The Explanation

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether Western support for Ukraine is holding firm, analyses Donald Trump’s plan for a Middle East riviera in Gaza and looks at whether artificial intelligence is still a danger to us.

Elon Musk’s presence at a White House press conference surprised journalists when President Trump gave him the stage to address questions about his growing governmental influence. Jeff Mason, White House correspondent for Reuters, who asked Musk about claims of a “hostile takeover” of government, describes the experience. The Trump administration has announced significant cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides funding to independent media organisations worldwide. Max Tani, reporter for Semafor, explains how this decision affects news outlets, particularly those operating in countries where press freedom is under threat. BBC Media Action, the BBC’s international charity, has been affected by the cuts, with USAID previously providing millions in funding. Its CEO, Simon Bishop, clarifies the organisation’s role and responds to Elon Musk’s claim that USAID funds the BBC directly. The attention economy is reshaping the way people engage with media and technology. Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC’s All In, draws comparisons between Big Tech’s monetisation of attention and the Industrial Revolution’s transformation of labour. He discusses the social and political consequences of mass digital engagement and offers insight into potential regulatory solutions. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines Donald Trump’s first few weeks in office, analyses whether the United States is going to start a trade war, and looks at how Mexico is dealing with the new administration in Washington.

Bill Gates sits down with presenter Katie Razzall in Seattle to discuss technology’s impact, from social media to AI, as he reflects on themes from his new autobiography. He shares his thoughts on misinformation, regulation, and his most recent meeting with Donald Trump. Also, how can news outlets engage Gen Z? New research shows young consumers trust social media posts and influencers as much as traditional journalism. Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4, David Rhodes of Sky News, and Geordie Greig of The Independent discuss the challenge. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

John Simpson visits Russia's neighbour Latvia for a special episode of Unspun World where he reflects on how the collapse of the Soviet Union has shaped Putin’s Russia. With BBC experts in the region, John explores how a second Trump presidency may affect the war in Ukraine and looks at the Baltic balancing act over the threat from Moscow.

Chinese technology is making headlines with the rise of DeepSeek, an AI chatbot that has surged to the top of US app downloads. Its development cost is reportedly lower than Western alternatives, and its open-source nature raises both innovation and security concerns. Shirin Ghaffary, AI reporter at Bloomberg, Ciaran Martin, former Head of Cybersecurity at GCHQ, and Kathrin Hille, FT Greater China correspondent, discuss the impact. The Excel World Championships bring spreadsheets into the realm of competitive gaming. Hosted in Las Vegas, the event sees contestants solving complex data challenges in front of a live audience. Robert McMillan, reporter at The Wall Street Journal, describes the atmosphere of the event and assesses whether Excel really has evolved from office tool to esport. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

"We thought we had entered hell." These are the recollections of Auschwitz survivor Mindu Hornick. In an interview with the BBC's Tim Franks, she recalls, in vivid detail, the last memory of her mother who was taken to the gas chamber; the Yiddish-speaking prison worker who saved her life; the terror of selection by Nazi doctor Josef Mengele; and the desperation of hunger, and rations laced with sawdust and bromide.

John Simpson is in Taiwan for a special episode of Unspun World, where he reflects on the extraordinary rollercoaster of Chinese politics over the last 60 years. With the BBC experts in the region, John examines the growing tensions between Taiwan and China, and explores how China may deal with Trump 2.0 as the US president once again takes office.

Prince Harry has settled his legal battle against Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers, securing a formal apology and substantial damages. Joshua Rozenberg, legal affairs commentator and journalist, explains the allegations, which included claims that private investigators used illegal methods to obtain information. Chris Huhne, former cabinet minister, reflects on his own experience. The future of TikTok in the US faces uncertainty following remarks by President Trump, who proposed a potential deal involving US entities. Jake Kanter, Investigations Editor at Deadline, assesses the political dynamics behind this issue. Media ethics are under scrutiny after the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas. Freelance journalist Noga Tarnopolsky critiques both the orchestration of the event by Hamas and how the Israeli government reported it and used footage of the hostages reuniting with their families. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

The devastation caused by the wildfires in Los Angeles has been profound, with homes and communities left in ruins. Jonathan Hunt, Fox News correspondent, and Emma Vardy of BBC News recount their experience of reporting from the Pacific Palisades. Allison Agsten, director of the Annenberg Centre for Climate Journalism and Communication, shares her concern that media coverage has often overlooked the role of climate change in exacerbating these events. Caroline Frost, columnist for the Radio Times, reflects on the prominence of celebrity involvement in coverage of the disaster. Artificial intelligence has been used to recreate Sir Michael Parkinson’s voice for a podcast series that explores the boundaries of technology and human storytelling. Benjamin Field, producer of Virtually Parkinson, describes how the system was trained on more than 100 hours of archival material to recreate the legendary broadcaster. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

Ahead of President Trump’s return to The White House, Meta is replacing its US fact-checking program with a new “user-driven” approach called Community Notes. Angie Drobnic Holan, Director of the International Fact-Checking Network, explains the implications of this decision and whether decentralising moderation can effectively address misinformation. Piers Morgan, broadcaster and former host at Rupert Murdoch’s News UK, has announced his decision to leave and focus on his YouTube channel. Julia Angwin, investigative journalist and fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, explains how this reflects the broader rise of independent content creators. Joey Contino, TikTok news influencer, shares how he has built a loyal following through accessible and direct reporting. Alessandra Galloni, Editor-in-Chief of Reuters, considers how traditional media organisations can adapt to these trends. Grand Theft Auto 6 is shaping up to be a landmark release in gaming history. With its first female protagonist, advanced AI, and immersive gameplay mechanics, the game is expected to push boundaries in both technology and storytelling. Vic Hood, freelance gaming journalist, examines the franchise’s enduring appeal and how this instalment could set new benchmarks in the gaming industry. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

We explore the key media trends shaping 2025. From the rise of AI in journalism to how social platforms are transforming news, challenges in media funding and the future of regulation. With insights from Madhumita Murgia of the Financial Times, Charlotte Tobitt from Press Gazette and Rebecca Jennings from Vox. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson

Kyiv’s answer to the Kremlin’s warspeak. In part one of this miniseries, we focused on Russia’s case, trying to see through Moscow’s war propaganda: its purpose and building blocks. In this episode, we turn to the Ukrainian side of this linguistic tug or war. Here we find that language itself is at the heart of this conflict, fuelling Ukraine’s “linguistic decolonisation”. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg

Advertising executive Sir John Hegarty has created campaigns for some of the world's most famous brands including Levi's, Lynx, and Audi. He was a founding partner of Saatchi and Saatchi before co-founding his own firm, Bartle Bogle Hegarty, in 1982. But he believes that advertising today has lost sight of creativity, in its relentless focus on data and targeted advertising. He joins Ros Atkins to discuss his career, his theory of creativity, and the future of his industry. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Dan Hardoon

Decoding the Kremlin’s warspeak to understand the power of propaganda as a weapon of war. “Let’s cut dill”, “a pop of cotton”, “meat assault”: expressions the average foreigner might struggle to understand. We analyse Moscow’s military jargon; in part two of this mini-series, we’ll explore Kyiv’s answer to it.Producer: Kriszta Satori, Vitaly Shevchenko Presenter: Krassi Twigg

A report by CNN from inside a Syrian prison has become a flashpoint for media scrutiny after the featured prisoner, initially presented as a victim, was identified as a former member of Assad’s Air Force Intelligence Directorate. David Folkenflik, Media Correspondent for NPR, examines the ethical dilemmas and journalistic standards in such high-stakes reporting. ABC News reached a $15m settlement with Donald Trump over a defamation claim stemming from false statements made by one of its star presenters. Katie Fallow, Deputy Litigation Director at the Knight First Amendment Institute, explores the legal complexities of defamation cases involving public figures and the implications for media accountability in a polarised landscape. The Map Men, winners of TikTok’s UK and Ireland video of the year, have turned their passion for maps into viral success. Jay Foreman, one half of the duo, discusses their creative process, the balance between humour and education in their work, and how their unique take on cartography resonates with audiences across platforms. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Martha Owen

After Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed, Syrian media enters a new chapter. Kholoud Helmi, co-founder of the independent paper Enab Baladi, reflects on her publication’s journey from clandestine reporting during Assad’s era to hopes for unfiltered journalism in today’s Syria. Sednaya prison, long shrouded in secrecy, has become a focal point for journalists and families of the missing. Freelance journalist Edmund Bower, reporting for The Times, recounts his access to the site. The murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has sparked polarising reactions online, including the celebration by some of his alleged killer Luigi Mangione. Mia Sato from The Verge discusses the public’s focus on systemic healthcare failings, while influencer Michael McWhorter notes a striking lack of online detective interest in the case. Ben Strick, director of investigations at the Centre for Information Resilience, shares the principles of open-source investigations in an advent calendar he has created to highlight his work. He explains how tools like reverse image searches and flight trackers have aided investigative journalism, offering examples from global conflicts to everyday reporting. Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

Reddit bills itself as the “home to endless conversation and authentic human connection”, and it is now one of the fastest growing social networks in the world. For the first time in its 20 years history, it has turned a profit. Journalist James Ball discusses its financial milestones, while Robert H. Peck, associate professor at the University of Iowa, explains its moderation approach and the challenges of maintaining community standards on a rapidly growing platform. Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has launched a major offensive supported by a sophisticated media campaign. Dr Charlie Winter, associate fellow, International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, examines the use of digital content such as videos, meme, and music, alongside comparisons to other militant groups and counter-efforts by Assad’s regime. Anna Wintour is the legendary editor in chief of Vogue magazine. To coincide with the opening of an immersive exhibition in London entitled Vogue: Inventing the Runway, she granted the BBC a rare interview. Katie Razzall reflects on the experience of sitting down with the journalist who famously provided the inspiration for The Devil Wears Prada. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

Mishal Husain, one of the most recognisable voices on the BBC, is leaving after 26 years to join Bloomberg. Known for presenting Today and high-profile TV bulletins, her departure marks a turning point for the BBC, which is navigating budget cuts and shifting priorities. Alex Farber, media correspondent for The Times, explores the story. The longstanding feud between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar has entered the courtroom. Drake alleges that Universal Music manipulated streaming platforms to inflate Kendrick’s diss track Not Like Us – allegations the record label denies. Mark Savage, music correspondent for BBC News, explains the legal filing and what it reveals about the industry. Christmas advertising has become a hallmark of British culture. Franki Goodwin, Chief Creativity Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi, and Maisie McCabe, UK editor of Campaign, discuss the creative and economic strategies behind festive ads. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the risk of escalation in Russia’s war with Ukraine, analyses the political situation in Germany ahead of a snap general election, and looks at the crisis in the Anglican church in the wake of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Friday’s Netflix boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson was more than a fight; it was a media moment. Evan Shapiro, media commentator, sees it as evidence of influencer dominance over traditional media. Oliver Brown, Chief Sports Writer of The Daily Telegraph, discusses whether such events mark a shift from genuine sport to spectacle. Crosswords and puzzles are becoming an integral part of newspaper business strategies. Zoe Bell, Executive Producer of Games at The New York Times, explains how games like Wordle and Spelling Bee are driving engagement and subscriptions. Crossword setter John Halpern shares his journey into the world of puzzles and the creative process behind setting crosswords for major newspapers. Bluesky, a social media platform created by Jack Dorsey, is gaining traction as an alternative to Elon Musk's X. With a significant increase in users, Bluesky is being seen as a platform that offers a different experience from traditional social media. Katie Martin from the Financial Times discusses the platform's growth and its potential impact on the media landscape. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

John Simpson explores the implications of a second Trump term for US foreign policy, the role of Saudi Arabia in the search for stability in the Middle East, and the appeal of South Korean culture.

The US election has brought about significant challenges for the mainstream media. Edward Luce of the Financial Times, Megan McArdle of The Washington Post, and Katie Drummond of WIRED discuss the diversification of media sources and the struggle for relevance among traditional news organisations. Taskmaster has become a standout success in the world of TV comedy. Alex Horne, the creator and co-host of the UK edition, provides insights into the show’s enduring popularity and its international adaptations. Presenter: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Assistant producer: Lucy Wai Producer: Simon Richardson

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how the US Presidential campaign has highlighted the deep divisions in the country, analyses the future for Hezbollah in Lebanon in the wake of Israel’s attacks, and looks at how difficult life is now in Afghanistan under the Taliban.

Much of the traditional media were blindsided by Trump’s election victory. To discuss why, Katie is joined by James Harding, Founder, Tortoise Media, Claire Atkinson, The Media Mix newsletter, and Max Tani, Media Editor, Semafor.Also on the show, a new investigation into the finances of the British Royal family. Alistair Jackson, Investigations Editor, Channel 4, Jennie Bond, former BBC Royal Correspondent and Kinsey Schofield, Host, To Di for Daily ask whether the Royals get an easy ride from the journalists tasked with scrutinising them. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Why is the Kremlin worried about population decline? President Putin has made the increase of human capital a national priority. Decision-makers have been competing to offer a solution, from fiscal incentives to encourage women to have more children, to restricting access to abortion, to banning "propaganda" of “childless lifestyle”. Will their plan work?Producer: Francis Scarr, Veronika Malinboym, Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Twigg

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses how the Iranian regime might respond to Israel’s attack on the country, examines the role of disinformation in the US Presidential election and looks at whether a rape trial in Provence will change French society.

Ros Atkins is in Washington DC and asks what what the upcoming election tells us about the role the media plays in modern America.The Washington Post finds itself at the heart of a debate on media impartiality after a reported loss of thousands of subscribers following its decision not to endorse a candidate. NPR's media correspondent, David Folkenflik, joins us to unpack the unfolding crisis. With tech billionaires wielding significant influence, this election has seen figures like Elon Musk openly backing Donald Trump. Critics argue that big tech’s sway over public discourse has become too potent. Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in technology policy at the Cato Institute, and Marietje Schaake, a former MEP now with Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center, debate the issues. And for over 170 years, the Associated Press has been at the forefront of election coverage, calling winners across the nation. Anna Johnson, AP’s Washington bureau chief, explains how it does what might be "the single largest act of journalism in the world". Presenter:: Ros Atkins

What’s behind the evolution of President Erdogan’s narrative on LGBT issues, and how did Turkey’s Islamic conservatives find common ground with American Evangelicals? President Erdogan skipped the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris in August after his granddaughter warned him about the “LGBT show”. He berated the French organisers for “debasing humanity to a level below animals”. His anti-LGBT push is relatively recent. We take a look at one battlefield of the global culture war. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Twigg

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the attitudes of other countries in the Middle East towards Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon, examines the signs of a recovery in the global economy and looks at the Italian Prime Minister’s right-wing domestic agenda.

Andy Cohen is the executive producer behind the Real Housewives TV franchise. He tells Katie how it became a global phenomenon. Also in the programme, after Yulia Navalnaya’s BBC interview, an assessment of Putin’s crackdown on the media which her husband Alexei Navalny used to promote his message. Francis Scarr of BBC Monitoring explains. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's experts around the world, analyses Israel’s long-term strategy in the Middle East, examines whether the US government will force Google to break up and looks at the terrifying ordeal of migrants trying to cross from Africa to Europe.

The ISIS Prisons Museum was established in 2017 when a group of journalists, filmmakers and activists entered deserted Islamic State prisons to collect evidence. We talk to two journalists behind the project as their archive launches to the public. Amer Matar is Director of the ISIS Prisons Museum, Robin Yassin-Kassab is its Chief English Editor, and Yvonne McDermott Rees is Professor of Law at Swansea University. Also on the show, the journalist who received an apology from Anne Hathaway. Kjersti Flaa reveals why the Hollywood actor got in touch after her “cringeworthy” interview went viral. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Ten years on, where do the warring parties stand? And is there a way out of the stalemate? This is not just a civil war - it’s a battle between rival camps in the Middle East, led by Iran on the one hand, and Saudi Arabia on the other. The Houthis are said to be Iran’s proxy, but they sometimes act against Tehran’s interest. We go granular on the complexities in the alliances and the rivalries that shape the conflict. Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Twigg

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the prospects for the Middle East on the anniversary of the October 7th attacks on Israel, examines Russia’s recent advances in their war in Ukraine and looks at the state of democracy in Tunisia after its president wins re-election.

What’s it like to report from Gaza? The BBC’s Rushdi Abualouf discusses the editorial and practical challenges, keeping his family safe while reporting in a conflict zone, and how he made the difficult decision to leave Gaza in November and continue his work from abroad. We’re also joined by the Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, Zanny Minton Beddoes, and the Israeli journalist Noga Tarnopolsky, to reflect on how the media has covered the war. Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Content Editor: Richard Hooper Assistant Producers: Martha Owen and Lucy Wai

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what Iran’s strategy will be in the wake of Israel’s assault on Hezbollah, looks at how the attack is being seen inside Israel and examines the disappearance of one of China’s leading economists.

As the Israeli offensive against targets in Lebanon continues, we discuss the challenge for journalists reporting the story with the BBC’s Lyse Doucet and Shayan Sardarizadeh. Also on the show, one of the biggest flops in video game history as Sony pulls its new game Concord just days after launch. Keza MacDonald of The Guardian explains why it failed. And Jordan Schwarzenberger, the manager of the biggest YouTube creators in Europe, The Sidemen, reveals their creative process and business strategy. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Content Editor: Richard Hooper Assistant Producers: Martha Owen and Lucy Wai

Ten years after the start of the civil war in Yemen, Sanaa, Aden and Taiz are stuck in a “no war, no peace” limbo. The three ancient cities are ruled by different warring parties, all vying to expand their reach. We look at life under the Houthis, the “government of hotels”, the separatists and the snipers.Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov, Sumaya Bakhsh Presenter: Krassi Twigg

Mohamed Al Fayed was the flamboyant billionaire whose investments once included the luxury department store Harrods and a Premier League football club. He was the father of Dodi, who was killed alongside Princess Diana in 1997. Fayed died last year and this month the BBC has released a new investigation that portrays him in a very different light. Erica Gornall, director of “Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods”, and Henry Porter, former UK editor of Vanity Fair, discuss the story. The US election is now just week away and the competition for viewers among the TV networks is ferocious. CNN – led by its British boss Mark Thompson - thinks they may have a secret weapon for Saturday nights; a US version of “Have I Got News For You”. Jimmy Mulville of Hat Trick Productions, is the brains behind it. Nayeema Raza, co-host of Semafor's Mixed Signals podcast, gives her verdict. Saad Mohseni co-founded the Moby Group, Afghanistan’s largest media company. Despite the Taliban being back in power, his TV channel, TOLO, still broadcasts news and educational programmes - and uses female anchors. Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Flora McWilliam

Donald Trump’s false claim that migrants are eating pets in Springfield Ohio will go down in history as one of the most memorable political soundbites. Jack Brewster, Enterprise Editor at NewsGuard, has traced its origin. AJ Bauer, Assistant Professor, at the University of Alabama, explains how it became a meme. David Rennie has been The Economist’s correspondent in Beijing for the last 6 years. As his posting comes to an end, he reflects on political and cultural change in China, and what it’s been like reporting from a country with ever increasing media restrictions. Parmy Olson, technology columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, has just written a book about the AI arms race and the battle between Google’s Deep Mind and Open AI. At the heart of it, she says in “Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World”, is the personal rivalry between two men. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

The Department of Justice says it has busted a Russian plot to recruit popular right-wing influencers to convey its messages. Maggie Miller, Cybersecurity Reporter from Politico, and Catherine Belton, International Investigative Reporter for The Washington Post, discuss the case and the evolution of Russian disinformation tactics. Also on the show, as the public inquiry into what happened at the English hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies begins, what impact are conspiracy theories having on the ongoing reporting of the story? Judith Moritz, North of England Correspondent for BBC News and James Coney, News projects editor, at The Sunday Times explain their approach. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

