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

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1,001 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes1001

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Jan 4, 2023 · 31 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 assault and stalking. If that's not something you feel you can listen to right now, you can find other episodes of the Daily on our feed. Producers: David Chipakupaku and Alys Bowen Junior Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Paul Stanworth and Philly Beaumont
Jan 3, 2023 · 26 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 our Ukraine War Diaries podcast. Producers: David Chipakupaku and Alys Bowen Junior Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Paul Stanworth and Philly Beaumont
Dec 30, 2022 · 34 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 meetings with the then-heir to the throne during his time as Secretary of State for Scotland; and Chandrika Kaul, professor of modern history at the University of St Andrews. Senior Podcast Producer: Annie Joyce Archive researchers: Nelly Stefanova and Rob Fellowes Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth
Dec 29, 2022 · 22 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 appealed to the young male audience with the chief executive of the Centre For Countering Digital Hate Imran Ahmed. Plus, features editor at Mashable and author of 'Rough', Rachel Thompson, discusses the real-life consequences of online misogyny. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews Producer: Alys Bowen Editor: Philly Beaumont
Dec 28, 2022 · 19 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: Alys Bowen Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
Dec 27, 2022 · 11 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 Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He’s originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana’s closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She’s continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP38 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News’ multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob Mulhern Editor: Paul Stanworth Digital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Dec 24, 2022 · 15 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 23, 2022 · 23 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 22, 2022 · 19 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 21, 2022 · 22 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 20, 2022 · 21 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 19, 2022 · 24 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 17, 2022 · 8 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 Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He’s originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana’s closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She’s continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP37 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News’ multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob Mulhern Editor: Paul Stanworth Digital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Dec 15, 2022 · 22 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 progress hasn't been made, and how the mystery of the students' deaths has gripped America. Editor - Philly Beaumont Producer: Sarah Gough Podcast producer - Rosie Gillott Digital producer - David Chipakupaku
Dec 15, 2022 · 16 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 what Russia’s war with Ukraine has taught us about modern warfare. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Philly Beaumont – editor
Dec 14, 2022 · 13 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 conversation about Qatar's hosting of the football World Cup. Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: Alys Bowen Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editors: Paul Stanworth and Philly Beaumont
Dec 13, 2022 · 21 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 have comparable impact? On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood takes a closer look with our business correspondent Gurpreet Narwan. Economics professor and research fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Len Shackleton, examines how unions and their impact have changed over the decades. Plus, we speak to Andy Prendergast, the GMB union’s national secretary for commercial services, as we try to find out if there’s a way forward. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Jada-Kai Meosa John - junior producer Alys Bowen – interviews producer Nelly Stefanova and Simon Windsor – archive researchers Paul Stanworth – editor
Dec 12, 2022 · 21 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 they have been affected, witnessing first-hand the struggle to make ends meet. Note: This podcast contains reference to suicide. If you need to speak to someone, you can contact Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org. Producer – Ella Griffith Podcast producer - Rosie Gillott Digital producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Philly Beaumont
Dec 10, 2022 · 12 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 living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He’s originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana’s closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She’s continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP36 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News’ multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob Mulhern Editor: Paul Stanworth Digital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Dec 8, 2022 · 25 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 Woodhouse – podcast producer Alys Bowen – interviews producer David Chipakupaku – podcast promotion producer Jessica Stewart and Lydia Meridth – archive researchers Philly Beaumont - editor