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BBC World Service

The Explanation is a snackable audio guide giving you the backstory behind the headlines. In each episode, presenter Claire Graham meets a BBC News correspondent who has lived and breathed these stories. She’ll hear clear analysis along with powerful archive. The Explanation will go back in time to unpack complex chains of events and will make the stories in question easier to understand.

The Explanation

Four Al Jazeera journalists and two freelance journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, prompting renewed scrutiny of press freedoms and the treatment of reporters in conflict zones. Israel claims one of the journalists, Anas al-Sharif, was affiliated with Hamas. Media rights groups have rejected the allegation, and questions remain about access restrictions and the role of freelancers. Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Oren Persico, staff writer at Israeli outlet Seventh Eye discuss the risks and constraints facing journalists in Gaza and how the story is framed in Israeli media.

An AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a teenager killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has been interviewed by the former CNN anchor Jim Acosta. The avatar was created by Joaquin’s parents to raise awareness about gun violence. Manuel Oliver, co-founder of Change the Ref, and Claire Leibowicz, Head of the AI and Media Integrity Program at the Partnership on AI, explain how the avatar was made and the editorial implications of using avatars in journalism.

The i Paper’s housing correspondent Vicky Spratt broke the story that led to the resignation of a UK government minister – a story which came from her social media platform. She reflects on how digital platforms have changed the way journalists can source and share their work.

Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Dan Hardoon
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai
Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites
Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins
Sound: Sarlota Hadroj Touzimska

The Media Show: Interview of an AI avatar

From Texas walkouts to TikTok-savvy governors, Democrats are embracing a bold new playbook to reshape America’s political map. On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann Jr, and CBS News’ Caitlin Huey-Burns ask whether this more aggressive approach will work.
 
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: Stefano Fasano 
 
Editor: Adrian Chiculita

The President’s Path: Democratic Offensive

A new Taiwanese television series depicts a fictional Chinese military invasion. Zero Day Attack has prompted debate over censorship, political influence and media independence. Chris Buckley, China and Taiwan correspondent for the New York Times, outlines the production’s background and the reaction it has provoked.

A whistleblower leak of internal Tesla documents has led to renewed scrutiny of the electric carmaker’s safety record and corporate culture. The files include thousands of alleged customer complaints and were used to inform a new book, The Tesla Files, by investigative journalist Sönke Iwersen. He describes the reporting process and the challenges of handling sensitive data.

The UK government has held Downing Street’s first official reception for content creators. TikTok creator Gabriel Nussbaum and Politics Home reporter Zoe Crowther discuss the event, how governments can engage influencers, and the broader implications for transparency and political journalism.

Presenter: Katie Razzall
Producer: Dan Hardoon
Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai
Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites
Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola
Sound: Rohan Madison

The Media Show: Taiwan’s war drama tests political boundaries on screen

President Trump continues to air a broad set of grievances, from the Biden administration and Barack Obama to the media, autopens, and even windmills or paper straws. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Bernd Debusmann Jr trace the themes behind Donald Trump’s most vocal complaints.
 
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: Stefano Fasano 
 
Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

The President’s Path: Trump’s grievances

A growing concern among digital commentators is whether artificial intelligence is irreversibly distorting the internet. Once a conspiracy, dead internet theory now reflects widespread anxiety about AI-generated content and its impact on online authenticity. AI-written articles, spam-like social posts and misinformation have contributed to fears that human-created content is being overwhelmed. Alex Hern, AI writer at The Economist, explains how user behaviour mimicking algorithms helped the idea take root, while Isis Blachez from NewsGuard outlines how Russian-linked sites are laundering propaganda to influence AI outputs. Mark Graham, Director of the Wayback Machine at the Internet Archive, describes how the organisation is adapting its efforts to preserve online content in a post-AI era. 
Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s Chief International Anchor, reflects on changes to the news industry since she began reporting during the first Gulf War. From accusations of “fake news” by political leaders to the challenges of reporting on the Gaza conflict amid restrictions on access, she describes unprecedented pressures on international journalism. Amanpour also discusses her new foreign affairs podcast co-hosted with her ex-husband and former US diplomat James Rubin, The Ex Files. 

Presenter: Ros Atkins 
Producer: Lucy Wai 
Assistant Producer: Martha Owen

The Media Show: Is AI polluting the internet beyond repair?

From tariff threats and deals to controversial immigration policies and rising global tensions, Donald Trump’s first six months back in the White House have been anything but quiet. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann Jr. explore the highs and lows of the first months of Trump’s second term and try to predict what lies ahead.

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: Stefano Fasano

Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

The President’s Path: Trump’s first six months back in office

In Epping, just outside London, protests have taken place near a hotel housing asylum seekers. While mainstream news outlets reported the story, a video filmed by YouTuber Wesley Winter attracted hundreds of thousands of views online. His presence - and the reaction to other journalists on the ground - has reignited debate over who the public trusts to shape stories like these. Wesley Winter reflects on how he works and what drives his audience.

