This Is Why - podcast cover

This Is Why

Sky Newswww.skynews.com
The world’s a pretty confusing place right now – so how do you make sense of it all? This Is Why  takes one story every day, explains how we got here and why it matters to you. Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions. Available every weekday afternoon. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
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Episodes

Westminster Accounts: Lobbying and the All-Party Parliamentary Groups

For decades, if you wanted to find out how businesses and foreign governments lobby MPs, and how much they give them, you'd need to study dozens of entries in several editions of the register of members’ interests. Over the course of this parliament £20m has been given to All-Party Parliamentary Groups. Most of that goes on paying for organisers, reports, research, events and trips. All of this information was clouded in opaque language and difficult for most voters to access. Now, Sky News and ...

Jan 11, 202325 min

Westminster Accounts: Who’s behind the money?

For decades, if you wanted to find out how much a wealthy donor, a big company, or a union has pumped into our political system, you'd need to study dozens of entries in several editions of the register of members’ interests. All of this information was clouded in opaque language and difficult for most voters to access. Now, Sky News and our partners at Tortoise Media have been working to change that, so we can all follow the flow of money through our political system. On the Sky News Daily, hos...

Jan 10, 202330 min

Westminster Accounts: The MPs earning millions

For decades, if you wanted to find out how much an MP was earning on top of their £84,000 basic salary, you'd need to study dozens of entries in several editions of the register of members interests. All of this information was clouded in opaque language and difficult for most voters to access. Now, Sky News and our partners at Tortoise Media have been working to change that, so we can all follow the flow of money through our political system. On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson heads int...

Jan 09, 202330 min

Ukraine War Diaries: EP39 - Birthday at the pictures, pizza nights & polish pick-ups (Jan 2-6)

In Kyiv, making use of one of the cities bomb-proofed theatres, Oksana books a comedy night for military volunteer husband Seva. In one of the capital’s restaurants, Seva begins the new year in the company of army comrades who extend an emotional gesture of brotherhood in the form of a knife. And after saying farewell to his family, Ilyas transports an old car from Poland ear-marked for frontline soldiers, before finding himself in the blast radius of a missile strike in Kyiv. OUR DIARISTS Oksan...

Jan 07, 202312 min

Three Wishes for 2023: Singer-songwriter Róisín Murphy

If you had three wishes, what would they be? For the start of 2023, Sky News Daily podcast host Niall Paterson is asking people from across politics, entertainment, and sport how they would use three wishes to change the world, their country, and their lives. On this episode, Irish singer-songwriter Roisin Murphy talks of parenting in the digital age, and her hopes for more support for the live music scene. Producers: David Chipakupaku and Alys Bowen Junior Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editors:...

Jan 06, 202329 min

Royal row - what's in Prince Harry's book?

Copies of Prince Harry's autobiography, Spare, have gone on sale in Spain - five days before its official global release date. Sky News has seen a copy of the book which includes claims of an altercation with Prince William that caused "scrapes and bruises” on his back. He also admits to taking cocaine. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's Royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills to examine, after the Oprah Winfrey interview and Netflix documentary, what extra insight the book’s 55...

Jan 05, 202325 min

Three Wishes for 2023: World's strongest man Tom Stoltman

If you had three wishes, what would they be? For the start of 2023, Sky News Daily podcast host Niall Paterson is asking people from across politics, entertainment, and sport how they would use three wishes to change the world, their country, and their lives. On this episode, two-time world's strongest man Tom Stoltman shares his experience dealing with grief, how the gym helped in dealing with autism, and his hope for more acceptance and support for people with disabilities in the UK. Producers...

Jan 05, 202328 min

How Gina Martin fought to make upskirting illegal

If you had three wishes, what would they be? For the start of 2023, Sky News Daily podcast host Niall Paterson is asking people from across politics, entertainment, and sport how they would use three wishes to change the world, their country, and their lives. On this episode, gender equality campaigner and author Gina Martin tells Niall about her case against upskirting, and her belief that activism won’t work if we don’t fight for a liveable climate. This episode contains references to sexual a...

Jan 04, 202331 min

Three Wishes for 2023: Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik

If you had three wishes, what would they be? For the start of 2023, Sky News Daily podcast host Niall Paterson is asking people from across politics, entertainment, and sport how they would use three wishes to change the world, their country, and their lives. On this episode, Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik tells Niall about the ongoing war in Ukraine, and her hopes for a braver world. Plus, we find out more about what drew her into politics in the first place. You can hear more stories from Ukraine on ...

