The Explanation

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 Atkins
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
Assistant Producer: Laura Cain
Researcher: Ruth Waites
Sound: Jack Wilfan
Technical Coordinator: Margot Campanaro

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 issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected]

Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan
Editor: Anna Holford
Executive producer: Anna Holford

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

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 given him new editorial freedom.
The Trump administration’s approach to communication is reshaping reporting rhythms in Washington. The BBC’s North America editor Sarah Smith reflects on President Trump’s media strategy.
And the YouTuber Johnny Harris, who specialises in news explainers, takes Ros behind the scenes of his creator-led media company Newpress.

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