The Explanation

Trump orders fresh sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials accused of directing the violent suppression of protests, while European allies deploy troops to Greenland amid rising tensions over renewed US territorial claims. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at Trump’s fresh sanctions on Iran and European troops deploying to Greenland. 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 [email protected] Senior producer: Oksana Kundirenko Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive producer: Anna Holford

Ongoing protests in Iran have prompted scrutiny of how international media organisations report events in a highly restricted environment, with criticism focused on prominence and framing of coverage. Behrang Tajdin of BBC Persian and Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, set out the editorial constraints and considerations involved.The film Hamnet has opened in UK cinemas following major awards recognition, drawing attention to how producers identify and secure projects at an early stage. Liza Marshall of Hera Pictures describes how she acquired the rights to a story that’s now the toast of Hollywood.Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai

Trump's actions in Venezuela and the removal of Nicolás Maduro sparks talk of further US operations in the region. In this episode Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at the US operation that seized the President of Venezuela. 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 is on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] Producer: Oksana Kundirenko Executive Producer: Anna Holford

Reports that major US newspapers delayed publishing details of the US raid in Venezuela have prompted renewed scrutiny of how journalists handle sensitive national security information. The decision by the New York Times and the Washington Post followed warnings from the White House that publication could endanger American troops, raising questions about press freedom, editorial independence and ethical responsibility. Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, outlines how the story emerged.Debate over the US coverage has drawn attention to how similar situations are handled in the UK, where defence reporting operates under a voluntary advisory system. The Defence and Security Media Advisory Committee issues guidance intended to prevent the publication of material that could risk lives or compromise operations, while preserving press freedom. Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds OBE, Secretary of the DSMA Committee, and Larisa Brown, Defence Editor at The Times, discuss how the system works. A ballot by the actors union Equity has found overwhelming support for industrial action over digital scanning of actors. Paul Fleming, General Secretary of Equity, sets out why the union is pressing producers for stronger protections as AI tools become more widespread.

Have you ever wondered how reality TV gets made? Why some shows become instant classics, while others vanish without trace? In this special edition of The Media Show, four of the UK’s top creatives in unscripted television reveal their secrets. From The Traitors to Pointless, Hunted to Gogglebox, they discuss what makes a hit format, how casting decisions are made, how streamers and influencers are changing the landscape, and where the next big hit might come from. With Tim Harcourt, Chief Creative Officer, Studio Lambert; Matt Bennett, Director of Programmes, Shine Television; Tamara Gilder, Joint MD, Remarkable Entertainment; Art Sejdiu, Head of Commissioning Development, Channel Four.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Dan Hardoon Content producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites