The Explanation

Episodes

• The President's Path: Could Trump deliver Democrats a midterm victory?Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann look at the Democrats' race to the midterms. The party is eyeing some key victories in races across the country, to secure control of either the House or Senate – or both – come November. Recent polls appear promising, but what is deciding voters’ minds about who will get their vote – or if they will even head to the polls? Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: Magnus McGrandle Executive producer: Anna Holford

  370|20min
• Unspun World: Israel marks three years since 7 October attacksJohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the 7 October attacks, analyses the possible impacts of the midterm elections on the Trump presidency, and examines the civil war in Yemen. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall

  369|29min
• The Media Show: Hungary and the battle for press freedomSix months after Péter Magyar’s election ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule, Hungary’s new government faces scrutiny over its promised press reforms. BBC East and Central Europe Correspondent Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest on how the country’s media is changing. Broadcaster Anneka Rice reflects on fifty years since joining the BBC as a trainee, tracing her career across television and radio and the changes she has witnessed in British broadcasting. As the Cornell rape investigation continues, journalism experts including Dr Robert Topinka of Birkbeck, University of London, and Professor Kathleen Bartzen Culver of the University of Wisconsin–Madison consider the ethical and legal responsibilities of reporters covering sensitive cases. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lucy Wai Content Producer: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Mike Campbell Technical Coordinator: James Cherry

  368|26min
• The President's Path: Do Trump's endorsements help?Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine the role President Trump is playing in the race to November’s midterm elections. They discuss whether his endorsement is helping Republican candidates, look at the key battleground races, and explore the issues likely to matter most to voters.

  367|19min
• What effect are Russian drone strikes having on Ukraine?John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, analyses the state of the relationship between China and the United States, and examines the possibility of renewed civil war in Ethiopia.

  366|29min
• The Media Show: Reporting the Man City scandalThe Premier League alleges that Manchester City arranged sham contracts with commercial partners to conceal more than £830 million in funding. BBC Sport’s Laura Scott, Der Spiegel journalist Christoph Winterbach, Nick Harris from Sporting Intelligence, and Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris explain how the story developed and the media’s role in reporting it over time. Also on the programme With Celebrity Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing returning to television, celebrity talent executive Stefania Aleksander describes the process of selecting the personalities who help make these entertainment formats successful, and the behind-the-scenes work that shapes some of the UK’s most-watched shows. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Chris Lovelock Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman

  365|26min
• The President's Path: Trump on the world stageCaitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's big week on the international stage, from the United Nations General Assembly to hosting China's president at the White House. They examine how the US president is managing friends and rivals, and grappling with an increasingly complex global landscape.

  364|19min
• Unspun World: The state of Germany's governmentJohn Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of Germany’s government after resounding regional election defeats, looks at the effect of American cutbacks on the of future of the United Nations, and examines what we can learn from the tightly controlled elections in Russia. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall

  363|29min
• The Media Show: Earl Spencer, the Palace and the PressThe publication of Earl Spencer’s book about Princess Diana, serialised by the Daily Mail, has reignited debate over who shapes her legacy. BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan, Evening Standard Royal Editor Robert Jobson and media lawyer Mark Stephens discuss the competing narratives in the press and legal implications. The small village of Piddington in the UK has drawn global attention over plans to house more than a thousand asylum seekers. Guardian journalist Amelia Gentleman and BBC South’s Jamie Morris report on how a local dispute became an international story. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Margherita Campanaro Sound: Mark Pickett

  362|26min
• The President's Path: Is Canada's EU relationship a threat to Trump?Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss the European Union's ambition for Canada to become its first-ever "associate member", a status that does not currently exist. They examine what such a partnership could mean for Canada, President Trump’s reaction, and whether deeper ties with Europe could reshape Canada's future relationship with its neighbour. Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford

  361|19min