On this episode: Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Fin Gomez look ahead to next week’s State of the Union address. It’s a chance for President Trump to talk up his achievements one year back in office - and lay out his vision for the year ahead. What do we expect to see – and what surprises could pop up? 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 t...
Feb 24, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of the transatlantic alliance, explores whether the Iranian regime can survive, and looks at the consequences of the repeal of key environmental regulations in the United States. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Feb 20, 2026•26 min
Ros Atkins sits down with MTV co‑founder Tom Freston to explore how the channel became a global cultural force, the turning points of his career, and the themes of his new book. Freston reflects on MTV’s early days, creative risk‑taking, and what he has learned from decades shaping the media industry. Presenter Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Feb 19, 2026•23 min
Can President Trump keep Republican lawmakers on side? Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look back at a week where we saw Congress push back against President Trump on key issues like the Epstein files, ICE presence in Minneapolis - and his tariffs. It wasn’t just from Democrats - some Republicans are speaking out against the President. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America a...
Feb 13, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores who is actually governing Gaza at the moment, analyses the landslide election victory for Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi, and looks at a landmark trial in the US that will determine whether social media giants are responsible for harming children. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Feb 13, 2026•26 min
A new book focuses on the future of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire after a legal dispute within his family. The case has renewed attention on Murdoch’s long-standing influence in British newspapers and the role of Fox News in American politics. Gabriel Sherman, author of Bonfire of the Murdochs, sets out the background to the succession battle and the company’s direction under Lachlan Murdoch. A week of intense reporting on Sir Keir Starmer has led to debate about the role of political journalism...
Feb 12, 2026•23 min
The latest batch of documents linked to the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been released by the US Department of Justice. There are millions of files for journalists to go through, and coverage has focused on what they reveal and how responsibly they can be reported, particularly when powerful figures are named. Journalists Tina Brown and Jim Pickard talk about how the material is being handled and the pressures on newsrooms. NASA has postponed its planned Artemis II mission to the Moo...
Feb 06, 2026•23 min
The release by the Department of Justice of a new tranche of Epstein files has put more political pressure on President Trump. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Bernd Debusmann and Courtney Subramanian look at the ongoing pressure on Donald Trump’s administration over the handling of the release of more Epstein files. They also discuss the announcement of a new trade deal with India – and President Trump’s calls to Republicans to nationalise the vote. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores...
Feb 06, 2026•25 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the dangers facing the Iranian clerical regime, explores whether peace talks on the war in Ukraine can succeed, and analyses who is actually governing Venezuela. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Feb 06, 2026•26 min
Minneapolis unrest deepens as protests spread after Alex Pretti killing. Donald Trump signals plans to de-escalate as protests and political tensions mount. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Fin Gómez and Bernd Debusmann look at how Donald Trump’s administration is handling the unrest in Minneapolis. 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...
Jan 30, 2026•26 min
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the relationship between the EU and the United States after the row over Greenland, explores how the UK is trying to improve ties with China, and looks at the challenges facing the first female head of the Anglican Church. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editor: Vara Szajkowski
Jan 30, 2026•26 min
The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during ICE operations in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of how events are recorded and reported, as video filmed by members of the public becomes central to news coverage. Meg Anderson, correspondent at NPR, outlines the challenge for reporters on the ground. Algorithms are in the news. Elon Musk says he will "open-source" the algorithms that power X. Instagram has recently started giving some users more control over what its algorithm recommends. And “the...
Jan 29, 2026•23 min
In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the science of anaesthesia. It’s estimated that around the world, more than 250 million people receive surgery requiring anaesthesia each year. But there are still plenty of unknowns. What happens to our brains and our consciousness when we’re put to sleep? Why do so many people around the world still not have access to safe anaesthesia? And could the colour of your hair affect how much anaesthesia you ne...
Jan 24, 2026•49 min
Davos 2026 discussions underscore strains in US-Europe relations, as trade and security differences resurface and Donald Trump’s influence shapes debate over the future of transatlantic cooperation. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine whether President Trump is driving a breakup with Europe. 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...
Jan 23, 2026•25 min
Caroline Hawley, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks back at the first year of Donald Trump’s second term, analyses the repercussions of the uprising against the clerical establishment in Iran, and explores whether a new blood test could transform the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Jan 23, 2026•26 min
A public statement by Brooklyn Beckham has prompted extensive media coverage and online debate about how celebrity families manage press narratives. Katie Razzall is joined by Simon Boyle, former executive showbiz editor at The Sun, and Alexandra Shulman, former editor of British Vogue. Donald Trump’s demands about Greenland have triggered an international crisis, with journalists tracking his statements made through official channels and on social media. Elisabet Svane, political analyst at Pol...
