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

Unspun World: Vladimir Putin’s game plan

Where the world is explained. Making sense of the big stories - looking behind the spin. Exploring the important questions about long-running stories and the latest global news. An honest, unvarnished, explanation of the world. Episodes from The Explanation, Unspun World, The Global Jigsaw and The Media Show.

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the Israeli government’s plans for Gaza, assesses China’s efforts to lessen its reliance on the United States for trade, and looks at attacks against critics of the Iranian regime on foreign soil.

Unspun World: What's next for Gaza?

Tensions between India and Pakistan have reignited an information war, not just on social media but also in mainstream outlets. Shayan Sardarizadeh from BBC Verify explains how false reports of military actions, such as attacks on Karachi or high-level casualties, have circulated with little evidence. An Australian court case involving Erin Patterson, accused of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth with a poisonous lunch, has drawn intense media attention. Nino Bucci from Guardian Australia describes the challenges of reporting responsibly as global audiences fuel interest in the story. Weather forecasts are changing in format and medium. Max Velocity, a US-based YouTube meteorologist with over a million subscribers, and ITV’s Laura Tobin discuss their approach and the role of personality in engaging audiences. Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Assistant producer: Lucy Wai
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson

The Media Show: Misinformation and the India-Pakistan Standoff

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

The Media Show: Tina Brown on her fight for quality journalism

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 Global Jigsaw: The Kurdish issue: Part three

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

Unspun World: What part did Trump play in Canada’s election?

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

The Media Show: Piers Morgan’s YouTube bet

The Global Jigsaw: The Kurdish issue: Part two

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 
.

The Media Show: Washington leak culture

The Global Jigsaw: The Kurdish issue: Part one

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

The Media Show: Britain's steel crisis and SNL’s leap across the Atlantic

Ben Brown in London and Sumi Somaskanda in Washington, examine the key questions about the Trump tariff rollercoaster of the last few days. Why has the US doubled down on China with even steeper tariffs of 145%?

Trump's tariffs explained

Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs has disrupted global markets and challenged journalists tasked with explaining complex financial implications. Dharshini David, Deputy Economics Editor at BBC News, outlines how media coverage has responded to the fast-moving story, including social media misinformation and the difficulties of making the topic accessible to the public. Max Goldbart, International TV Co-Editor at Deadline, assesses what tariffs could mean for the media industry itself. 
The Indian Premier League has become one of the world’s most commercially successful sporting competitions. Tim Wigmore, Deputy Cricket Correspondent at The Telegraph, explains how the IPL’s format, celebrity involvement, and Indian economic growth helped transform it into a media powerhouse. Tymal Mills, England T20 international and BBC commentator, provides a player’s view of the competition. 
Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia, has overseen the company’s transformation into a leader in AI chip development. A new biography by Stephen Witt discusses Huang’s background, the company's pivot to artificial intelligence, and its rise in value to over $2 trillion. Presenter: Katie Razzall 
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson 
Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

The Media Show: Trade wars, tariffs, and Trump’s media strategy

A Netflix drama about a boy accused of murder has sparked global attention over the content consumed by teenage boys online. Claire Holubowskyj of Enders Analysis highlights how boys spend significant time on platforms like YouTube and Reddit, often absorbing longer-form, algorithm-driven videos. Dr Marcus Gilroy-Ware of SOAS and Oli Dugmore, Editor at Joe, delve into the online presence of Andrew Tate and similar figures. 
Also on the show, Nintendo has announced the Switch 2 console, a successor to its popular gaming system. Keza MacDonald, Video Games Editor at The Guardian, gives her analysis. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Simon Richardson Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

The Media Show: What teenage boys are watching online

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how Gaza could be governed in the future, analyses what a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia might look like, and looks at whether a minerals deal with the United States might end the fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Unspun World: How might Gaza be governed in the future?

A new lawsuit has intensified scrutiny over whether artificial intelligence models are being trained using pirated books. Authors and publishers are reacting to claims that Meta used books from Library Genesis, a well-known piracy site, without permission. Alex Reisner, Data Journalist at The Atlantic, built a tool enabling authors to check if their books were included in the dataset. Rosie Wilby, comedian and author, found her work listed and raised concerns over consent and fair compensation. Catriona MacLeod Stevenson, General Counsel and Deputy CEO at the Publishers Association, outlines the legal response and calls for greater transparency in AI training practices. Journalists in Turkey have been detained following widespread protests triggered by the arrest of a political opponent of President Erdoğan. Selin Girit, Correspondent at the BBC World Service, explains the environment facing journalists, including government control of around 90% of the media and previous intimidation of foreign reporters. Attention has turned to the use of encrypted messaging app Signal after a surprising error saw Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg added to a White House group chat about planned US strikes in Yemen. James Ball, Political Editor of The New European, explains the implications of the leak, the rise of Signal among journalists, and the motivations of its founder, Moxie Marlinspike. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Producer: Lucy Wai 
Assistant Producers: Flora McWilliam and Elena Angelides

The Media Show: Are pirated books powering AI?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the negotiations between the United States and Russia over a ceasefire in Ukraine, examines Canada’s attempts to forge European alliances amidst a trade war with Donald Trump and – at a pivotal moment for the International Criminal Court - explores the impact of the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, former president of the Philippines.

Unspun World: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin negotiate over a ceasefire in Ukraine

Documentary maker Dan Reed returns with Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, following Wade Robson and James Safechuck as they continue their legal fight against Jackson’s estate. Reed discusses how he got the film over the line and the ongoing backlash from Jackson’s supporters. 
Also on the show, the Trump administration has cut funding to US state-backed broadcasters, affecting Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. Bay Fang, President of Radio Free Asia, responds to the impact of these cuts, while Jennifer Grygiel, Associate Professor at Syracuse University, examines the broader implications for press freedom.Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall 
Producer: Simon Richardson 
Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

The Media Show: Investigating Michael Jackson

Dr Joachim Nagel isn't just Germany's chief central banker, he's one of the most powerful economic policy-makers in Europe.In this exclusive interview, originally recorded for the BBC World Service's Business Daily podcast, Ed Butler asks how he thinks Germany, and the European Union as a whole, should be responding to a time of unprecedented economic peril.It's a shaky time for the world's third-largest economy, which has been experiencing stagnant growth for five years. As a trade war between Europe and the US escalates, what does the future look like for Germany?

Can Germany's ailing economy get back on track?

Sarah Wynn-Williams describes her seven years at Facebook as a “front-row seat” to one of the most powerful and influential companies in the world. She traveled on private jets and met with heads of state in her role as Director of Global Public Policy until 2017. But now in her new memoir, Careless People, she makes a series of allegations about the behaviour of the company at the time. Meta denies wrongdoing. 
 
Presenter: Katie Razzall 
Producer for BBC Audio: Simon Richardson 
Producer for BBC News: Roxanne Panthakithis programme was edited on 13/03/2025

The Media Show: Revealing Facebook

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether jitters in the world markets suggest an economic downturn is imminent, examines how the American decision to hold talks with Hamas has affected the situation in Gaza and looks at how scientists are trying to counter the jamming of GPS signals.

Unspun World: How will Donald Trump’s tariffs affect global markets?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines what Ukraine can do to win back American military support in its war with Russia, explores whether a European army could provide a bulwark against Russia and looks at how Donald Trump and Elon Musk have waded into the controversy over South Africa’s land inequality.

Unspun World: Can Ukraine continue to rely on US support?

