The Explanation

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

Piers Morgan explains why he has stepped away from traditional television to focus exclusively on YouTube. He outlines the commercial and editorial logic behind the move and his plans to expand the Uncensored brand across digital platforms, including Substack. A UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman has prompted a wider examination of how British media report on gender identity. Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor at The Sunday Times, Jane Fae, Chair of Trans Media Watch, Hannah Barnes, Author and Journalist at The New Statesman, and Dominic Casciani, Home and Legal Correspondent for BBC News consider the implications of legal and ethical guidance for newsrooms. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall 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.

The death of Pope Francis has drawn intense global media coverage as journalists gather in Rome. Tom Kington, Italy Correspondent for The Times, describes press access within the Vatican and reflects on the Pope's evolving relationship with journalists. The Pentagon continues its hunt for officials behind recent high-profile leaks involving sensitive military plans. David Smith, Washington DC Bureau Chief at The Guardian, joins former special adviser Peter Cardwell and journalist Isabel Oakeshott to outline the role of leaks in US and UK political journalism. The Genius Game is a South Korean reality show format launching in the UK this month. TV executive Tamara Gilder explains the strategic and psychological gameplay behind the format and its appeal in a global market for “gamified content”. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall 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.

A critical moment emerged in northern England as the UK government intervened to prevent the closure of a major steelworks, one of the last of its kind in the country. The intervention followed the discovery that blast furnaces were on the brink of shutdown due to the site's Chinese owners halting essential raw material orders. Ed Conway, Economics Editor at Sky News, and Jo Makel, Senior Reporter for BBC regional television, explain their approach to reporting the story. Also on the show, how a call by tech leaders to abolish intellectual property laws has reignited debate over copyright in the digital age. Dr Hayleigh Bosher, a legal expert from Brunel University London, outlines the implications of such proposals. And Saturday Night Live, the iconic American comedy sketch show known for launching global stars and sharp political satire, is being adapted for the UK. Journalist Caroline Frost and comedian Tamar Broadbent discuss whether the format will be a success. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Recent tariff developments spark intense discussions about the U.S.-China trade war. The U.S. implemented steep 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, raising questions about strategic motives versus market pressures. The European Union paused retaliatory tariffs amidst policy shifts, while instability in the bond market complicates American businesses. The implications of these tariffs ripple through global supply chains, affecting market dynamics and public sentiment, especially as concerns rise over economic repercussions and potential recessions.