder Project, and Brandon Purdie, Head of Theatrical and Brand Development at Angel Studios, outline different perspectives from across the industry.
    Prison radio is developing in different ways around the world, with stations giving prisoners the chance to learn broadcasting skills and share information inside prisons. Garth St Clair, co-founder of Rise Maximum Radio in Trinidad and Tobago, and Ninna Gaensler-Debs, co-director of Uncuffed in California, describe how prison broadcasting works in their organisations.
    Presenter: Ros Atkins
    Producer: Laura Cain
  • The Explanation

    The President's Path: Does Zelensky have the upper hand in the Ukraine war?

    31/07/2026 | 16 mins.
    Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Zelensky's visit to Washington, where he pushed for greater US support to bolster Ukraine's air defences. They examine whether relations between Trump and Zelensky are warming, and what this renewed diplomatic effort, along with a new package of sanctions on Russia, could mean for the war in Ukraine.
    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: Interviewing Elon Musk

    30/07/2026 | 22 mins.
    The Economist's interview with Elon Musk attracted global attention before Musk then described interviewer Zanny Minton Beddoes as a "traitor to the West". The interview followed 90 minutes of conversation for The Insider, The Economist's video series. Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, explains how the interview came about and the reaction after it was published.
    Huge wildfires in France and Spain have dominated news coverage across Europe, creating difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions for journalists reporting from the scene. Sadiya Chowdhury, Correspondent at Sky News, explains her approach and Mehdi Lebouachera, Global Director at AFP, gives the backstory to a photograph that appeared on front pages around the world.
    Presenters: Ros Atkins
    Producers: Lucy Wai and Dan Hardoon
    Researcher: Lizzie Harris
    Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins
    Sound: Joe McCartney
  • The Explanation

    The President's Path: The US-Saudi nuclear deal

    24/07/2026 | 16 mins.
    Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss what we know about the US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal, the implications for the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, and the fact that Israel could now make or break the agreement.
    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
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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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