Jeff Bezos’ growing influence on the Washington Post has reached a turning point, with changes to its opinion section prompting resignations from senior figures. Cameron Barr, a former managing editor, explains his decision to leave, expressing concerns about the paper’s independence. Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, offers insight into how editorial and opinion functions differ between US and UK media. Greg Williams, deputy global editorial director at WIRED, examines Bezos’ wider significance. Also in the programme, what is it like to win an Oscar? Director Molly O’Brien, whose documentary The Only Girl in the Orchestra won Best Documentary Short, shares her experiences of Hollywood’s biggest night. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson 
Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

The Media Show: Jeff Bezos' Washington Post shift

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Russia’s war in Ukraine is nearing an endgame, examines the implications of the surge in support for the right in the German elections and looks at the huge increase in government surveillance under the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Unspun World: Is Russia’s war in Ukraine nearing an endgame?

Mehdi Hasan’s career has taken him from the UK to becoming a high-profile journalist in the US. In this extended conversation, he discusses social media’s impact on journalism, his approach to interviewing, and why he decided to launch his own subscription platform. Presenter: Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson

The Media Show: Mehdi Hasan on journalism, opinion, and independence

The future for Ukraine is fought not just on the battlefield but in the media. Governments carefully craft messages to influence global opinion, and media access is a crucial tool in shaping narratives. Former Nato spokesperson Oana Lungescu and The Times defence editor Larisa Brown, explore how Ukraine, Russia, and Western nations use diplomatic messaging to project power and control perceptions. 
 
David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, reflects on the magazine’s 100-year legacy. From long-form, investigative pieces to cultural criticism, The New Yorker has defined literary journalism. Remnick shares insights on the magazine’s fact-checking process, its role in shaping public discourse, and why deeply reported journalism remains crucial in the digital age. 
 
Presenter: Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson 
Assistant producer: Lucy Wai

The Media Show: Diplomacy and the media and 100 years of The New Yorker

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.

Unspun World: Is Western support for Ukraine holding firm?

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

The Media Show: Understanding the attention economy

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.

Unspun World: Donald Trump’s whirlwind start to his second term

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

The Media Show: Bill Gates on tech and politics

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.

Unspun World: How will Trump's second presidency affect the war in Ukraine?

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

The Media Show: China’s AI rise

"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.

Mindu Hornick: Interview with an Auschwitz survivor

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.

Unspun World: What's behind the growing tensions between China and Taiwan?

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 Media Show: Prince Harry’s legal victory and TikTok’s future

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

The Media Show: Reporting the LA fires

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

The Media Show: Meta drops fact-checkers and Grand Theft Auto 6 hype builds

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

The Media Show: media trends in 2025

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

The Global Jigsaw: The language of war: Ukraine

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

The Media Show: Jeans, cars, deodorant

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

The Global Jigsaw: The language of war: Russia

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

The Media Show: CNN’s Syria report controversy

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

The Media Show: Reporting Syria and reaction to Luigi Mangione

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

The Media Show: Reddit's rise

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 &#38; 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

The Media Show: BBC presenter defection

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.

Unspun World: Could Russia's war with Ukraine escalate?

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

The Media Show: Jake Paul v Mike Tyson

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.

Unspun World: What can the world expect from a second Trump term?

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

The Media Show: US Election and its impact on media

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.

Unspun World: What does the US election tell us about America?

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

The Media Show: Trump's winning media strategy

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

The Global Jigsaw: Russia’s “special demographic operation”

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.

Unspun World: What will Iran do now?

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

The Media Show: Ballots, bias and big tech

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

The Global Jigsaw: Turkey’s anti-LGBT drive

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.

Unspun World: The Middle East: The regional perspective

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

The Media Show: The king of reality TV

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.

Unspun World: Israel's Middle East strategy

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

The Media Show: ISIS Prisons Museum

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

The Global Jigsaw: Yemen: A frozen conflict

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.

Unspun World: The Middle East, a year on from the October 7th attacks

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

The Media Show: Reporting from inside Gaza

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.

Unspun World: What will Iran's strategy be?

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

The Media Show: Secrets of The Sidemen

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

The Global Jigsaw: Yemen: A tale of three cities

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

The Media Show: Reporting the Predator at Harrods

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 Media Show: Trump’s Pet-eating Conspiracy Theory

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

The Media Show: Russia’s alleged influencer propaganda plot

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

The Media Show: Why Korean TV rules the world

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

The Media Show: Telegram founder arrested

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

The Media Show - TV’s Hidden Dilemma

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.

