Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Fin Gomez talk about the ongoing war in Iran and the upcoming midterm elections. Trump's presidential approval rating has been steadily declining in recent months, with polls hitting some of his lowest numbers of the term this week. With concerns over the ongoing war in Iran and rising costs at home, will the president hit the campaign trail to boost support - and will it be enough? Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics - in Wa...
May 08, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the Iranian position in its confrontation with the United States in the Gulf, examines the state of play in Russia’s war with Ukraine, and looks at the chances of Benjamin Netanyahu surviving as Israeli Prime Minister after elections later this year. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
May 08, 2026•26 min
Twenty years ago a man arriving for a job interview at BBC Television Centre was taken into a live TV studio and asked to comment on a legal story. The clip quickly spread on early video-sharing sites and became a meme. Guy Goma reflects on what happened, alongside Elliott Gotkine, the journalist involved in the original error. Saudi Arabia has spent large sums on sport and media in recent years, aiming to build influence as well as make financial returns. New developments, including changes to ...
May 07, 2026•23 min
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at the safety of President Donald Trump following the attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. They also discuss the King’s visit and relations between the UK and the US. Has this trip rekindled their special relationship? 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. ...
May 01, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the pressure on President Trump to find an end to the confrontation with Iran, examines the way in which the war in the Middle East has affected China, and analyses the first elections in Gaza for twenty years. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
May 01, 2026•26 min
A dispute around the latest series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here has drawn attention to how reality television is edited. Some contestants have said that footage was cut in a misleading way, affecting how they were shown on screen. The broadcaster ITV has said the programme reflects events fairly and accurately. Lauren Morris, culture news editor at The Independent, alongside reality television producers Donald Clarke and Rob Davis, discuss the processes and standards used in production...
Apr 30, 2026•23 min
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann talk peace. They discuss the differences between the JCPOA agreement and today’s peace talks. It seems unlikely a peace deal will happen in a week, or even a month. And what about Ukraine? The White House has suggested that when the war in Iran is over - they might turn their attention to Cuba instead. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America an...
Apr 24, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the confrontation between Iran and the United States in the Gulf, looks at the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, and examines the effect of the downfall of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, on the European Union. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
Apr 24, 2026•26 min
Uncanny, the BBC podcast about paranormal stories, has grown way beyond radio. There's a live theatre tour, a fan convention, it’s on YouTube and now a new series called Uncanny Cold Cases. Danny Robbins, the creator of Uncanny, talks about where the idea came from and why he thinks audiences keep coming back. QVC has filed for debt restructuring in the US, as it tries to shrink a debt pile of around $6.6bn. The shopping channel, once a giant of tele-shopping, is up against a new generation of b...
Apr 23, 2026•23 min
Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian discuss the ongoing war in Iran and look at what it means for President Trump's legacy - balancing the 'win' of the assassination of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the economic fallout of the war. They also look at the president's attack on the Pope, and consider the impact that will have on his Catholic supporters. . Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics - in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key iss...
Apr 17, 2026•25 min
The Artemis II mission has been presented as a major milestone in human spaceflight, with global audiences following live coverage and access provided by NASA. Questions have been raised about how official feeds, astronaut storytelling and media partnerships shaped reporting. Rebecca Morelle, BBC News science editor, describes the reporting environment she experienced. The BBC has announced plans to cut around 2,000 jobs and save £500 million, citing financial pressures including declining licen...
Apr 16, 2026•23 min
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how The president's attitude towards the people of Iran has changed - from saying he would help them to threatening to destroy Iranian civilisation. They also look at how his actions are being viewed at home and the political consequences of this war for President Trump. 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 mi...
Apr 10, 2026•25 min
Ronan Farrow, perhaps the world’s most prominent investigative journalist, has turned his attention to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. The investigation, published by The New Yorker, draws on more than a year of reporting. Farrow outlines how it was conducted and the questions it raises about power and influence in AI. Madhumita Murgia, AI Editor at the Financial Times, gives her analysis of the issues at the heart of the report, including how the media covers leading figures in Silicon Valley. Also ...
Apr 09, 2026•23 min
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the impact the US-Israel war with Iran is having on the US and President Trump’s relationship with his allies. With no end date in sight - and an escalation of oil prices - where does this leave President Trump at home in the US and in the world? 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...
Apr 03, 2026•23 min
Artificial intelligence is starting to change how some journalists work, as newsrooms test whether it can help produce more content. One reporter says AI is now helping him write more than 600 articles a year. Nick Lichtenberg, Business Editor at Fortune, Jane Martinson, Professor of Financial Journalism, City, University of London, and Max Goldbart, International TV Co-Editor, Deadline, discuss the pros and cons of letting AI into the newsroom. Two major court cases in the United States have pu...
