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Published 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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Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss the European Union's ambition for Canada to become its first-ever "associate member", a status that does not currently exist. They examine what such a partnership could mean for Canada, President Trump’s reaction, and whether deeper ties with Europe could reshape Canada's future relationship with its neighbour. Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the latest outbreak of hostilities in Yemen, examines whether there is any hope for a Palestinian state in the Middle East, and explores the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The right of reply has long been a cornerstone of journalism, giving those involved in a story the chance to respond before publication. But with politicians and public figures now using social media to publish their own version first, is this principle being undermined? Guto Harri, former Downing Street Director of Communications, Professor Karen Fowler-Watt from City St George’s, University of London, and journalist Matt Shea assess how the practice is changing. As streaming services compete for attention, TV remotes usually now include buttons for platforms like Netflix and YouTube, often paid for by the services themselves. UK broadcasters argue this disadvantages British platforms and have called for a dedicated ‘British’ button. Technology historian Edd Thomas and Professor Catherine Johnson from the University of Leeds explain why the remote has become such a significant battleground. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Production Assistant: Cameron Taylor Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola Sound: Nicola Brough
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann reflect on the legacy of the 9/11 attacks 25 years on, examining their lasting impact on US society and foreign policy, and how that day reshaped the course of the world.
In 1964, a group of seven-year-olds appeared in a TV documentary about class in Britain. The cameras returned every seven years to see how their lives had changed. Now, more than 60 years later, 70 Up brings the project to an end. Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual at ITV, talks about the people who took part and the legacy of a remarkable TV experiment. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has given an interview to Katie Razzall and The Media Show. She talks about BBC funding and cuts, its place in the UK media landscape, and proposals for a UK streaming service and a public service algorithm. Jake Kanter, international investigations editor at Deadline, gives his reaction. Channel 4’s undercover investigation into Reform UK has raised questions about how undercover journalism works and how political parties use opinion polls that later appear in the media. Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, and Stephan Shakespeare, CEO of YouGov, consider the issues raised by the story. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Production co-ordinator: Colette Cunningham Technical co-ordinator: Mark Dickins Sound engineer: Allyson Purcell-Davis
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann answer your questions on Trump’s presidency and examine the key issues that could shape the midterms, from his approach to foreign policy and relations with US allies to the domestic political battles and key races to watch. Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
“Meat proxy” is a new term coined to describe someone who acts as a human conduit for material generated by AI. Software engineer Niklas Gruhn, who came up with the phrase, joins Will Oremus, staff writer at The Atlantic and Fortune’s executive editorial director Diane Brady, to discuss how much AI is being used in journalism and when readers should be told about it. Five years after US troops withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban returned to power, Lyse Doucet has been back in the country, including visiting one of the secret schools set up for girls. BBC News’ Chief International Correspondent discusses what it takes to report from Afghanistan now, the restrictions she encountered and the difficult decisions involved in protecting contributors. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Junior production co-ordinator apprentice: Cameron Taylor Technical co-ordinator: Christopher Brown Sound engineer: Michael Campbell
Mark Carney’s tough response to Donald Trump signals an escalation to the trade war between Canada and the United States. What does the dispute could mean for people and businesses on both sides of the border? What impact could the tariffs have on Trump’s midterm prospects? Could Canada could turn to other trading partners and European allies for support? Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Whitehouse correspondent Bernd Debusmann explore.
A special show from the Edinburgh TV Festival, where some of the industry’s biggest players have gathered from around the world to debate the future of television. YouTube now has 2.7 billion monthly active users, watching more than a billion hours of video every day, and many in the industry are asking whether it has become “the new TV”. Alison Lomax, Managing Director of YouTube UK and Ireland, gives the platform’s perspective on its growth, its algorithm and its relationship with creators. Claire Mundell, Managing Director and Creative Director of Synchronicity Films, Richard Cowles, CEO of Lifted Entertainment, and Jamie MacDonald, Head of Originals at After Party Studios, give their perspectives on the state of the industry and what could be coming next. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Laura Cain Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Sean Mullervy and Ben Andrews
Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian explore how President Trump is reshaping America's relationships with allies and adversaries. They discuss Trump's willingness to meet North Korea's Kim Jong Un again, rising tensions with ally Oman, and what it could mean for the United States’ role on the world stage. 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: Anna Holford
The death of Cambridge academic Jason Arday has prompted intense debate about media conduct, following weeks of reporting on allegations of plagiarism and questions about aspects of his life story. Critics have accused journalists of contributing to an atmosphere of relentless scrutiny, while others argue that legitimate public interest questions were being pursued. Nick Clark, a childhood friend of Jason Arday, reflects on his experience of speaking to reporters. Charles Moore, columnist at The Telegraph and The Spectator, Seun Matiluko, freelance journalist, Sarah Ditum, Times Columnist and Stephen Bush, columnist at the Financial Times, consider questions of proportionality, public interest and journalistic responsibility. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical coordinator: Mark Dickins Sound: Allyson Purcell-Davis
Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian discuss how AI data centres are becoming an important issue for voters ahead of the midterms. They look at concerns about the energy use and environmental impact of these facilities, and why the Trump administration sees them as key to competing with China. 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
For years, YouTube was largely seen as the home of creators who built their audiences online. But increasingly it's becoming a destination for established TV presenters too. James May, best known for Top Gear and The Grand Tour, joins Katie Razzall alongside producer Lucy Brown to discuss building their YouTube channel, Planet Gin. Holly Graham, Chief Commercial Officer at Little Dot Studios, explains what it takes to build a successful YouTube brand and whether television success translates online. Last month, The Times' Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had been exploring plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Martyn explains how he broke the story, while Tariq Panja, Global Sports Correspondent at The New York Times, discusses the growing role of investigative journalism in football. The resignation of University of Cambridge professor Jason Arday has become one of the biggest stories in British academia. Jack Grove, investigations editor at Times Higher Education, explains how he first uncovered concerns about Arday and why legal threats prevented publication at the time. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Dan Hardoon Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman Sound: Robin Schroder
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
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
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 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
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
An AI-generated actor called Tilly Norwood has been cast in the lead role of a forthcoming film, adding to the debate about artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The announcement follows criticism from actors including Emily Blunt and objections from the US performers' union. Eline Van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle6, explains why she created Tilly Norwood, while Jake Kanter, International Investigations Editor at Deadline, sets out the reaction from the film industry. Andy Burnham has become the UK's new Prime Minister, and his approach to the media is already attracting attention. His team has relied more on social media, online creators and direct communication than on traditional broadcast interviews. Lizzy Buchan, Political Editor of the Daily Mirror, Tom Nicholas, creator of the Slow News Day YouTube channel, and broadcaster Andrew Neil, presenter of The Andrew Neil Report, assess what this could mean for political journalism and public accountability. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Content Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Laura Cain Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola Sound: Robin Schroder
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann give their immediate reaction straight after Trump's primetime address, discussing the president's claims of Chinese interference in the 2020 election, the political response, and what the speech could mean for the upcoming midterm elections. 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
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 20, 2026.
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