US Supreme Court

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

The Media Show: Social media as crime scene

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 &#38; UN correspondent Nada Tawfik about the structure, purpose and future of the United Nations. Produced by Cathy Young for BBC World Service.

What is the United Nations?

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

The Global Jigsaw: The Taliban’s war on women

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

The Media Show: Online rumours and real-world consequences

We find out how Big Tech companies may know more about you - than you do.Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC's cyber correspondent for the BBC World Service Joe Tidy, about how Big Tech companies not only track what you do online – but what your friends do – and what your friends of friends do – to then target you through marketing.Billions of people access Big Tech companies on a daily basis – to interact on social media sites – but at what cost – your privacy?Produced by Cathy Young for the BBC World Service.

Big Tech – too big to hide from?

News emerged last week that Rupert Murdoch is attempting to change his family’s legal trust to preserve the editorial stance of his media outlets after his death. Several of his children are fighting back. Jim Rutenberg, writer at large at The New York Times has been following the family for more than two decades. He got the scoop and he joins us alongside Murdoch biographer Claire Atkinson. 
 
The BBC’s David Sillito reflects on Huw Edwards’ guilty plea to making indecent images of children - 41 images that had been shared with him by another man on WhatsApp. We look at how the story broke and the challenges of covering it for journalists inside the BBC. 
 
Also on the show, Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy reflects on his experience competing on the TV dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. 
 
Presenter: Katie Razzall 
Producer: Simon Richardson

The Media Show: Who will inherit the Murdoch empire?

Which countries supply weapons and which countries buy them? We learn how uncertainty, tension and conflict are leading to increasing military spend across the world. Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC's defence correspondent Jonathan Beale, about the big industry players and their geopolitical ties. Produced by Cathy Young for the BBC World Service.

The global arms trade

Do memes hold the key to the White House? Supporters of Kamala Harris hope so. Already online communities have sprung up to boost her campaign and they’re chopping up her speeches and appearances to flood the internet with viral clips. Their aim is to swing the youth vote in Harris’ favour and get other disengaged voters to turn out on election day. Will it work? 
 
Also on the show, as the Olympics begin in Paris, how a sports journalist prepares for a gruelling 19 days of events. 
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson

The Media Show: Can memes win the US election?

Complex ocean currents keep Europe warm and bring rain to Africa, but could they come to an end?The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a system of ocean currents within the Atlantic Ocean, transporting warm water north towards the Arctic and returning cold water south towards Antarctica. The Gulf Stream is a component of AMOC, which carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico, up along the eastern coastline of the United States.
 
AMOC and the Gulf Stream enable heat to be distributed around our planet, and ensure Europe experiences milder weather compared to Canada, despite being on a similar latitude.AMOC’s currents are driven by changes in water density due to changes in ocean salinity and temperature. Increasing ocean temperatures and freshwater flows from melting ice sheets due to climate change, have the potential to weaken AMOC. This could lead to cooler temperatures in Europe and a drop in rainfall in key agricultural areas in places like Africa and Asia, in turn affecting millions of people.Host Claire Graham talks to the BBC’s Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt. Produced by Cathy Young for the BBC World Service.

Why is the Gulf Stream and AMOC so important to our climate?

The Media Show hears from journalists who were witness to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Gary O'Donoghue was reporting live on the BBC World Service when the shots were fired, and Hadriana Lowenkron was at the rally for Bloomberg. Anna Moneymaker, a photographer for Getty Images, describes how she managed to capture what has become a defining image of the event. Some in the US have since accused the media of fostering a hostile environment for politicians, and Ros and Katie discuss the nature of political discourse with Jay Caspian Kang of The New Yorker and Megan McArdle, a columnist at The Washington Post.
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson

The Media Show: Reporting from the scene of the Trump shooting

Brokering peace between warring nations, how does it work and what causes failure? We look at Qatar’s role in the Middle East and at insight gained from the Northern Ireland peace process. Host Claire Graham talks to Lyse Doucet – the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent about how the state actors in peace mediation have changed and adapted over time. Plus Lyse tackles the question - can you really be a mediator if you are not neutral? Produced by Cathy Young for the BBC World Service.

What makes a good peace mediator?

Oz Katerji was reporting from outside the children’s hospital in Kyiv that was hit after Russia launched a wave of missiles on Ukraine earlier this week. He explains how he reached the decision to stop being a journalist and - for a few hours – join the rescue effort. 
 
Also in the programme, how should newsrooms engage with populist movements, some of which are hostile to the press? After the National Rally faced a surprise defeat in the French elections, did the media get the story wrong? Ros and Katie speak to Dr Ayala Panievsky, presidential fellow at City University and Victor Goury-Laffont, politics reporter at Politico Europe. 
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson

The Media Show: The war reporter who stopped to help

In the aftermath of his halting debate performance, the editorial boards of some major US newspapers have called on Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. We ask why this issue is only being discussed widely now, and talk to Annie Linskey, White House reporter, The Wall Street Journal, who raised a comprehensive set of concerns about Biden’s health but faced a backlash from others in the media. We also speak to Nayeema Raza, co-host, Semafor’s Mixed Signals podcast and Jill Abramson, former executive editor, The New York TimesAlso on the show, we hear from El Hunt, commissioning editor for The Evening Standard, about what it is like reporting from the Glastonbury Festival and hear Ros Atkin's remix of the BBC News' theme tune in his debut DJ set at Glastonbury and how Louis Tomlinson of One Direction bought football home to Worthy Farm.
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson

The Media Show: Reporting Biden’s Health

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the key issues for voters in the UK’s imminent general election, explores the plight of women in Afghanistan after almost three years under Taliban rule and looks at the impact of the extreme heat affecting parts of the world this summer.

Unspun World: The UK election

In the week that Julian Assange walks free, we explore the story of WikiLeaks' unprecedented data releases and how he and his organisation changed the way journalists and newsrooms operate. We also assess if his guilty plea to a US espionage charge will have a chilling effect on national security journalism. Also in the programme, Steven Moffat, the writer behind global TV hits such as Sherlock and Doctor Who. He reveals why he wanted to tackle cancel culture in his new comedy-drama “Douglas is Cancelled”. 
 
Presenter: Katie Razzall 
 
Guests: James Ball, Political Editor, The New European; Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney, Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University; Steven Moffat, writer and Executive Producer, Douglas is Cancelled.

The Media Show: Julian Assange - journalist or activist?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether Ukraine is now preparing for a deal, assesses what’s at stake as Nato members prepare for their annual summit in Washington next month, and asks who owns the moon as we enter a new era of lunar exploration.

Unspun World: Is Ukraine preparing for a deal?

In the space of 20 years, podcasting has gone from hobby to big business. What’s the secret of success for the best in the industry? Also on the show, why there’s trouble at the top of The Washington Post, and new research that shows more and more people are avoiding the news. 
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
 
Guests: Lewis Goodall, Co-host, The News Agents; Tony Pastor, Co-Founder, Goalhanger Podcasts; Nick Hilton, Co-founder, Podot; Vivian Schiller, Executive Director, Aspen Digital

The Media Show: How podcasts took over the world

After a lull in activities, in 2024 the Islamic State Group claimed to be behind several major attacks, showing the world they haven’t gone away. Among them was the storming by gunmen of a Moscow concert hall. Ten years after the Islamist extremists declared the establishment of a caliphate, our Jihadist Media Monitoring Team considers the current capabilities and ambitions of the group that once ruled over a large territory in Iraq and Syria. Producer: Kriszta Satori
Presenter: Krassi Twigg

The Global Jigsaw: The evolution of the Islamic State Group

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines whether the Israeli government will survive the resignations of two leading cabinet members, explores why US economic growth isn’t having a having a greater impact on the presidential election, and assesses why Narendra Modi’s BJP party failed to win an absolute majority in India's critical elections.