Jan 03, 202327 min

2022 Revisited - What can we expect from King Charles III's reign?

On this Sky News Daily, we revisit one of our most popular episodes of 2022. At the age of 73 and after a life as prince, what can the UK and the Commonwealth expect from the reign of King Charles III? On a special Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson explores the new monarch's life, character and interests. He's joined by; Sky News' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills; film and documentary maker John Bridcut, who has known and worked with King Charles for 15 years; Alistair Carmichael MP, who held mee...

Dec 30, 202234 min

2022 Revisited - Andrew Tate: The lingering influence of the social media star

On this Sky News Daily, we revisit one of our most popular episodes of 2022. Described by himself and others as the "king of toxic masculinity", Andrew Tate has been banned from Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. Despite the bans, Andrew Tate's content still lingers on the internet, and he remains to be one of the most searched people on the planet. On the Sky News Daily podcast Niall Paterson digs into Andrew Tate's background with the Observer's Shanti Das. He also explores why he's appe...

Dec 29, 202222 min

2022 Revisited - Vietnam's 'Napalm Girl': 'There was fire everywhere around me.'

On this Sky News Daily, we revisit one of our most popular episodes of 2022. A photograph of nine-year-old Kim Phuc Phan Thi, taken during the Vietnam War, became infamous for its horrific depiction of the conflict. Titled The Terror of War the photo, by Huỳnh Công Út, known professionally as Nick Ut, later won a Pulitzer Prize. Niall Paterson is in conversation with Kim Phuc, who shares her story about that photo, the war, and her work since then. Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: ...

Dec 28, 202219 min

Ukraine War Diaries: EP38 - Fond memories, fallen soldiers & our first war-time Christmas (Dec 25-31)

Against the backdrop of a Kyiv still under siege, Oksana reflects on magical Christmas memories from childhood until a drone attack brings her back to reality with a jolt. Meanwhile Seva shares the Christmas reality of comrades who continue to fight through the festive period. And Ilyas, looks to the New Year with hope. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Pola...

Dec 27, 202211 min

What happened in 2022?

War in Ukraine, three Prime Ministers, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, on top of a cost-of-living crisis and the changing climate were among the most high-profile stories of the year. Niall Paterson takes a look back, with Sky News radio newsreader Faye De Silva, over 2022's headlines that made an impact. Producers: Ana Bates, Rosie Gillott, and Soila Apparicio Sound Designer: Tom Burchell Editor: Philly Beaumont

Dec 24, 202215 min

Sky News Daily Reviews 2022: Royal Correspondent Rhiannon Mills

Host Niall Paterson looks at the stories which defined 2022. On this episode, Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills recaps a defining year in history, which saw the end of the second Elizabethan era, the start of King Charles III's reign and everything Harry and Meghan. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Dec 23, 202223 min

Sky News Daily Reviews 2022: Economics and Data Editor Ed Conway

Host Niall Paterson looks at the stories which defined 2022. Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway unpicks a year shaped by the cost-of-living crisis and Liz Truss’ ill-fated mini budget. Producer: Rosie Gillott Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Dec 22, 202220 min

Sky News Daily Reviews 2022: International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn

Host Niall Paterson looks at the stories which defined 2022. He is joined by Sky’s international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss what Russia’s war with Ukraine has meant for both countries and the wider world. Plus, the impact of China's internal politics on the global stage, and the fight for freedom in Iran. Producer: Soila Apparicio Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Dec 21, 202222 min

Sky News Daily Reviews 2022: Science and Technology Editor Tom Clarke

Host Niall Paterson looks at the stories which defined 2022. Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke examines how the energy crisis impacts the aim to reduce global warming. As well as how big tech companies have had to change through the year. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer Philly Beaumont – editor

Dec 20, 202222 min

Sky News Daily Reviews 2022: Political Editor Beth Rigby

Host Niall Paterson looks at the stories which defined 2022. On this episode, Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby talks about the year which gave us three Prime Ministers and the legacies of the two who left office. Producer: Rosie Gillott Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Dec 19, 202224 min

Ukraine War Diaries: EP37 - From a city under siege, a very Ukrainian Christmas story

Alone in his apartment in Kyiv, memories of Christmas past come flooding back to Ilyas. Can he find a way to escape the blitz-like conditions and be reunited with his wife and two sons in Poland? OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksan...

