The Explanation

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether criticism from within Israel will force Netanyahu’s government to change its approach to the war in Gaza, examines the impact Russia’s latest onslaught is having on Ukrainian citizens, and looks at the conflict between security forces and armed separatists in Cameroon over the independence of the country’s two English-speaking regions.

Joe Kahn, Executive Editor of the New York Times, outlines how the newsroom prioritises stories, handles editorial pressure, and navigates the challenges posed by political figures like Donald Trump. Also on the show, Simon Reeve, BBC travel presenter, and Alfie Watts, a digital travel content creator, reflect on the changing landscape of travel media. Reeve shares the motivations behind his new BBC series on Scandinavia and how he integrates current affairs into travel storytelling. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

James Landale, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the UK’s new deal with the EU, looks at the possible impacts of the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, and examines scientists’ attempts to discover the origin of life itself.

Gary Lineker, a former England football captain and longtime presenter of the BBC’s football highlights programme Match of the Day, has left the corporation after sharing a controversial post on social media. His exit followed years of internal debate over his political commentary online and the BBC’s impartiality rules. Steve Ryder, former BBC sports presenter, reflects on Lineker’s elevated status within the BBC and why many saw his departure as long overdue. Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor at The Sunday Times, and football writer Henry Winter reflect on events and the evolving expectations of presenters in the social media era. Family courts in England and Wales have historically operated in secrecy, with strict limits on what journalists can report. BBC reporter Sanchia Berg describes her investigation into the case of a newborn baby found abandoned in a London park. Her courtroom reporting eventually revealed that the baby had two siblings also abandoned in previous incidents. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producers: Lisa Jenkinson and Lucy Wai Assistant producer: Emily Channon

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the Israeli government’s plans for Gaza, assesses China’s efforts to lessen its reliance on the United States for trade, and looks at attacks against critics of the Iranian regime on foreign soil.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have reignited an information war, not just on social media but also in mainstream outlets. Shayan Sardarizadeh from BBC Verify explains how false reports of military actions, such as attacks on Karachi or high-level casualties, have circulated with little evidence. An Australian court case involving Erin Patterson, accused of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth with a poisonous lunch, has drawn intense media attention. Nino Bucci from Guardian Australia describes the challenges of reporting responsibly as global audiences fuel interest in the story. Weather forecasts are changing in format and medium. Max Velocity, a US-based YouTube meteorologist with over a million subscribers, and ITV’s Laura Tobin discuss their approach and the role of personality in engaging audiences. Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Assistant producer: Lucy Wai Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Russia’s current strategy in Ukraine, looks at the preparations the Polish are making for a possible Russian invasion of their country, and examines the escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinians in the West Bank.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

Tina Brown, a former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, has joined Substack, a self-publishing platform for independent writers. Speaking in the week of the Truth Tellers summit, which she founded in memory of her husband Sir Harold Evans, she highlights concerns about press freedom, particularly in the face of legal and financial pressure from media owners. Chris Best, co-founder of Substack, outlines the platform’s business model, which he says offers creators editorial freedom, prestige, and financial incentives. Also on the show, BBC Central Europe Correspondent Nick Thorpe reports on allegations made to the European Commission by two Hungarian media outlets. They accuse the Hungarian government of unfairly directing over €1 billion in state advertising to media sympathetic to the ruling party. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Will the call for the PKK to disarm end in a new era of peace for the Kurds, or is this just another turn in a tortured history? In February, Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, known as the PKK, released a jaw-dropping written message to his followers from his jail cell, calling for the group to lay down arms and disband. In this series we explore the Kurdish issue - the persecution, the resistance and their attempts to form a state. We ask what does the future hold for one of the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world scattered across Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran.

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the role Donald Trump played in the Liberal Party’s election victory in Canada, looks at the extent of the Turkish military presence in northern Iraq, and examines whether the legacy of Pope Francis will endure under his successor.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski