Pressure on the BBC has continued after a line about Donald Trump was removed from the Reith Lectures on legal advice. Dame Caroline Dineage, Chair of the Culture Media and Sport Committee, and Lionel Barber, Former Editor of The Financial Times discuss the implications. Also on the show, Dr Alice Enders of Enders Analysis explains why The Telegraph has been sold to the owners of the Daily Mail in a £500m deal. And CNN correspondent Donie O’Sullivan on his new documentary investigating why claim...
Nov 27, 2025•23 min
Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at how the Republicans and Democrats are using redistricting as a tool, and how it could affect the political geography of the US. 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 Producer: Jack Surfleet Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive Producer: Ann...
Nov 21, 2025•25 min
A new Netflix documentary captures Ed Sheeran performing live across New York in a single continuous take. Its executive producer, Ben Winston, reveals how the show – One Shot – was made, and discusses some of his company’s other TV hits including Carpool Karaoke. Also on the show, as Donald Trump vows to take the BBC to court, where might the corporation go next as the crisis at the top continues. With Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor of The Sunday Times, Baroness Tina Stowell, Former Chair of the ...
Nov 20, 2025•23 min
Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at the latest US strikes on Venezuelan vessels and what it could mean for future relations between the two countries. 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 Producer: Jack Surfleet Compliance editor: Anna Holford Executive Producer: Anna H...
Nov 14, 2025•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses why Russia is so keen to capture the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, explores how difficult it will be to rebuild Gaza, and looks at how quantum computing could change the way we solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Nov 14, 2025•26 min
A day of turmoil for the BBC as Director General Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness both resign, following a leaked memo alleging editorial bias and raising concerns over decision-making and governance. The Media Show is joined by a panel of insiders and commentators to assess where the BBC goes next. With former BBC communications chief John Shield, former BBC News executive Jamie Angus, journalist Jane Martinson, columnist Tim Montgomerie and Tina Brown, former editor of Vanity Fair. Pr...
Nov 13, 2025•23 min
How Republicans and Democrats fared in this year’s elections, and what it could mean for the midterms next year. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian and Sumi Somaskanda look at the success of Zorhan Mamdani, Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill in the 2025 elections, and what it could mean for the future of the Democrats and Republicans in the midterms. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues...
Nov 07, 2025•27 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores war-weariness in Russia and the problem it poses for the Kremlin, examines the government shutdown in the United States, and analyses whether there will be any effective action from the upcoming climate conference in Brazil. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski
Nov 07, 2025•26 min
Andy Wilman is the producer who turned Top Gear and The Grand Tour into global hits. As he publishes his autobiography - Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure – he reflects on his career and working with the famous trio of Clarkson, Hammond and May. Mishal Husain has left the BBC after twenty-six years to start a new chapter at Bloomberg. She talks about her time on major stories and how moving to a new newsroom has changed her work. As Celebrity Traitors reaches its finale in the UK, the show’s execut...
Nov 06, 2025•23 min
The first big elections of Trump’s second term reveal how Americans are reacting to his presidency, and how Democrats are fighting to rebuild their brand. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian and Sumi Somaskanda discuss the high-stakes gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, the Democrats’ rebranding efforts, and the rise of a progressive candidate shaking up New York. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We d...
Oct 31, 2025•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses President Trump’s approach to dealing with China, examines the United States’ rivalry with China in south-east Asia, and explores what the future holds for Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Oct 31, 2025•26 min
A row over comments by a British MP has reignited debate about who we see in adverts. Sara Denby from the University of Oxford and Dino Myers-Lamptey from The Barber Shop agency share their views on how the industry has changed. In the US, major streaming companies are merging as they compete for global audiences. Camilla Lewis, Chief Executive of Curve Media, explains what this could mean for both producers and viewers. Historian Bettany Hughes returns with Treasures of the World on Channel 4. ...
Oct 30, 2025•23 min
Demolition work has begun on part of the White House to make way for President Trump's new ballroom, as US government remains shut down. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda discuss Trump’s decision to remodel the White House while the Senate remains deadlocked on funding the federal government. 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 th...
Oct 24, 2025•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether Hamas will lay down its weapons in Gaza, looks at how other jihadist groups have responded to the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and explores how Ukraine’s approach to the war with Russia might change in the wake of the latest row with President Trump. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Oct 24, 2025•26 min
New attention on Prince Andrew has reopened debate about how the Royal Family is covered by the media. Following confirmation that he will no longer use his titles and the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, journalists are reassessing the balance between scrutiny, access and tradition. Simon McCoy, journalist and broadcaster, Robert Hardman, royal biographer, and Emily Andrews, former royal correspondent for The Sun, share professional insight into how stories about the royals are shaped. Als...
Oct 23, 2025•23 min
Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are proven to be highly effective for weight management. They are also increasingly being found to treat other conditions and reduce the risk of disease, promising health benefits far beyond the treatment of obesity. But these drugs generally need to be continued for weight loss to be maintained, so there are big questions to be answered about their use and significant challenges to overcome around access and availability. In front of a live audience at Wel...
Oct 18, 2025•49 min
Donald Trump claims to have ended eight wars in eight months. Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda unpack President Trump’s claims and look at what is happening on the ground. 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
Oct 17, 2025•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses who will actually be running Gaza in the wake of the ceasefire there, examines the escalating trade war between China and the United States, and looks at the recent spate of cyber-attacks targeting western companies. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editor: Vara Szajkowski
Oct 17, 2025•26 min
As a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, attention has turned to how the story itself is being covered and interpreted. From live reporting in Tel Aviv to verifying information from inside Gaza, journalists describe the pressures of working amid uncertainty and political tension. Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy reflects on the choices behind frontline coverage and the balance between speed and accuracy. Bel Trew, chief international correspondent at The Independent, outlines how she gath...
Oct 16, 2025•23 min
The US Supreme Court begins its new term with a docket full of potentially significant cases that could define the scope of Donald Trump's presidential authority - and the prospect of more to come. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyse how the Supreme Court can reshape Trump's powers. 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 is on the mi...
Oct 10, 2025•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether two years on from the 7 October attacks peace in Gaza is now possible, looks at what it’s like for western journalists to report from Russia, and examines the consequences of UN sanctions being reimposed on Iran. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Oct 10, 2025•26 min
Steve Rosenberg, BBC News Russia editor, is one of the few Western reporters still based in Moscow. He talks about working under tight controls, renewing short visas and facing limits on access while trying to report facts from inside the country. His years of steady reporting have now earned him the Charles Wheeler Award for Broadcast Journalism. Also on the show, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, explains how the magazine is turning to video with its new series The Econom...
Oct 09, 2025•23 min
President Trump is expanding his powers over the federal workforce and flexing his muscles in front of generals. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyse the consequences of the government shutdown, and what the new guidelines for the US Army could mean for America's military power. 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 ...
Oct 03, 2025•25 min
Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and one of the world’s richest men, is becoming a major force in media. His son David runs Skydance, which recently took over Paramount and is now interested in Warner Bros Discovery. Ellison is also linked to a bid for TikTok in the US. These moves raise questions about whether his wealth and political ties influence media ownership. James Warrington, Media and Telecoms Editor at The Telegraph, explains Ellison’s growing role in global media and the concerns...
Oct 02, 2025•23 min
From late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel's suspension to an unprecedented Pentagon memo - where is the line between criticism and censorship? On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda analyze how the Trump administration is taking on its critics and tries to control the narratives in the media. 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...
Sep 26, 2025•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what effect the recognition of Palestine as a state might have, examines whether Syria is back in the international fold, and looks at the latest restrictions that the Taliban have introduced in Afghanistan. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Sep 26, 2025•27 min
In the US, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air after making remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The broadcasting regulator, the FCC, warned stations about continuing to air his show. Donald Trump supported the suspension, but Disney, which owns ABC, later decided to bring the show back. Brian Stelter, Chief Media Analyst at CNN, looks at what this means for the relationship between politicians, broadcasters and entertainers. A BBC investigation has revealed new details a...
Sep 25, 2025•23 min
President Trump’s visit to the UK tests Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the “special relationship” - but the bigger test comes next, at the UN General Assembly. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Bernd Debusmann Jr unpack Trump’s foreign relations and relationships, and how the world adapts to his style. 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 min...
Sep 19, 2025•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, examines the relationship between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, analyses whether Israel’s strike on Qatar has played into Iran’s hands, and looks at the widening split between Europe and the United States over Israel and Gaza. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Sep 19, 2025•27 min
The killing of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has raised questions about how the media should report on controversial figures while still showing respect to victims and their families. Meanwhile in London, more than one hundred thousand people joined the Unite the Kingdom rally, where Elon Musk spoke by video link. The event has sparked fresh debate about whether using terms like “far right” helps explain what happened or risks pushing audiences away. LBC’s James O’Brien, Talk TV’s Isa...
Sep 18, 2025•23 min
