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.
Latest episodes
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15 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 Flo…
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26 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 Japanes…
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23 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…
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17 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 pun…
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26 min ↗
Unspun World: Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine
John Simpson explores the effect on civilians of Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukrainian cities, looks at how Turkey has become a more authoritarian state, and analyses China’s d…
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23 min ↗
The Media Show: TV screenwriter Russell T Davies
Writer and producer Russell T Davies reflects on his career, from the groundbreaking series Queer as Folk to the revival of Doctor Who, Years and Years and his latest Channel 4 dra…
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17 min ↗
The President's Path: Could Trump deliver Democrats a midterm victory?
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann look at the Democrats' race to the midterms. The party is eyeing some key victories in races across the country, to secure cont…
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26 min ↗
Unspun World: Israel marks three years since 7 October attacks
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the 7 October attacks, an…
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23 min ↗
The Media Show: Hungary and the battle for press freedom
Six months after Péter Magyar’s election ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule, Hungary’s new government faces scrutiny over its promised press reforms. BBC East and Central Europe Cor…
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16 min ↗
The President's Path: Do Trump's endorsements help?
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine the role President Trump is playing in the race to November’s midterm elections. They discuss whether his endorsement i…
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27 min ↗
What effect are Russian drone strikes having on Ukraine?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, analyses the state of the…
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23 min ↗
The Media Show: Reporting the Man City scandal
The Premier League alleges that Manchester City arranged sham contracts with commercial partners to conceal more than £830 million in funding. BBC Sport’s Laura Scott, Der Spiegel…
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16 min ↗
The President's Path: Trump on the world stage
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's big week on the international stage, from the United Nations General Assembly to hosting China's pres…
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26 min ↗
Unspun World: The state of Germany's government
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of Germany’s government after resounding regional election defeats, lo…
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23 min ↗
The Media Show: Earl Spencer, the Palace and the Press
The publication of Earl Spencer’s book about Princess Diana, serialised by the Daily Mail, has reignited debate over who shapes her legacy. BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan, E…
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16 min ↗
The President's Path: Is Canada's EU relationship a threat to Trump?
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…
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27 min ↗
Unspun World: Yemen hostilities escalate
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 ther…
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23 min ↗
The Media Show: Is the right of reply under threat?
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…
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16 min ↗
The President's Path: How 9/11 changed America and the world
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…
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23 min ↗
The Media Show: A television experiment that lasted 60 years
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 6…