12 March 2018
BBC World Service and Norway’s NRK are joining forces on a major new podcast-first production, Death in Ice Valley, which will investigate the mysterious death of a woman in Norway in the 1970s.
Death in Ice Valley has been commissioned specifically as a podcast and combines innovative production with first-class journalism and storytelling. Listeners will join investigative reporter Marit Higraff and documentary maker Neil McCarthy on a journey in which they will attempt to piece together the woman’s life. Who was she? Why hasn’t she been missed? Was her death the result of murder or did she take her own life?
Episodes will be released weekly and Marit and Neil are poised to react to any significant leads that come into them from podcast listeners. The series preview will be made available on March 26th, with the first episode launching on April 16.
Often referred to as the ‘Isdal Woman’, the body was discovered in November 1970. No one knew who she was and almost half a century on, her identity remains a mystery. Her badly burnt body was found in the remote Isdalen (Ice Valley) under unusual circumstances. Police investigating at the time found her suitcases at the nearby Bergen railway station, with disguises inside. The woman had stayed in numerous hotels using different names. Labels had been removed from her clothing. It is a case which has perplexed Norway.
All we know is she almost certainly wasn’t Norwegian. This is an international investigation.
NRK’s Marit Higraff has been investigating the case for two years. She and Neil McCarthy will be travelling across Norway and beyond to find out what they can about the woman at the centre of this enduring mystery. A specially commissioned soundscape has been designed by Phil Channell.
Listeners will be invited to join and contribute to a Death in Ice Valley Facebook group –www.facebook.com/groups/deathinicevalley.
Death in Ice Valley follows the BBC World Service’s highly successful and popular podcast, The Assassination.
Mary Hockaday, Controller, BBC World Service English said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with NRK, combining the shared expertise of our journalists and documentary makers as they delve into this riveting and perplexing story. The growing popularity of podcasts is phenomenal, and Death in Ice Valley is just one example of how we’re exploring the power of podcasts to offer our World Service audiences new stories and new ways of listening.”
Frank Gander, chief editor for documentaries at NRK, said: “This collaboration with the BBC World Service opens up new possibilities in the case of the Ice Valley woman for NRK. Although we reach 4 of 5 Norwegians daily through radio, TV and online, the BBC has a far wider reach. And one of the main theories in this mystery is that the answers lie somewhere in Europe. It has been exciting and rewarding to work with BBC on this project, and my team and I are anxious to see what kind of feedback we will get when this podcast series starts in April”.
World Service English Podcast Editor Jon Manel, who commissioned the series, said: “We are in the process of transforming our podcast collection. Death in Ice Valley is an immersive, episodic listening experience, designed specifically with podcasting in mind. Investigating a true, very sad and perplexing story, it seeks to use both science and the power of podcasts. Can podcast listeners help to provide answers?”
Ten episodes are being made – and there could be more.
The preview will be available from 26 March and the first episode will be available from 16 April. You can listen to or download Death in Ice Valley via the BBC World Service website or from wherever you get your podcasts. The Death in Ice Valley website is www.bbcworldservice.com/deathinicevalley
4 August 2015
International Radio Serbia – or Radio Yugoslavia – has been closed down by the Serbian government. The move was first announced in April when the government published its media strategy and new law on public information which was adopted in 2014 and brought about the end of state ownership of the media or its funding.
During protests in April, a letter from the station’s staff was handed to Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic which said: “Although the new media laws were adopted in 2014, we are certain there is a way for Radio Yugoslavia – International Radio Serbia to survive, being the only short wave radio station in the country, and whose broadcasts are reaching all continents. There is not a lot of us – less than a hundred – and before you solve our fate, check to see whether Germany has renounced on Deutsche Welle, Great Britain on BBC, the USA on the Voice of America, China on the China International, or Russia on the Voice of Russia. The situation is similar in Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania. Those are all radio stations financed form the state budget as their world service. Please consider those options and let someone speak to us before passing the decision to shut down the program in 11 languages, which offers exquisite possibilities for representing Serbia around the world. We sincerely believe you will find the way to hear our position and help us.”
The broadcaster, that had been on the air since the 1930s, had 12 language services and employed 96 staff, all of whom have lost their jobs according to reports coming out of Belgrade.
