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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

  • 1,001 episodes
  • Updated Yesterday

Episodes1001

  • Dec 15, 2025 · 18 min

    Was an antisemitic attack in Australia inevitable?

    The world was shocked to see the scenes at Bondi Beach – one of Australia’s most iconic locations – after 15 people were shot dead and dozens more injured when two gunmen opened fire on members of the Jewish community at a Hanukkah celebration. What did intelligence and law authorities know of the suspects – a father and son - and what more could have been done to confront a rise in antisemitic attacks across Australia? Niall is joined by Sky’s Nicole Johnston – who was at the scene within an hour – and finds out more about the sense of inevitability and foreboding amongst Australian Jews with Josh Roose – an associate professor of politics, specialising in extremism, at Deakin University. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 12, 2025 · 14 min

    ‘Bigger than Taylor Swift’: How Bad Bunny conquered the world

    He’s the most streamed artist on the planet and will headline the Super Bowl halftime show – so, who is Bad Bunny? The star dubbed the 'King of Latin Trap’ has become a household name across the US and Latin America – but his political stance and decision to cancel concerts over fears they would be targeted by immigration raids has caused controversy. Niall is joined by Anamaria Sayre, co-host of Alt.Latino, curator and producer for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, to understand Bad Bunny’s career to date and what could be next. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emily Hulme & Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 11, 2025 · 19 min

    Can the NHS handle ‘unprecedented’ super flu season?

    The NHS is warning of a worst-case scenario over Christmas as an "unprecedented wave of super flu" drives infections across the country. An average of 2,660 patients were in hospital a day with flu last week - the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% on the week before. There is no peak in sight - so what's caused the predominant H3N2 strain to emerge and can the NHS cope with the extra pressure? Niall is joined by NHS GP and health educator Dr Raj Arora and Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 10, 2025 · 15 min

    Gambling addiction: The struggle for support

    Kiki Marriott is one of the thousands of people in the UK whose life has spiralled out of control because of gambling addiction. However, research has shown that while people from ethnic minorities like Kiki are actually less likely to gamble than their white counterparts – they are more likely to suffer harm from gambling and less likely to seek help. Why is this? And what can be done to help those most in need feel more comfortable with getting support? Niall is joined by Kiki and Sky News correspondent Emma Birchley. Warning: This podcast contains references to addiction, substance abuse and suicide. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 9, 2025 · 17 min

    Ed Conway on the frontline of Trump’s trade war

    Earlier this year, Donald Trump launched a series of punitive tariffs that in turn ignited a trade war that has changed the way we look at the established global economy. As we head towards the first anniversary of Trump’s second term in office, what has been the impact of those tariffs both in the USA and around the world? Niall is joined by Sky’s economics and data editor, Ed Conway, who has been on the road to see how Trump’s tariffs have affected everyone from small businesses to global conglomerates. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 8, 2025 · 14 min

    Is the NHS failing women and babies?

    “Too many women and babies are not getting the safe, compassionate care they deserve.” The starkest of warnings has been issued by the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Ranee Thakar, about the failures in maternity services across the country. A new Sky documentary, Birth Trauma: The women who weren’t listened to, tells the stories of three women who were failed by the NHS. But why is maternity care so bad in the UK? And what can be done to improve the experiences of women and babies? Niall is joined by Leah Hazard, a practising NHS midwife and bestselling author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife’s Story, to understand what leads to negative birth experiences and what changes she hopes a national inquiry will recommend. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 5, 2025 · 18 min

    Is Zarah Sultana right for the left?

    Imagine setting up a political party and then boycotting day one of its first conference. It's an unusual thing to do - but exactly what Your Party co-founder Zarah Sultana did last weekend. The former Labour MP isn't the first politician to struggle after defecting to set up a new movement. What's the story behind the left-wing 32-year-old - and how do you successfully set up a new party? Niall is joined by Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell, who attended Your Party's chaotic inaugural conference. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 4, 2025 · 19 min

    Prey: Giving a voice to the survivors of grooming gangs

    Grooming gangs continue to plague our communities. Through the voices of the survivors themselves, a new Sky documentary tells the story of the gangs and how they continue to exploit young girls. Liz Lane and Sarah O’Connell are specialist producers who have been working with vulnerable and groomed women and girls for years, giving them the chance to tell their stories. They join Niall to talk about Scarlett and Danielle, and the reality of the abuse they’ve suffered. You can watch Prey: Inside today’s grooming gangs on Sky News or our YouTube channel here. Warning: this episode deals with grooming, drugs, violence and child sexual exploitation. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 3, 2025 · 13 min

    County lines: A decade of destroyed young lives

    Lucy was 13 when she was robbed by the drug gang she was working for and then stabbed as punishment. Now in her 20s and living in a refuge, Lucy was one of thousands of children exploited by violent drug gangs. A decade after authorities first identified the emergence of "county lines" dealing, parents and former child runners have spoken about the devastating impact on their lives. Niall is joined by Sky's home affairs editor Jason Farrell. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 2, 2025 · 17 min

    The jury’s out? The verdict on Lammy’s justice reforms

    David Lammy has set out radical plans to limit jury trials to only the most serious of crimes. The deputy prime minister argues the move will help tackle a backlog of court cases which has “pushed the justice system to the brink of collapse”. The plans have been heavily criticised, not least by the opposition. But if restricting the right to a jury trial isn’t the answer, then what is? Niall is joined by Dr Rebecca Helm, professor of law and empirical legal studies at the University of Exeter, and Sky News correspondent Dan Whitehead. Producers: Emily Hulme and Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Dec 1, 2025 · 18 min

