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by BBC World Service
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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- Today22 min
The Media Show: The role of social media in Gen-Z protests across Europe
Protests across Europe led by youth movements have drawn attention to the role of social media in spreading information and misinformation. Largely led by Gen-Z, these protests have included references to films like The Hunger Games and The Avengers, and featured people in costumes taking part in 'aura battles', while memes of the demonstrations are shared online. Researcher Dr Nayana Prakash considers how online platforms, viral videos and AI-generated content are now an inextricable part of protest movements.After Russian TV sent a camera crew to report on a Welsh independence march, BBC Monitoring’s Russia specialist Francis Scarr examines how Russian state media is reporting on independence movements across the world, and what this coverage reveals about the Kremlin’s portrayal of European instability and decline.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Tim Bano Content Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Robin Schroder Technical Coordinator: James Cherry
- 6 days ago16 min
The President's Path: Midterm races to watch
Could Texas really go blue? Are Democrats at risk in Michigan? A week out from the 2026 US midterms, Sumi Somaskanda and Caitriona Perry look at the key states – and seats – at play in the 2026 US midterms.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: Ellyn Duncan Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
- 6 days ago26 min
Unspun World: Ukrainians prepare for winter at war
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the challenges facing Ukraine in the war with Russia as winter approaches, analyses the causes of the widespread protests in France, and looks at the unexpected victory for President Lula in the Brazilian election.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
- 1 weeks ago22 min
The Media Show: Is TV news fit for purpose in the internet age?
Lewis Goodall presenter of “The News Agents” podcast and Krishnan Guru-Murthy presenter of Channel 4 News discuss whether traditional TV news remains fit for purpose in the digital and social media era. And as Blue Planet III returns to BBC One, we talk to Jack Bootle, the BBC’s Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning. He explains how the series was made without generative AI and gives a behind-the-scenes peek into producing the natural history veteran David Attenborough.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Content Producer: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Cameron Taylor Sound: Callum Mclean Technical Coordinator: Luke Sweeney
- 1 weeks ago15 min
The President's Path: Trump's immigration stance and the midterms
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann take a closer look at how President Trump’s tough stance on immigration is impacting lives and politics. Sumi joins us from Florida, where she’s been hearing from voters firsthand on what is driving their decision at the polls. 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.
- 1 weeks ago26 min
Unspun World: Saudi Arabia’s safe-haven reputation
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the toll on Saudi Arabia of ongoing Houthi attacks, explores whether the Japanese will end their post-war pacifism, and looks at the possible effects on English football of Manchester City being found guilty of breaching financial rules.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
- 2 weeks ago22 min
The Media Show: More cuts at the BBC
This week the BBC announced more cuts as part of its drive to save £500 million, following on from a series of other budget saving measures over the last few months. Katie and Ros take stock of everything announced so far along with a panel of experts: ex-BBC executive Roger Mosey, MP for Southport Patrick Hurley, Baroness Morgan, former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the BBC Deputy Director General Rhodri Talfan-Davies.And a new Channel 4 programme investigates public attitudes toward disability. The creators of The Experiment have built a fictional care home for disabled people and invite members of the public into the facility to see if they can recognize Nazi-era concepts disguised as modern social care. Producer Nick Parnes and presenter Sophie Morgan join the show.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Tim Bano Content Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Mark Pickett Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins
- 2 weeks ago16 min
The President's Path: Will affordability decide the US midterms?
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how the issue of affordability is playing out in different parts of the US - and shaping voters' views. Will voters punish the president and his team at the ballot box?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: Ellyn Duncan Editor: James Kraft 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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