The Explanation
BBC World ServiceWhere 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.
Featuring new episodes of The President's Path, Unspun World with John Simpson, and The Media Show.
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 265 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentarySociety & CultureNewsDocumentary | |||
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Latest Episodes
Have you ever wondered how reality TV gets made? Why some shows become instant classics, while others vanish without trace? In this special edition of The Media Show, four of the UK’s top creatives in unscripted television reveal their secrets. From ... more
A look back at the first year of President Trump’s second term in office. On this episode Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian discuss the moments that stood out to them in 2025. Every weekend, The President’s Pa... more
Time Magazine named “The Architects of AI” as their Person of the Year for 2025. This is a group of people, mostly men, who now wield an extraordinary level of influence over the future of society. The Media Show profiles four of them: Mike Isaac fro... more
A look at what the divisions in the Maga coalition mean for Trump.
On this episode Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at what the Maga coalition’s internal divides signal for Trump’s leadership.
Every weekend, The President’s... more
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Reviews
- Rightful
•SERIES: The President’s Path. Annoying Panellist Catchphrase: “Right?” (Even mid-sentence).
Apple Podcasts3(Gibberer)
Australiaa month ago - Not so unvarnished
I want to hear both sides, but am finding their coverage more and more sympathetic to dark themes. For instance: describing people celebrating CK’s death as disgusting, and his ‘work’ as challenging opinions. Publicly, at least, this man was not a good person. Openly hateful talk is disgusting. Has the BBC entered the upside down world??
Apple Podcasts3Anneli Veronica
Canada4 months ago Superb podcast
Podcast Addict52 years agocougar- The explanation-the Grain deal
Just heard you Grain deal special Podcast.
It was disappointing that programme was trying to EXPLAIN the Deal:
•With Help of Expert from Kiev-Ukraine
•BBC Monitoring service
Wondering why you could not get experts based in Russia, I am sure Phone lines are open there!
One cannot at the end feel that the EXPLANATION was ONE sided view
It defeated the basic remit of the Programme
Apple Podcasts2pilot-without-runway
New Zealand2 years ago - Hugely informative
This podcast demonstrates how the BBC World Service wears its vast, collective and professional knowledge so very lightly. A masterclass !
Apple Podcasts5aged librarian
United Kingdom2 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #73 | United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #101 | Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #20 |  Italy/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #63 | Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #104 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #210 |  France/News/News Commentary |
Talking Points
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Explanation
What is The Explanation about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This podcast offers insightful analysis and commentary on crucial global events, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of complicated issues affecting society and culture. It features discussions on significant political confrontations, media controversies, and the intricacies of global governance, often with a focus on recent news stories. The format typically includes expert guests and hosts who delve into topics such as political dynamics, media ethics, and the societal impacts of various policies, making it a resourceful platform for listeners who wish to navigate the complexities of current affairs.
Where can I find podcast stats for The Explanation?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Explanation. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Explanation and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does The Explanation get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Explanation?
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How many subscribers and views does The Explanation have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Explanation?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Explanation:
1. The Inquiry
2. The Documentary Podcast
3. The Global Story
4. The Interview
5. From Our Own Correspondent
How many episodes of The Explanation are there?
The Explanation launched 3 years ago and published 265 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Explanation?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Explanation?
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What guests have appeared on The Explanation?
Recent guests on The Explanation include:
1. Natalie Jarvey
2. Dade Hayes
3. Sarah Lester
4. Charlotte Dewar
5. Adam Leventhal
6. Ian Hislop
7. Lionel Barber
8. Dame Caroline Dineage
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.