The Explanation

Across large parts of the globe, access to impartial news reporting and information has never been more difficult, creating an information iron curtain. To mark World Press Freedom Day, Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall present a special live event from the BBC Radio Theatre, which considers the impact of censorship and technological controls in Russia, Iran and China; how ingrained state disinformation has become and how it has distorted their citizens’ perception of the world. Our panel also looks at attempts to circumvent internet blocking and state restrictions on free media, from the use of VPNs by those on the inside, to the innovative tactics adopted by outsiders who are trying to deliver truthful news to an often indoctrinated audience.

It was a triumph of international collaboration - a laboratory for hundreds of astronauts - but was the 120 billion dollar investment worth it? Considered as one of humanity’s greatest achievements, it was built by the USA, Russia, Canada, Europe and Japan. Since it launched into space in 1998, over 270 astronauts from around the world have conducted research in the orbiting laboratory, but it is due to be retired in 2030. So how significant has it been and what will replace it? Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC’s Science Correspondent Pallab Ghosh. We also examine the economic opportunities offered by the moon and ask if China is the emerging space power.

Iran's loose coalition of allies and proxies, sworn against Israeli and US influence, that has been shaping events in the Middle East for decades. Its ability to disrupt has been highlighted in the context of the current Gaza war. In this episode, we take you to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Gaza to untangle the web of Tehran’s influence operations and explore its potential to thrive in times of crisis. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg

Decca Aitkenhead is the Chief Interviewer of The Sunday Times and has interviewed countless big names, from Hillary Clinton to Madonna. As she wins yet another award for her writing, she reveals how she does it – and why body language is the key to getting the rich and famous to say things they might later regret. Also in the programme, we meet the creators of two TV formats that have been sold around the world. And can you teach creativity? The creative genius behind some of the world’s most celebrated adverts says you can. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Guests: Decca Aitkenhead, Chief Interviewer, The Sunday Times; Matt Bennett, Senior Executive Producer, Shine TV; Dean Nabarro, Co-founder, Magnum Media; Sir John Hegarty, Advertising Executive, The Garage Soho.

We look at the nuclear powers and those who want to join their club. Are nuclear weapons a deterrent or a strategic show of strength? We examine what treaties are in place to control the use of nuclear weapons and how they work in practice. Are there enough checks and balances to stop escalation? Claire Graham talks to the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner.

Drones have reshaped the battlefield in Ukraine - and created new challenges, raising concerns about the nature of future warfare. Drone technology has many iterations from Iran’s Shaheds and Turkey’s Bayraktars to the home-made war drone. We look into the history, the geopolitics and the worrying prospect of this tech teaming up with AI. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg

Taylor Swift is a media phenomenon. News outlets now have dedicated “Swift Correspondents”, Disney paid a record sum to stream her Eras tour, and she has a level of control over her music that other artists just don’t. We speak to two journalists who have the job of reporting on “Swiftonomics”” Also in the programme, a development in Hugh Grant’s legal fight with one of Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper groups. The actor accused The Sun of bugging his car and burgling his flat. Now he says he’s settled the allegations – which have been denied - for “an enormous sum”. And how to report the polarising topic of gender identity. In the UK a review has been published into what care children and young people who were questioning their gender were getting from health services. It makes recommendations for clinicians – but what lessons are there for journalists who want to report on the issue? Presenter: Katie Razzall Guests: Laura Snapes, Deputy Music Editor, The Guardian; Augusta Saraiva, Economics Reporter, Bloomberg; Jake Kanter, Investigations Editor, Deadline; Hannah Barnes, Associate Editor, New Statesman; Rebecca Coombes, Head of Journalism, The BMJ

The New York Stock Exchange is the largest in the world, valued today at over $25 trillion - but does it spread wealth or increase inequality? And what market forces are at play? Claire Graham asks the BBC’s North America business correspondent Erin Delmore the big questions. We also find out what stock market indexes like the Dow Jones actually measure, and which stocks are dubbed the ‘Magnificent Seven’.

As it marks a year of war with no end in sight, Sudan faces the largest humanitarian and displacement crisis in the world. There are fears that if not stopped, the conflict could further destabilise an already volatile region. We try to piece together the picture from the few trusted sources that are left on the ground - journalists working in hiding and in constant danger. And a warning - there are distressing details. Producer: Kriszta Satori Technical producer: Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Twigg

Donald Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, continues to make headlines with its public listing. Billy Boozer, its former Chief Product Officer, reveals what it was like setting up the company with Trump. We're also joined by Prof Joshua Tucker and Prof Yini Zhang who has investigated how Trump has used Truth Social and X to drive news media attention.The Executive Chairman of the Sky News Group, David Rhodes shares his plans for Sky News – and on his years as a senior TV news exec in New York.Elon Musk has predicted that AI will surpass human intelligence within a year. OpenAI and Meta have also said that they're on the brink of releasing new AI models that will be capable of reason and planning. What will be the impact of these advanced AI models on the news media? We're joined by Madhumita Murgia, the AI Editor at the Financial Times, and author of a new book, Code Dependent, to discuss.