    Hotspots: The reality of life on the frontline of journalism

    From being shot at in Syria to navigating the gang-controlled streets of Haiti, a new YouTube series is shining a light on some of Sky’s most hard-hitting journalism. Hotspots takes you behind the scenes in hostile environments around the world to deliver the story behind the story. Our correspondents Stuart Ramsay and Alex Crawford join Niall Paterson to discuss their important work and where they’d like to go next. You can watch Hotspots here: youtube.com/@SkyNewsHotspots And subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Nov 28, 2025 · 19 min

    The future of the OBR with Ed Conway

    The Office for Budget Responsibility has attracted huge criticism, and anger from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, after mistakenly revealing the details of her budget hours before she delivered it. But the watchdog already had its critics. Liz Truss says she never realised how powerful the OBR was and that it should be abolished. And Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the OBR's assessment of his government's fiscal plans. So how will the budget leak affect the OBR's future? Niall talks to Ed Conway, Sky's economics and data editor about exactly what the OBR is, whether it has too much power and if it will survive. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Wendy Parker

  • Nov 28, 2025 · 9 min

    Cheat Sheet | Another manifesto breach? And the politicisation of US National Guard shooting

    A climbdown from the government over workers' rights. Is it another manifesto breach? A member of the National Guard who was shot near the White House on Wednesday has died. It’s sparked a fiery debate over immigration in the US. And an incredible story about one of the rarest operations you can have. Anna Jones and Kamali Melbourne have the day's news, in just 10 minutes. Follow Cheat Sheet here to never miss an episode: https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/

  • Nov 27, 2025 · 12 min

    Should you be able to pick your baby's genetic code?

    A US clinic is offering would-be parents the chance to select traits like height and intelligence to "genetically optimise" their future babies on top of the usual screenings for hereditary diseases. Critics of the start-up company have questioned the ethics of this and experts in human genetics are also questioning the science behind it. Niall talks to Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke about what the concerns are. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Wendy Parker

  • Nov 27, 2025 · 10 min

    Cheat Sheet | A ‘survival’ budget, Washington DC shooting and Royal Fawlty Towers fans

    A £26bn tax rise, pension changes and an accidental OBR publication. There's a lot to unpack from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget. US President Donald Trump has responded to the shooting of two national guard members who were targeted near the White House. There's been a fatal fire in Hong Kong with 300 people still missing. And the Prince of Wales has told John Cleese his children have just discovered his hit 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers and "love it". Sophy and Wilf get you up to speed on all the day's news, in just 10 minutes. Follow Cheat Sheet here to never miss an episode: 'https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/

  • Nov 26, 2025 · 16 min

    Budget 2025: Are you a winner or loser?

    Will you be better or worse off than you were before Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced her tax and spending plans in her long-awaited budget? From the minimum wage and scrapping of the two-child benefit cap to ISA caps and tax threshold freezes, Niall looks at how the budget will impact you with personal finance expert Iona Bain. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Araminta Parker Editor: Wendy Parker

  • Nov 26, 2025 · 11 min

    Cheat Sheet | Budget Day, scrapping jury trials and the 6-7 trend

    Tax rises are expected in the chancellor’s budget. But will Rachel Reeves break any manifesto promises? A leaked memo suggests only murder, rape and manslaughter trials will be heard before juries under a radical plan to clear a backlog of nearly 80,000 court cases. The Ministry of Justice says "no final decision" has been taken. And has the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer killed off the 6-7 trend? Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.

  • Nov 25, 2025 · 16 min

    Europe embraces national service - should the UK do the same?

    Are you prepared to fight for your country? That's the question Emmanuel Macron will be asking the young people of France this week when he announces a plan to introduce voluntary military service. The threat posed by Russia and a US that has a questionable commitment to NATO means Mr Macron isn't the only European leader who has had to ponder such a move. Should the UK follow France's lead and introduce some form of military service? Niall is joined by former armed forces minister James Heappey. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

  • Nov 25, 2025 · 10 min

    Cheat Sheet | Reeves rallies MPs, online abuse crackdown, Max Whitlock returns

    The chancellor's called for unity among Labour MPs - 24 hours before she reveals her budget. Meanwhile, the prime minister's hosting a call between European allies to push for a better peace plan for Ukraine. Ofcom's brought in new guidance to protect women and girls online - but will it make those in the public eye feel any safer? And Max Whitlock - Britain's most successful gymnast ever - has come out of retirement. Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes. Click here to never miss an episode: https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/

  • Nov 24, 2025 · 16 min

    Why David Cameron’s calling for more cancer screening

    Is it time for an NHS screening programme for prostate cancer? The disease is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK and kills more than 12,000 men every year. A decision is expected to be made by the National Screening Council later this week. Now, former prime minister Lord Cameron has become the latest high-profile figure to reveal his own diagnosis and has called for a national programme to target the groups most at risk. But could an increase in overdiagnosis do more harm than good? Niall is joined by Sky’s science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore to discuss. You can find out more information on prostate cancer at www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/ Producer: Araminta Parker Editor: Mike Bovill