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The Explanation

BBC World Service
The Explanation
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277 episodes

  • The Explanation

    The Media Show: The Epstein files

    2026/2/05 | 22 mins.
    The latest batch of documents linked to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been released by the US Department of Justice. There are millions of files for journalists to go through, and coverage has focused on what they reveal and how responsibly they can be reported, particularly when powerful figures are named. Journalists Tina Brown and Jim Pickard talk about how the material is being handled and the pressures on newsrooms.
    NASA has postponed its planned Artemis II mission to the Moon at the last minute after a technical issue during rehearsals. For space journalists, major launches are among the biggest stories of the year, but delays are common and difficult to plan for. BBC Science Editor Rebecca Morelle and astrophysicist Professor Chris Lintott reflect on the challenges of covering space missions when plans change.
    Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins
    Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
    Content Producer: Emily Channon
    Production Coordinator: Ruth Waites
    Technical Coordinator: Ozgur Cevik
    Sound: Allyson Purcell-Davis
  • The Explanation

    The President’s Path: Minneapolis unrest

    2026/1/30 | 25 mins.
    Minneapolis unrest deepens as protests spread after Alex Pretti killing. Donald Trump signals plans to de-escalate as protests and political tensions mount.

    On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Fin Gómez and Bernd Debusmann look at how Donald Trump’s administration is handling the unrest in Minneapolis.

    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: Oksana Kundirenko
    Editor: Silvia Costeloe
    Executive producer: Anna Holford
  • The Explanation

    Unspun World: Is Europe toughening its stance on Trump?

    2026/1/30 | 26 mins.
    John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the relationship between the EU and the United States after the row over Greenland, explores how the UK is trying to improve ties with China, and looks at the challenges facing the first female head of the Anglican Church.
    Producer: Kate Cornell
    Executive producer: Benedick Watt
    Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
  • The Explanation

    The Media Show: Netflix’s skyscraper live stunt

    2026/1/29 | 22 mins.
    The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during ICE operations in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of how events are recorded and reported, as video filmed by members of the public becomes central to news coverage. Meg Anderson, correspondent at NPR, outlines the challenge for reporters on the ground.
    Algorithms are in the news. Elon Musk says he will "open-source" the algorithms that power X. Instagram has recently started giving some users more control over what its algorithm recommends. And “the secret sauce” that powers TikTok has been part of the discussion this month as the company sells its US operations. James Ball, political editor at The New World, explains their fascination.
    Netflix’s live broadcast of free solo climber Alex Honnold scaling a skyscraper in Taiwan has raised ethical questions about risk. Vicky Jessop, commissioning editor and culture writer at The Evening Standard, considers what the event tells us about the future of television.
    Presenter: Ros Atkins
    Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
    Content producer: Laura Cain
    Researcher: Phil Hawkins
    Technical co-ordinator: Akik Rahman
    Sound engineer: Robin Schroder
  • The Explanation

    The Evidence: Anaesthesia

    2026/1/24 | 49 mins.
    In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the science of anaesthesia.
    It’s estimated that around the world, more than 250 million people receive surgery requiring anaesthesia each year. But there are still plenty of unknowns. What happens to our brains and our consciousness when we’re put to sleep? Why do so many people around the world still not have access to safe anaesthesia? And could the colour of your hair affect how much anaesthesia you need?
    In front of a live audience at Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia is joined on stage by Dr Kevin Fong, a consultant anaesthetist at University College London Hospitals and professor of public engagement and innovation at University College London; Jennifer Hunter, emeritus professor of anaesthesia and senior research fellow at the University of Liverpool; Emmanuel Stamatakis, professor of neuroscience at the University of Cambridge studying the science of consciousness; and Bruce Biccard, professor of anaesthetic science at the University of Oxford and author of the book Safer Surgery for Africa: Challenges and Solutions.
    Producer: Dan Welsh
    Editor: Martin Smith
    Production coordinator: Stuart Laws
    Sound engineers: Emma Harth and Steve Greenwood

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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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