Apr 02, 2026•23 min
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how US-Israel strikes on Iran have developed into an economic conflict, too – a battle over energy, with a small body of water right at the centre. 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: path@bbc.co.uk
Mar 27, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses Donald Trump’s decision to call a halt to US attacks against Iran’s power plants, examines what the future might hold for the Iranian people, and explores the significance of the first manned journey to the Moon in half a century. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Mar 27, 2026•26 min
Donald Trump’s phone number is apparently not impossible to come by – but there’s also a strategy as to what time of day to call. Edward Luce of the Financial Times and Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, discuss tactics. Matt Brittin has been appointed as the BBC’s new Director General, following a long career at Google where he led operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Alex Farber, Media Correspondent at The Times, gives his assessment. A new BBC podcast, Everything is Fake (and...
Mar 26, 2026•23 min
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the impact the US-Israel war with Iran is having on ties with some of Washington’s closest global allies. Nato countries say it’s not their war – and some Gulf states are dealing with the realities of being dragged into a conflict they did not start. With no sign of fighting easing, where does this leave President Trump in the world? Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We di...
Mar 20, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the economic effects of the war in the Middle East, explores how the conflict is actually helping Russia, and looks at how the escalating tensions between Hungary and Ukraine might affect the upcoming elections in Hungary. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Mar 20, 2026•26 min
A small number of international journalists have been allowed into Iran following the start of conflict involving the US and Israel. CNN’s Frederik Pleitgen describes his experience. The 98th Academy Awards took place as viewing figures continue to fall and the film industry faces wider change. Tom Brook, Correspondent, BBC News, and Katey Rich, Awards Editor, The Ankler, outline changes in awards coverage and the relationship between Hollywood and the media. Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros At...
Mar 19, 2026•23 min
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss the latest on the US-Israel war with Iran. They take stock of the Trump administration’s changing messaging on timelines, and unpack the broader consequences we’re seeing - with the Gulf region brought into the conflict, and the knock-on effects on energy with the disruption to a key shipping route: the Strait of Hormuz. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key ...
Mar 13, 2026•25 min
Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores what life in Iran is like as the war intensifies, analyses what the US objectives are for the war and whether they are obtainable, and examines the possibility of a new war in Ethiopia and its implications for the region. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Mar 13, 2026•26 min
Ros Atkins is in Washington DC speaking to some of the most influential voices in American journalism. Together, they reveal how very different media organisations are covering President Trump’s war with Iran and how they see the US media landscape at this moment. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, discusses the magazine’s growth strategy and reflects on ‘Signalgate’ one year on. Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo, explains how setting up his own media company has give...
Mar 12, 2026•23 min
The Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway that carries 20% of the world’s oil — is now an active war zone. What in the World tracks the disruption and explains who’s feeling the impact. To hear more, search What in the World wherever you get your BBC podcasts
Mar 06, 2026•9 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether the Iranian regime will survive, looks at what Israel and the United States are aiming to achieve in their war with Iran, and examines whether Iran’s attacks on countries in the Gulf will change the balance of power in the region. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Mar 06, 2026•26 min
Events in Iran have led news bulletins, alongside ongoing wars in Ukraine and Sudan. As crises compete for attention, questions are being raised about whether reporting captures a wider shift in global power or centres on immediate developments. Christina Lamb, Chief International Correspondent at The Sunday Times, Aaron Bastani, co-founder of Novara Media, and Sir John Tusa, former Managing Director of the BBC World Service, discuss the media’s role in uncertain times. The Green Party’s victory...
Mar 05, 2026•23 min
Sumi Somaskanda, Courtney Subramanian and Fin Gomez look at one of the most talked-about Senate races - the Texas primaries. For Republicans, it is about who can win the President’s endorsement. For Democrats, success here could shape party strategy for months and years to come. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at:...
Feb 27, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the mood in Ukraine after four years of war, examines how the war has changed Russia, and looks at whether Russia’s long sporting isolation is coming to an end. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Feb 27, 2026•26 min
An image of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor leaving police custody made front pages around the world. It quickly became the defining picture of the latest stage in the crisis linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Suzanne Plunkett, Chief Photographer at Reuters, outlines how her colleague Phil Noble secured the shot, and Arthur Edwards, Royal Photographer at The Sun, reflects on how single images can frame the narrative around the Royal Family. Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine,...
Feb 26, 2026•23 min
