The Explanation
Jul 2, 2026
Wimbledon is under way and some of the sport's biggest names are increasingly becoming media businesses in their own right. Jamie Murray has joined the BBC's Wimbledon coverage as an analysis expert while launching a new YouTube channel, The Set, with his brother Andy. Jamie Murray explains why they decided to create their own platform, and Catherine Whitaker, co-host of The Tennis Podcast, looks at what more player-led media means for broadcasters and sports journalism.
Netflix has added two more seasons of the Russian children's cartoon Masha and the Bear, prompting criticism from Ukraine. The country's Centre for Countering Disinformation says the programme is a form of Russian soft power, while its producers have previously said they receive no funding from the Russian state. Oleksandra Zhylina, a master's student at Charles University specialising in propaganda and disinformation, outlines the concerns. Clare Denning, Russia specialist at BBC Monitoring, explains why the debate has grown.
More journalists are leaving traditional news organisations to build their own subscription businesses. Lachlan Cartwright has reported for the New York Post, Vanity Fair and The Hollywood Reporter before launching Breaker Media. Lachlan Cartwright explains why he went independent and how he is building a media business around exclusive reporting.
This audio was edited on 2 July to add: “Since the programme was recorded, a spokesperson for the producers of Masha and the Bear has been quoted in news coverage as saying that their client ‘categorically rejects the false and defamatory suggestion that Masha and the Bear is associated with propaganda’.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producer: Tim Bano Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman Sound: Robin Schroder
The President's Path: The US-Saudi nuclear deal
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss what we know about the US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal, the implications for the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, and the fact that Israel could now make or break the agreement.
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected]
The President's Path: Trump accuses China of US election 'meddling'
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann give their immediate reaction straight after Trump's primetime address, discussing the president's claims of Chinese interference in the 2020 election, the political response, and what the speech could mean for the upcoming midterm elections.
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at [email protected]
