The Explanation

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

  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

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• The President’s Path: Trump’s grievances

  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: [email protected] Producer: Stefano Fasano Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

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

  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

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

  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: [email protected]: Stefano FasanoEditor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

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• The Media Show: YouTubers and the migrant hotel protest

  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

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