Unspun World: Israel's war cabinet fragments

The art of interviewing political leaders with a journalist who recently interviewed Rishi Sunak. Also in the programme, as the alleged subject of the Netflix drama Baby Reindeer sues the streamer for defamation, negligence and privacy violations, we weigh the legal arguments. And the future of reality TV as YouTube stars the Sidemen break records for their new show. 
 
Presenter: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins

The Media Show: How to interview a Prime Minister

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the new threats to peace and security on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day campaign to liberate Western Europe, asks why the African National Congress Party has failed to win a majority in the South African parliament after 30 years in power, and considers why immigration is a key issue in elections this year in many countries.

Unspun World: The new threats to global peace and security

In the age of social media, how easy is it to get people to pay for news? Editors from some of the world’s biggest news brands explain their strategy for turning a profit. 
 
Also in the show, after Google’s use of AI to generate search results went viral for all the wrong reasons, meet the journalist who followed its advice to put glue on her pizza. 
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
 
Guests: Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief, The Atlantic; Katie Notopoulos, Senior Tech Correspondent, Business Insider; Andrew Neil, Chairman, The Spectator; Caroline Waterston, Editor-in-Chief, The Mirror.

The Media Show: The Business of News

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, considers how a snap general election might change the UK’s position in the world, analyses whether Iran’s governing elite can win back popular support after the death of President Raisi, and examines the new shape of the Middle East.

Unspun World: Will the UK's election change its place in the world?

This week we look at Big Tech and its role in a crucial election year around the world. Baroness Martha Lane Fox, who sat on the board of X (formerly Twitter), assesses the platform’s changing attitude towards political content. 
 
Also in the programme, as the general election campaign heats up in the UK, will TikTok help the candidates reach younger voters? 
 
Presenter: Katie Razzall 
 
Guests: Shona Ghosh, Senior Editor, Bloomberg; Martha Lane Fox, former board member, Twitter/X; Sean Topham, Co-Founder, Topham Guerin; Timandra Harkness, author of Technology is Not the Problem; Sam Jeffers, Executive Director, Who Targets Me

The Media Show: Is this the TikTok election?

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines how the relationship between Russia and China has changed, analyses the state of European politics in the wake of the attempted assassination of Slovakia’s prime minister, and looks at whether the idea of a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians has any future after the Gaza War.

Unspun World: How has the Russia-China relationship changed?

On Saturday, Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury to become boxing's undisputed heavyweight champion. The high-profile match was held in the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of ‘sportswashing’. Alex Pattle from The Independent reveals what it was like reporting from the event, and Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at Skema Business school, analyses the Saudi sports investment strategy. 
 
The actor Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of deliberately copying her voice for its latest chatbot ‘Sky’. OpenAI said that it would remove the voice, but insisted that it was not meant to be an "imitation" of the star. Lawyer Susan Aslan of ACK Media Law, assesses if the actor has a case, and tech journalist Takara Small gives us the latest updates on the latest AI releases. 
 
Plus an update on the furore surrounding the Netflix series Baby Reindeer, as the British MP John Nicolson asks Netflix to substantiate what it told a Parliamentary committee about the woman alleged to have inspired the character Martha. 
 
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins 
Producer: Simon Richardson

The Media Show: Reporting ringside at Usyk v Fury

John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC's range of experts across the world, analyses why Israel’s government is deliberately flouting the wishes of its closest ally, the United States. Plus, the extent of China’s infiltration into western countries, and why there have been mass protests in Georgia over a new law.

Unspun World: Why are US-Israel relations at an historic low?

Baby Reindeer is the Netflix drama that purports to be a true story – but a woman has come forward to say it’s based on her, and that she’s been totally misrepresented. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan has done an interview with her that itself has been called exploitative. Also in the programme, how AI generated news stories have been passed off as the work of human journalists, and the secret to a hit TV news theme tune.