The Media Show: Filming inside El Salvador’s mega-prison episode artwork

EPISODE · May 21, 2026 · 22 MIN

The Media Show: Filming inside El Salvador’s mega-prison

from The Explanation · host BBC World Service

A Channel 5 documentary filmed inside El Salvador’s Cecot prison has drawn attention to the country’s tough approach to gang crime and the questions around filming in tightly controlled places. The prison holds thousands of suspected gang members and has become a powerful symbol of President Nayib Bukele’s security policies. Richard Madeley describes the strict conditions faced by the first British production team allowed inside, when filming Inside the World's Mega Prison.Matt Brittin has this week started work as BBC Director General. He joins the corporation at a time of financial pressure, changing viewing habits and growing debate about the power of technology companies. Matt Brittin joins The Media Show to set out his early priorities. Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor at The Sunday Times, gives her assessment.Allegations linked to Channel 4’s Married at First Sight have raised new concerns about welfare standards in reality television after a BBC Panorama investigation reported claims from former participants. Channel 4 has ordered an external review and removed all ten series from streaming while political and regulatory questions continue. Noor Nanji, Culture Correspondent at the BBC, outlines her reporting behind the investigation.Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Sound engineer: Volodymyr Muzyczka

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 21, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

The Media Show: Filming inside El Salvador’s mega-prison

0:00 22:58

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Explanation?

This episode is 22 minutes long.

When was this The Explanation episode published?

This episode was published on May 21, 2026.

Can I download this The Explanation episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!