Jan 22, 2026•23 min
Trump orders fresh sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials accused of directing the violent suppression of protests, while European allies deploy troops to Greenland amid rising tensions over renewed US territorial claims. Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at Trump’s fresh sanctions on Iran and European troops deploying to Greenland. Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics - in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping Am...
Jan 16, 2026•25 min
Ongoing protests in Iran have prompted scrutiny of how international media organisations report events in a highly restricted environment, with criticism focused on prominence and framing of coverage. Behrang Tajdin of BBC Persian and Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, set out the editorial constraints and considerations involved. The film Hamnet has opened in UK cinemas following major awards recognition, drawing attention to how producers identify and secure projects at ...
Jan 15, 2026•23 min
Trump's actions in Venezuela and the removal of Nicolás Maduro sparks talk of further US operations in the region. In this episode Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at the US operation that seized the President of Venezuela. 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 minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: path@bbc.co.uk Senior Produce...
Jan 09, 2026•25 min
Reports that major US newspapers delayed publishing details of the US raid in Venezuela have prompted renewed scrutiny of how journalists handle sensitive national security information. The decision by the New York Times and the Washington Post followed warnings from the White House that publication could endanger American troops, raising questions about press freedom, editorial independence and ethical responsibility. Max Tani, media editor at Semafor, outlines how the story emerged. Debate ove...
Jan 08, 2026•23 min
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 The Traitors to Pointless, Hunted to Gogglebox, they discuss what makes a hit format, how casting decisions are made, how streamers and influencers are changing the landscape, and where the next big hit might come from. With Tim Harcourt, Chief Creat...
Jan 01, 2026•23 min
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 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 Senior Producer: Aisling Taylor Editor: Garet...
Dec 26, 2025•49 min
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 from The New York Times explains the rise of Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI; Lauren Goode from Wired outlines the power and beliefs of venture capitalist Marc Andreessen; Stephen Witt, biographer of Jensen Huang, describes how the Nvidia boss has built t...
Dec 25, 2025•23 min
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 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 Senior Producer: Oksana Kundirenko Editor: G...
Dec 22, 2025•25 min
A mass shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah event created major challenges for journalists trying to confirm fast-moving details. Newsrooms had to decide how to describe the attack, when to name suspects and how to treat unverified online posts. Jacqueline Maley, senior writer at the Sydney Morning Herald, explains the decisions behind early reporting and the influence of social media. The UK government has begun a consultation on BBC charter renewal, which will shape the organisation from ...
Dec 18, 2025•23 min
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at how President Trump is tackling affordability and the cost of living for Americans. 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 Senior producer: Jack Surfleet Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive producer: Anna Holford
Dec 12, 2025•25 min
Netflix’s agreement to buy Warner Bros Discovery has triggered an immediate hostile counter-bid from Paramount, intensifying concerns within Hollywood about consolidation and streaming dominance. Natalie Jarvey, senior correspondent at The Ankler, and Dade Hayes, business editor at Deadline, assess why Warner Bros are in demand and what the takeover could mean for viewers. Five broadcasters have now withdrawn from next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in protest at Israel’s participation. BBC Musi...
Dec 11, 2025•23 min
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at how RFK Jr is shaping US health policy in President Trump’s second term. 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 Senior producer: Jack Surfleet Editor: Gareth Bebb Executive producer: Anna Holford
Dec 05, 2025•26 min
The Mayor of Greater Manchester has accused vloggers of provoking vulnerable people to generate online views, with a particular focus on the city’s Piccadilly Gardens. Sarah Lester, editor of the Manchester Evening News, and Charlotte Dewar, chief executive of the Independent Press Standards Organisation, discuss the issues. A new investigation suggests widespread use of illicit streaming devices and apps now threatens the financial viability of the Premier League’s TV deals. Adam Leventhal, sen...
Dec 04, 2025•23 min
Caitríona Perry, Courtney Subramanian, and Sumi Somaskanda look at how US President Donald Trump is challenging the state of California, and how its governor, Gavin Newsom, is returning the favour. 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
Nov 28, 2025•24 min
