The Explanation

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump’s decision to deploy troops to tackle protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles, examines the impact at home of Russia’s war casualties in Ukraine, and looks at shocking evidence of life in Syria’s prisons under former leader, Bashar al-Assad.

The advertising industry is facing dramatic change, after Meta announced new AI tools that will let anyone make ads. Sir Martin Sorrell, Executive Chairman of S4 Capital, and Alex Dalman, Co-chair of the Advertising Association’s AI Taskforce, discuss whether the industry faces an existential threat. Dan Snow is the TV historian turned media mogul, whose network History Hit celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. With a streaming service, a YouTube channel, and popular podcast, Dan reflects on how he built it and why he thinks today is boom time for history content. Following budget cuts by the Trump administration to the US Agency for Global Media, services provided by Radio Free Asia and other outlets broadcasting to countries with restricted media access have been scaled back. The Washington Post has now reported that China’s state radio has moved to fill the void by launching new services and jamming frequencies previously used by Radio Free Asia. Michael Bristow, Asia-Pacific Editor at the BBC World Service, assesses the implications. Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the election of a right-wing president in Poland on the country’s government, examines the long-term effects of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, and looks at the ongoing attempts by the Chinese authorities to suppress the memory of the Tiananmen Square massacre.Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski

NPR, one of America’s most prominent public broadcasters, is facing potential funding cuts following moves by President Trump. The administration alleges a lack of impartiality, prompting legal action by NPR to defend its editorial independence and mission. Katherine Maher, CEO of NPR, outlines the organisation's stance and shares her plan for survival. The Hajj in Mecca has become a huge media event but reporting from it poses significant logistical and editorial challenges. With two million pilgrims and thousands of journalists attending, media access requires strict accreditation from the Saudi authorities. Shehab Khan, Political Correspondent for ITV News, shares his experience. Apple’s long-standing manufacturing presence in China has helped it achieve unmatched production scale. However, this dependence may now leave the company vulnerable amid shifting US trade policy. Patrick McGee, Financial Times reporter, discusses his new book Apple in China. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

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