The Explanation

Ahead of President Trump’s return to The White House, Meta is replacing its US fact-checking program with a new “user-driven” approach called Community Notes. Angie Drobnic Holan, Director of the International Fact-Checking Network, explains the implications of this decision and whether decentralising moderation can effectively address misinformation. Piers Morgan, broadcaster and former host at Rupert Murdoch’s News UK, has announced his decision to leave and focus on his YouTube channel. Julia Angwin, investigative journalist and fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, explains how this reflects the broader rise of independent content creators. Joey Contino, TikTok news influencer, shares how he has built a loyal following through accessible and direct reporting. Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief of Reuters, considers how traditional media organisations can adapt to these trends. Grand Theft Auto 6 is shaping up to be a landmark release in gaming history. With its first female protagonist, advanced AI, and immersive gameplay mechanics, the game is expected to push boundaries in both technology and storytelling. Vic Hood, freelance gaming journalist, examines the franchise’s enduring appeal and how this instalment could set new benchmarks in the gaming industry. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

We explore the key media trends shaping 2025. From the rise of AI in journalism to how social platforms are transforming news, challenges in media funding and the future of regulation. With insights from Madhumita Murgia of the Financial Times, Charlotte Tobitt from Press Gazette and Rebecca Jennings from Vox. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson

Kyiv’s answer to the Kremlin’s warspeak. In part one of this miniseries, we focused on Russia’s case, trying to see through Moscow’s war propaganda: its purpose and building blocks. In this episode, we turn to the Ukrainian side of this linguistic tug or war. Here we find that language itself is at the heart of this conflict, fuelling Ukraine’s “linguistic decolonisation”. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg

Advertising executive Sir John Hegarty has created campaigns for some of the world's most famous brands including Levi's, Lynx, and Audi. He was a founding partner of Saatchi and Saatchi before co-founding his own firm, Bartle Bogle Hegarty, in 1982. But he believes that advertising today has lost sight of creativity, in its relentless focus on data and targeted advertising. He joins Ros Atkins to discuss his career, his theory of creativity, and the future of his industry. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Dan Hardoon

Decoding the Kremlin’s warspeak to understand the power of propaganda as a weapon of war. “Let’s cut dill”, “a pop of cotton”, “meat assault”: expressions the average foreigner might struggle to understand. We analyse Moscow’s military jargon; in part two of this mini-series, we’ll explore Kyiv’s answer to it.Producer: Kriszta Satori, Vitaly Shevchenko Presenter: Krassi Twigg

A report by CNN from inside a Syrian prison has become a flashpoint for media scrutiny after the featured prisoner, initially presented as a victim, was identified as a former member of Assad’s Air Force Intelligence Directorate. David Folkenflik, Media Correspondent for NPR, examines the ethical dilemmas and journalistic standards in such high-stakes reporting. ABC News reached a $15m settlement with Donald Trump over a defamation claim stemming from false statements made by one of its star presenters. Katie Fallow, Deputy Litigation Director at the Knight First Amendment Institute, explores the legal complexities of defamation cases involving public figures and the implications for media accountability in a polarised landscape. The Map Men, winners of TikTok’s UK and Ireland video of the year, have turned their passion for maps into viral success. Jay Foreman, one half of the duo, discusses their creative process, the balance between humour and education in their work, and how their unique take on cartography resonates with audiences across platforms. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Martha Owen

After Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed, Syrian media enters a new chapter. Kholoud Helmi, co-founder of the independent paper Enab Baladi, reflects on her publication’s journey from clandestine reporting during Assad’s era to hopes for unfiltered journalism in today’s Syria. Sednaya prison, long shrouded in secrecy, has become a focal point for journalists and families of the missing. Freelance journalist Edmund Bower, reporting for The Times, recounts his access to the site. The murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has sparked polarising reactions online, including the celebration by some of his alleged killer Luigi Mangione. Mia Sato from The Verge discusses the public’s focus on systemic healthcare failings, while influencer Michael McWhorter notes a striking lack of online detective interest in the case. Ben Strick, director of investigations at the Centre for Information Resilience, shares the principles of open-source investigations in an advent calendar he has created to highlight his work. He explains how tools like reverse image searches and flight trackers have aided investigative journalism, offering examples from global conflicts to everyday reporting. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

Reddit bills itself as the “home to endless conversation and authentic human connection”, and it is now one of the fastest growing social networks in the world. For the first time in its 20 years history, it has turned a profit. Journalist James Ball discusses its financial milestones, while Robert H. Peck, associate professor at the University of Iowa, explains its moderation approach and the challenges of maintaining community standards on a rapidly growing platform. Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has launched a major offensive supported by a sophisticated media campaign. Dr Charlie Winter, associate fellow, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, examines the use of digital content such as videos, meme, and music, alongside comparisons to other militant groups and counter-efforts by Assad’s regime. Anna Wintour is the legendary editor in chief of Vogue magazine. To coincide with the opening of an immersive exhibition in London entitled Vogue: Inventing the Runway, she granted the BBC a rare interview. Katie Razzall reflects on the experience of sitting down with the journalist who famously provided the inspiration for The Devil Wears Prada. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

Mishal Husain, one of the most recognisable voices on the BBC, is leaving after 26 years to join Bloomberg. Known for presenting Today and high-profile TV bulletins, her departure marks a turning point for the BBC, which is navigating budget cuts and shifting priorities. Alex Farber, media correspondent for The Times, explores the story. The longstanding feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar has entered the courtroom. Drake alleges that Universal Music manipulated streaming platforms to inflate Kendrick’s diss track Not Like Us – allegations the record label denies. Mark Savage, music correspondent for BBC News, explains the legal filing and what it reveals about the industry. Christmas advertising has become a hallmark of British culture. Franki Goodwin, Chief Creativity Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi, and Maisie McCabe, UK editor of Campaign, discuss the creative and economic strategies behind festive ads. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the risk of escalation in Russia’s war with Ukraine, analyses the political situation in Germany ahead of a snap general election, and looks at the crisis in the Anglican church in the wake of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.