Dec 17, 20229 min

Idaho murders: 'A college town living in fear'

More than a month after four US college students were murdered as they slept, no suspects have been named, no arrests made and the murder weapon is yet to be recovered. Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin all studied at the University of Idaho, and the small town of Moscow, Idaho, where they lived is desperate for answers. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood is joined by Sky's US Correspondent, Martha Kelner, who's spent time in the town, to uncover why more progres...

Dec 15, 202223 min

Ukraine war: What we’ve learned about modern warfare

Drone strikes, like the one that damaged buildings in Ukraine's capital Kyiv on Wednesday, have become commonplace in the war with Russia. While the conflict has seen violence, destruction and countless lives lost as wars do, it is a uniquely information-led war. From advances in technology to social media and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s communication tactics. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood speaks to Sky's defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke as we examine w...

Dec 15, 202216 min

World Cup: LGBT+ Qataris feel ‘removed’ from the conversation

The World Cup in Qatar put the country’s record on human rights and laws on homosexuality into the international spotlight. Same sex-relations are banned under Islamic law. Qatari law calls for a prison sentence of one to three years for "inducing or seducing a male or a female in any way to commit illegal or immoral actions". On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood is joined by Dr Nasser Mohamed, who is gay and Qatari and now lives in the US. He says LGBT+ Qataris feel "removed" from the conversa...

Dec 14, 202213 min

Strikes and the unions: How have they changed?

Rail workers. Postal workers. Paramedics. Nurses. Baggage handlers. Teachers. The wave of strike action through December has drawn comparisons to the late 1970s "winter of discontent". Unions are making their demands amidst record-breaking inflation and a cost of living crisis. Critics say they’re excessive during a time of instability. With union membership much lower than the 1970s, technological advances and more people now being able to work from home, can strike action and the unions still ...

Dec 13, 202222 min

A year of the cost of living crisis

Britain is witnessing the worst squeeze on incomes in a generation as struggling households are hit by a double whammy of soaring energy costs and rocketing inflation. The government has stepped in, spending billions to protect households from soaring bills. But is it enough? On the Sky News Daily, Sky’s people and politics correspondent, Nick Martin, meets some of the families on the front line of the cost of living crisis. Since February, Nick has followed three working households to see how t...

Dec 12, 202221 min

Ukraine War Diaries: EP36 - Snowy returns, surviving by smartphone & going south (Dec 5-9)

Having left Kyiv on the day of a devastating Russian air attack in October, Oksana makes an emotional return. Ilyas, illustrates how he - and other Ukrainians - are using their smart phones to stay one step ahead of enemy bombing raids. And Seva marks a day of military celebration. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back ...

Dec 10, 202212 min

Harry and Meghan: Death threats, racism claims and the paparazzi

There has been hype, home videos and many hours of footage filmed for the couple's much-anticipated Netflix documentary – but have viewers learned anything new in the 'bombshell' series so far? On the Sky News, Daily Niall Paterson speaks to our royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills about the reaction and possible ramifications after the first three episodes aired. Plus, LA-based entertainment journalist KJ Matthews gives us the view from America. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Emma-Rae Wood...

Dec 08, 202225 min

Mouldy homes: Deaths ‘could happen again’

Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in the house his parents rented from a housing association. The housing ombudsman for England Richard Blakeway tells Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily how he fears there could be more deaths if damp and mould in homes isn’t addressed urgently. Niall also hears from a mum with three young children, one now with respiratory issues, living in a home with bad mould, about the ways it is impacting their health. Producer: Soila...

Dec 08, 202219 min

Strep A: The latest medical advice

Antibiotics could be given to children at schools affected by Strep A to stop the spread of the bacteria, after a number of children died recent from the infection. The government has urged parents to be on the lookout for symptoms of what is also known as Group A streptococcus to prevent more deaths. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Professor Jim McManus, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, about what Strep A is and how worried parents should be. Plus, we ...

Dec 07, 202217 min

Keir Starmer's 'blueprint' for government

Labour has unveiled a plan for the biggest-ever transference of power to the British people with a report that also recommends the House of Lords is replaced with an elected chamber. It's part of what Sir Keir Starmer called radical plans and a fundamental remodelling of our broken political system. His plans include replacing the House of Lords, banning most MPs from having a second job, and moving 50,000 civil servants out of the capital. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson breaks down Labou...

Dec 06, 202217 min
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