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The Explanation

Latest episodes

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Apr 3, 2025 • 23min

The Media Show: What teenage boys are watching online

A Netflix drama about a boy accused of murder has sparked global attention over the content consumed by teenage boys online. Claire Holubowskyj of Enders Analysis highlights how boys spend significant time on platforms like YouTube and Reddit, often absorbing longer-form, algorithm-driven videos. Dr Marcus Gilroy-Ware of SOAS and Oli Dugmore, Editor at Joe, delve into the online presence of Andrew Tate and similar figures. Also on the show, Nintendo has announced the Switch 2 console, a successor to its popular gaming system. Keza MacDonald, Video Games Editor at The Guardian, gives her analysis. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai
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Mar 28, 2025 • 26min

Unspun World: How might Gaza be governed in the future?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how Gaza could be governed in the future, analyses what a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia might look like, and looks at whether a minerals deal with the United States might end the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Mar 27, 2025 • 23min

The Media Show: Are pirated books powering AI?

A new lawsuit has intensified scrutiny over whether artificial intelligence models are being trained using pirated books. Authors and publishers are reacting to claims that Meta used books from Library Genesis, a well-known piracy site, without permission. Alex Reisner, Data Journalist at The Atlantic, built a tool enabling authors to check if their books were included in the dataset. Rosie Wilby, comedian and author, found her work listed and raised concerns over consent and fair compensation. Catriona MacLeod Stevenson, General Counsel and Deputy CEO at the Publishers Association, outlines the legal response and calls for greater transparency in AI training practices. Journalists in Turkey have been detained following widespread protests triggered by the arrest of a political opponent of President Erdoğan. Selin Girit, Correspondent at the BBC World Service, explains the environment facing journalists, including government control of around 90% of the media and previous intimidation of foreign reporters. Attention has turned to the use of encrypted messaging app Signal after a surprising error saw Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg added to a White House group chat about planned US strikes in Yemen. James Ball, Political Editor of The New European, explains the implications of the leak, the rise of Signal among journalists, and the motivations of its founder, Moxie Marlinspike. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producers: Flora McWilliam and Elena Angelides
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Mar 21, 2025 • 26min

Unspun World: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin negotiate over a ceasefire in Ukraine

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the negotiations between the United States and Russia over a ceasefire in Ukraine, examines Canada’s attempts to forge European alliances amidst a trade war with Donald Trump and – at a pivotal moment for the International Criminal Court - explores the impact of the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines.
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Mar 20, 2025 • 23min

The Media Show: Investigating Michael Jackson

Documentary maker Dan Reed returns with Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, following Wade Robson and James Safechuck as they continue their legal fight against Jackson’s estate. Reed discusses how he got the film over the line and the ongoing backlash from Jackson’s supporters. Also on the show, the Trump administration has cut funding to US state-backed broadcasters, affecting Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. Bay Fang, President of Radio Free Asia, responds to the impact of these cuts, while Jennifer Grygiel, Associate Professor at Syracuse University, examines the broader implications for press freedom.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai
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Mar 15, 2025 • 18min

Can Germany's ailing economy get back on track?

Dr. Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank, shares insights on Germany's economic challenges. He discusses the nation's stagnant growth and the looming effects of trade wars with the US. The conversation highlights necessary investments and the potential for adjusting Germany's debt rules to stimulate recovery. Nagel emphasizes the importance of economic resilience within the EU amid global tensions, shedding light on how tariffs could reshape Germany’s export-driven economy. It's a critical look at the future of one of Europe's economic giants.
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Mar 14, 2025 • 23min

The Media Show: Revealing Facebook

Sarah Wynn-Williams describes her seven years at Facebook as a “front-row seat” to one of the most powerful and influential companies in the world. She traveled on private jets and met with heads of state in her role as Director of Global Public Policy until 2017. But now in her new memoir, Careless People, she makes a series of allegations about the behaviour of the company at the time. Meta denies wrongdoing. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer for BBC Audio: Simon Richardson Producer for BBC News: Roxanne Panthakithis programme was edited on 13/03/2025
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Mar 14, 2025 • 26min

Unspun World: How will Donald Trump’s tariffs affect global markets?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether jitters in the world markets suggest an economic downturn is imminent, examines how the American decision to hold talks with Hamas has affected the situation in Gaza and looks at how scientists are trying to counter the jamming of GPS signals.
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Mar 7, 2025 • 26min

Unspun World: Can Ukraine continue to rely on US support?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what Ukraine can do to win back American military support in its war with Russia, explores whether a European army could provide a bulwark against Russia and looks at how Donald Trump and Elon Musk have waded into the controversy over South Africa’s land inequality.
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Mar 6, 2025 • 23min

The Media Show: Jeff Bezos' Washington Post shift

Jeff Bezos’ growing influence on the Washington Post has reached a turning point, with changes to its opinion section prompting resignations from senior figures. Cameron Barr, a former managing editor, explains his decision to leave, expressing concerns about the paper’s independence. Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, offers insight into how editorial and opinion functions differ between US and UK media. Greg Williams, deputy global editorial director at WIRED, examines Bezos’ wider significance. Also in the programme, what is it like to win an Oscar? Director Molly O’Brien, whose documentary The Only Girl in the Orchestra won Best Documentary Short, shares her experiences of Hollywood’s biggest night. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

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