From Squid Game to The Masked Singer, some of the most popular TV formats of recent years have come from South Korea. InSoon Kim, a Korean TV producer, and journalists Lucas Shaw and Regina Kim, discuss why. Also on the show, Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor at The Times, explains how she went inside the Kursk region of Russia with Ukrainian forces. Francis Scarr from BBC Monitoring, tells us how the offensive is being reported on Russian state media. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Pavel Durov, the CEO of messaging app Telegram, has been arrested in France. For an executive of a big social media company to face a criminal enquiry is highly unusual. Mike Isaac, Tech Correspondent of The New York Times and Steve Rosenberg, Russia Editor for BBC News discuss the case. The Onion, the satirical news website, is relaunching a print edition. Its editor, Chad Nackers, explains the appeal of a traditional newspaper. A Chinese produced video game, Black Myth: Wukong, has become one of the most successful launches ever. Keza McDonald, Games Editor at The Guardian and Frankie Ward, e-sports host and broadcaster discuss this - and other gaming news. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

To many, we're living through a golden age of TV. But behind the rich offerings for consumers lie several growing structural issues, from a market oversupplied by streamers desperate for subscriptions, to the consequences of the US actors and writers strike, to a downturn in the advertising spend that powers the UK industry. Ros talks to Broadcast Editor Chris Curtis; Stephen Lambert, Chief Executive at Studio Lambert, Andy Harries, CEO of Left Bank Pictures and Claire Lundberg, founder of CTL Scouting; at the Edinburgh International TV Festival. And we talk to Nayeema Raza from Semafor at the Democratic National Convention where Kamala Harris is about to accept her party's nomination for President - all at a time when the candidate is refusing to do media interviews. Presenter: Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

As one of the smallest Supreme Courts in the world, do nine justices fairly represent the diversity of views in the US? Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC's senior North American reporter Anthony Zurcher about how the ratio of republican to democratic judges has changed over time. The controversy over lifetime tenures of justices is discussed with no set term limits or mandatory retirement ages and we find out why historical court decisions are being overturned.Produced by Cathy Young for the BBC World Service.

In recent weeks parts of the UK saw violent riots fuelled by misinformation online and anti-immigration sentiment. Some rioters have since been sentenced using evidence from social media. Nazir Afzal, a former Chief Crown Prosecutor, and Lorna Woods, Professor of Internet Law at the University of Essex, explain how it worked. Many of you may have seen Elon Musk’s interview on X with Donald Trump. What impact will his political views and his content moderation policies have on the social media platform? Lara O'Reilly from Business Insider fills us in. And we learn about the art of sports commentary from one of the BBC’s Olympics commentators, Andrew Cotter. Presenter: Katie Razzall Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant Producer: Lucy Wai

Consisting of 193 member states, the United Nations is a global organisation which strives for peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet. Founded in 1945, it provides a forum for the world's nations to come together, discuss issues and find solutions, which transcend national boundaries. The UN has successfully ended conflicts across the world and has won the Nobel Peace Prize over ten times. However it has been criticized for the alleged abuse of power by nations, inaction and failure to prevent armed conflicts. So in a rapidly changing world – is the UN fit for purpose? Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC North America & UN correspondent Nada Tawfik about the structure, purpose and future of the United Nations. Produced by Cathy Young for BBC World Service.

The Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan has led to the erasure of women from public life. There’s a UN-led campaign to recognise it as “gender apartheid”, but the international community is divided and lacking leverage. Three years after the group took the capital Kabul, our experts explain what life is like for half of the population and why women have become a proxy for the nation’s image of itself. Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Twigg

In parts of the UK, violent protests broke out after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in the English town of Southport – rumours had spread that the suspect was an asylum seeker. Maria Breslin, editor of The Liverpool Echo, Priyanka Raval, reporter at The Bristol Cable and Stephanie Stacey, technology reporter at The Financial Times, have all been reporting the story. Also , a development in the ongoing saga of the Netflix show Baby Reindeer. The alleged subject of the drama is suing the streamer in a huge defamation lawsuit. Now Netflix’s lawyers have fired back - and the court documents are every bit as dramatic as the show itself. Jake Kanter, investigations editor at Deadline, has the details. And what qualities do you need to be a journalist? The National Council for the Training of Journalists say the younger generation lacks confidence when it comes to tasks like cold calling and phone interviews. Presenter: Katie Razzall Assistant producer: Lucy Wai Producer: Simon Richardson