Agence France-Presse says its journalists in Gaza are now facing starvation. The agency is working to evacuate remaining freelancers and their families as conditions continue to deteriorate. Phil Chetwynd, AFP’s Global News Director, describes what his reporters are telling him from the ground - and what might be lost if they are forced to stop.

In Rome, the Vatican is hosting a global gathering of Catholic influencers - from priests and nuns to lay creators with large digital followings. The Church’s media strategy dates back a century, but the rise of online evangelisation presents new opportunities and risks. Dr Justin Tackett, a philosopher at North Carolina State University, and Mary-Aoife Ong, co-director of Carlo Acutis Youth Ireland, discuss.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producers: Martha Owen and Emily Channon 
Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites
Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola
Sound: Robin Schroder

The Media Show: YouTubers and the migrant hotel protest

Under mounting pressure from his own base, US President Donald Trump says he has ordered the Justice Department to release additional documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Pro-MAGA supporters and media outlets are now divided, torn between a grassroots push for transparency and a party leader eager to move on. Trump has even turned on his own allies, declaring that “some stupid Republicans, some foolish Republicans, have fallen into the net.”

On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Bernd Debusmann Jr explore what it means to be MAGA today and how the Epstein files have unexpectedly exposed deep fractures within Trump’s political base.

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: Stefano Fasano 

Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

The President's Path: Why are Epstein files dividing MAGA and Trump?

A legal order known as a superinjunction prevented UK media from reporting a government data breach that exposed nearly 19,000 Afghans who had applied to relocate after the Taliban takeover. Larisa Brown, Defence Editor at The Times, recounts the legal constraints she faced and the broader implications for press freedom.
A new ITV format blends natural history with reality TV by placing celebrities in shark-infested waters. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters was produced by Plimsoll Productions. Creative Director Andrea Jackson outlines the development process.
This year’s Tour de France marks the final edition available on free-to-air television in the UK before coverage moves behind a paywall. Rouleur journalist Rachel Jary reports from Toulouse on life inside the media zone, while Chris Boardman - Olympic gold medallist, commentator and now England’s Active Travel Commissioner - reflects on how cycling is covered and the visibility challenges it faces.

In regard to the story on the Tour de France we need to point out that the viewing figures quoted by Chris Boardman cannot be verified with TNT.

Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
Producer: Lucy Wai
Assistant Producers: Martha Owen and Emily Channon

The Media Show: A superinjunction that gagged the media

Oasis returned to the stage in Cardiff for the first time in over a decade, drawing both fan excitement and media access concerns. While audience members were able to livestream from inside the venue, accredited press photographers faced time-limited licensing agreements on how long their images could be used. Andy Moger from the News Media Coalition and Metro’s Danni Scott discuss the band’s approach. 
During President Macron’s state visit to the UK, attention turned to the media's role in covering migrant crossings of the English Channel. A report by the BBC captured footage of French police deflating an inflatable boat on a beach in northern France. Reporter Andrew Harding gives the background to his story and Catherine Norris Trent from France 24 explains what coverage the issue gets in the French press. 
There is growing interest in how fact-checking is approached within the book publishing sector after claims about a best-selling book were made by The Observer newspaper last week. Heloise Wood of The Bookseller explains why in publishing, legal responsibility usually rests with the authors themselves. 

Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall 
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson 
Assistant Producers: Lucy Wai and Martha Owen

The Media Show: Oasis concert photo row

Iranian authorities are accused of targeting journalists at BBC Persian by intimidating their family members in Iran. Correspondent Behrang Tajdin outlines the psychological toll, allegations of harassment and surveillance in London, and the broader campaign affecting relatives of BBC staff, which the National Union of Journalists has called “proxy punishment.” 

Hong Kong’s diminishing press freedom is starkly represented by the case of Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily. The pro-democracy paper was shut down after raids and arrests under a national security law. Sebastien Lai describes his father’s continued solitary confinement and the implications for the rule of law in Hong Kong. 

Netflix, known for revolutionising streaming, has announced a surprising shift: live TV channels in France via a partnership with TF1. Minal Modha, from Ampere Analysis, explains why France’s strong preference for linear TV and local content prompted the move. 

Gossip website Tattle Life has lost a major libel case brought by a Northern Irish couple. The site’s anonymous founder, Sebastian Bond, has been unmasked. Persephone Bridgman Baker, partner at Carter-Ruck, discusses how the case brings attention to how anonymous online commentary can cross into harassment. 

Presenter: Katie Razzall 
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson 
Assistant producers: Lucy Wai and Emily Channon

The Media Show: Iranian Harassment of BBC Journalists

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