This Is Why
Sky News
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 17, 2026 • 16min
Why help with energy bills could come at a cost
Ed Conway, Sky News data and economics editor, breaks down national debt, energy prices and the fiscal trade offs of a new bailout. He walks through supply shocks from the Iran conflict and how high oil and gas could go. He weighs political pressure for universal cuts against targeted support and warns short-term bailouts can saddle future taxpayers.
Mar 16, 2026 • 19min
Why are young people still dying from meningitis?
Thomas Moore, Sky News science and technology correspondent, explains how meningitis spreads and the clinical picture. Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now, outlines outbreaks, prevention and vaccination policy. They discuss rapid progression and sepsis risk. They cover symptom recognition, why harmless carriage can turn dangerous, and why adolescent MenB vaccination is not routinely provided.
Mar 13, 2026 • 17min
Why is Hollywood turning on Timothee Chalamet?
Paula Froelich, NewsNation story producer and on-air talent, breaks down the publicity fallout around Timothée Chalamet. Katie Spencer, Sky News arts correspondent in LA, reports from the Oscars red carpet and explains Hollywood campaigning. They discuss the ballet and opera controversy, industry reactions, and how studios influence awards.
Mar 12, 2026 • 18min
Why the 'Tech Bros' are turning against Trump
Rowland Manthorpe, Sky News technology correspondent who covers AI and big tech, joins to unpack Anthropic's rise and legal fight with the US government. He explains Claude and Claude Code, Anthropic's safety stance and military contract, why the supply-chain designation happened, and the wider debate over who should control powerful AI.
Mar 11, 2026 • 20min
Why the Mandelson files mean more trouble for Keir Starmer
Rob Powell, Sky News political correspondent who digs into documents and due diligence, walks through the newly released Mandelson files. Short sentences cover what was published, withheld and why. He outlines due diligence on Jeffrey Epstein links, appointment vetting, the severance payment and which documents could still change the story.
Mar 10, 2026 • 15min
Why Putin could be the Iran war's big winner
Ivor Bennett, Sky News Moscow correspondent who reports on Russia, explains how Putin may be maneuvering amid the Iran war. He discusses the Putin–Trump call, Russia’s diplomatic balancing with Gulf states and Iran, oil and sanctions dynamics, and how the conflict could shift global attention and boost Russia’s influence.
Mar 9, 2026 • 16min
Is Iran’s new supreme leader Trump's next target?
Dr Louise Kettle, assistant professor of international relations at the University of Nottingham, who studies British–Iranian ties, unpacks Iran’s selection of Mojtaba Khamenei. Short, probing conversation about Mojtaba’s low public profile and family ties. They explore the selection process, factional reactions, implications for regime continuity, and how this choice shapes prospects for conflict and diplomacy.
Mar 6, 2026 • 18min
Why is HMS Dragon taking so long to get to Cyprus?
Tom Sharpe, defence analyst and former Royal Navy officer with 27 years' service, gives a concise take on HMS Dragon and Royal Navy readiness. He discusses why the ship was held back, the Type 45's air‑defence systems and drone defenses, crew life and morale, and how capability shortfalls and politics shape deployments. Transit times to Akrotiri are also covered.
Mar 5, 2026 • 18min
Have Brits in the Middle East been abandoned?
Sally Lockwood, Sky News correspondent based in Dubai, shares frontline reporting on British travellers and expats amid regional conflict. She describes chaotic repatriation attempts, disrupted airspace and missile threats. She also contrasts local support with feelings of abandonment and explores whether expats will stay or leave.
7 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 17min
Why Europe is finally standing up to Donald Trump
Michael Clarke, a defence and security analyst with expertise in military strategy and European defence policy. He discusses why Spain and the UK refused US base access, how leaders react to Trump’s public pressure, the growing European push for defence independence, and what capabilities Europe now prioritizes.
