The Explanation

Ros Atkins is in Washington DC speaking to some of the most influential voices in American journalism. Together, they reveal how very different media organisations are covering President Trump’s war with Iran and how they see the US media landscape at this moment.
Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, discusses the magazine’s growth strategy and reflects on ‘Signalgate’ one year on.
Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo, explains how setting up his own media company has given him new editorial freedom.
The Trump administration’s approach to communication is reshaping reporting rhythms in Washington. The BBC’s North America editor Sarah Smith reflects on President Trump’s media strategy.
And the YouTuber Johnny Harris, who specialises in news explainers, takes Ros behind the scenes of his creator-led media company Newpress.

The Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway that carries 20% of the world’s oil — is now an active war zone. What in the World tracks the disruption and explains who’s feeling the impact. To hear more, search What in the World wherever you get your BBC podcasts

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the Iranian regime will survive, looks at what Israel and the United States are aiming to achieve in their war with Iran, and examines whether Iran’s attacks on countries in the Gulf will change the balance of power in the region.
Producer: Kate Cornell
Executive producer: Benedick Watt
Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski

Events in Iran have led news bulletins, alongside ongoing wars in Ukraine and Sudan. As crises compete for attention, questions are being raised about whether reporting captures a wider shift in global power or centres on immediate developments. Christina Lamb, Chief International Correspondent at The Sunday Times, Aaron Bastani, co-founder of Novara Media, and Sir John Tusa, former Managing Director of the BBC World Service, discuss the media’s role in uncertain times.
The Green Party’s victory in the Gorton and Denton by-election in the north of England, overturning a previously safe Labour seat, has prompted debate about political reporting in the UK. Rachel Cunliffe, Associate Editor at The New Statesman, explains her approach.
At the age of 90, Sir John Tusa has launched a new interview podcast, The Best is Yet to Come, featuring conversations with public figures in their nineties. The series enters a crowded podcast market and raises questions about how older voices are represented in the media.
Production credits
Presenters: Katie Razzall
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Content Producer: Lucy Wai
Researcher: Ruth Waites
Technical Coordinator: Margot Campanaro
Sound: Pat Sissons

Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian and Fin Gomez look at one of the most talked-about Senate races - the Texas primaries. For Republicans, it is about who can win the President’s endorsement. For Democrats, success here could shape party strategy for months and years to come.
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: Ellyn Duncan
Editor: Silvia Costeloe
Executive producer: Anna Holford