The Explanation

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry, Bernd Debusmann, Katie Razzall, John Simpson

podcast.support@bbc.co.uk

For verified host and producer emails, sign up to view.

Booking Overview

This is a BBC current-affairs radio rebroadcast focused on global news, US politics, journalism, and media, with recurring interviews featuring senior media executives, journalists, broadcasters, and political analysts. PR agencies could credibly pitch established experts on press freedom, public-service media, geopolitics, elections, and broadcasting, but booking is likely difficult because of the BBC platform and its preference for authoritative, news-relevant voices.

Metrics

Episodes: 346

Frequency: Multiple_weekly

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Estimated listeners: 1k-10k

Gender skew: Neutral

Location: USA

Contact Information

podcast.support@bbc.co.uk

For verified host and producer emails, sign up to view.

Host

Sumi Somaskanda - BBC journalist and presenter covering international news and US politics.

Caitriona Perry - BBC journalist and broadcaster known for reporting and presenting on US politics and international affairs.

Bernd Debusmann - BBC journalist and presenter covering US politics and major international developments.

Katie Razzall - BBC journalist and broadcaster who presents coverage of media, culture, and public-service broadcasting.

John Simpson - Veteran BBC journalist, world affairs correspondent, and presenter known for reporting from major international conflict and political settings.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

high
Typical Credentials:  
Senior journalists, broadcasters, media executives, political commentators, public officials, and subject-matter experts with direct authority on major current-affairs stories.
Required Achievements:  
Senior leadership in a major media or public-service organization, Established journalism or broadcasting career, Published books or widely recognized commentary, Direct expertise on consequential political, international, or media developments

Recent Guest Discussions

Iain Dale - Radio Phone-ins, Social Media’s Influence On Broadcasting, And Changing Relationships Between Politicians And Traditional Media.

Rhodri Talfan Davies - The Bbc’s Annual Report, Financial Pressures, Changing Audience Habits, And The Future Of Public-service Media.

Claire Atkinson - The Trump Administration’s Subpoenas Of New York Times Journalists, National Security Reporting, And Press Freedom.

Recent Topics

Global Affairs, Us Politics, Journalism, Geopolitics

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
The Explanation
:

The President's Path: Does Zelensky have the upper hand in the Ukraine war?

July 31, 2026

Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Zelensky's visit to Washington, where he pushed for greater US support to bolster Ukraine's air defences. They examine whether relations between Trump and Zelensky are warming, and what this renewed diplomatic effort, along with a new package of sanctions on Russia, could mean for the war in Ukraine.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...

The Media Show: Interviewing Elon Musk

July 30, 2026

The Economist's interview with Elon Musk attracted global attention before Musk then described interviewer Zanny Minton Beddoes as a "traitor to the West". The interview followed 90 minutes of conversation for The Insider, The Economist's video series. Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, explains how the interview came about and the reaction after it was published.Huge wildfires in France and Spain have dominated news coverage across Europe, creating difficult and sometime...

The President's Path: The US-Saudi nuclear deal

July 24, 2026

Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss what we know about the US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal, the implications for the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, and the fact that Israel could now make or break the agreement. 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

Get your clients booked on top podcasts

Try us risk free with a FREE 3 days trial.

Start Your Free Trial

Join hundreds of PR teams using Podseeker to pitch and land bookings