A statement on the radio station’s website says: “The Serbian government, however, believes that the closing down of Radio Yugoslavia – International Radio Serbia – is a justified move. Regardless of the fact that the state of Serbia is in an economic crisis, that each saved penny is precious, that many citizens have been rendered jobless, that new work positions should be opened, it has become unclear to the very end why the only state short-wave station has suddenly become too expensive after 80 years. We are, however, certain, that Serbian citizens, taxpayers, who have financed us for all these years, would have decided differently had they been asked to.”
7 August 2014
On Thursday, 7 August Al Jazeera English began special coverage of ‘Gaza Under Fire’, one month since the start of the conflict. From online infographic and in-depth analysis, to news features throughout the day, the coverage will be in comprehensive, culminating in a full special news hour at 1800 GMT (9pm Gaza, 7pm London).
“Our reporters on the ground in Gaza delivered exceptional insights, updates and witness accounts during the heat of the conflict,” commented Managing Director of Al Jazeera English, Al Anstey. “At the one-month mark, with a ceasefire in place, we can now look at the impact and assess the damage to both sides.”
Al Jazeera assesses the scale of destruction of the Gaza strip, after a month of Israeli bombardment. The coverage also look at attempts to rebuild lives and infrastructure after weeks of airstrikes and a ground offensive, which has included heavy tank shelling in civilian areas.
Correspondents Andrew Simmons, Imtiaz Tyab and Charles Stratford will deliver live crosses from Gaza, covering the human impact of the conflict in Gaza; from child trauma to the reality of life under siege.
Diplomatic Editor James Bays will assess how the conflict is playing out politically for all sides, as well as the overall cost to both Hamas and Israel from the month-long conflict. Senior Correspondents Jonah Hull and Patty Culhane in London and Washington, DC will review the international reaction to the crisis.
Also covered are the UN accusations of war crimes committed by Palestinian factions operating in densely populated civilian areas and claims of a disproportionate use of force by Israel. Further, the diplomatic attempts to negotiate a lifting of the Israeli imposed blockade.
AlJazeera.com will feature an infographic detailing the scope of the destruction in Gaza and will also hear from ordinary Gazans, highlight how world leaders responded and photo galleries detailing the month-long conflict.
‘We will provide comprehensive insight into the conflict itself, but also the bigger story on the ongoing siege of Gaza, highlighting the crucial facts the latest escalation of violence has exposed”, stated Salah Negm, Director of News for Al Jazeera English.
Download promo: http://goo.gl/1wofvc
31 January 2013
Numerous threats hang over Kenya as it heads to the polls on March 4. As journalists and news crews prepare to cover the election, they are advised to take note of the security situation there.
More than 1,000 people died and 600,000 were displaced when inter-ethnic fighting broke out around the disputed last election in 2007.
In April this year, four Kenyans – including Uhuru Kenyatta, a frontrunner in the 2013 election – will face trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their alleged role in the 2007-2008 post-election violence.
And with the stakes for political power so high, the risk of local violence during the race to replace president Mwai Kibaki is apparent.
Threats ahead of the upcoming Kenyan elections
The tension surrounding the elections is now fuelled by the political unrest and a degree of anti-western feeling in the northern African countries. Kidnapping in some areas in support of insurgents operating in and around Mali is just one of many acts of violence predicted during the upcoming Kenyan elections.
A number of fatal ambushes were reported last month on the road from Archers Post to Marsabit. The MP for Saku, Hussein Tari Sasura, was fired at by an individual dressed in a police uniform while being driven on the road.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has also reported a spate of grenade, IED and armed attacks in Nairobi, Mombasa and Garissa, and said that further attacks are likely. It says there is a possibility of attacks specifically targeting election-related activity.
An unconfirmed report that an unknown number of hostages have been taken from Mandera in Kenya on the shared Somalia/ Ethiopia border may be seen as just the start. The hostage takers claim that they will execute the hostages if al-Qaeda suspects held in Kenya are not released by 14 Feb, so already the events of the region are starting to affect this election.
General top tips for travel to Kenya
1. Time is GMT +3 hours
2. UK style three pin plugs are used
3. Only plan to use one credit card if you have to, so clear before you take it and use one with a low limit, so you can determine exactly what has been spent, in case of fraud.
4. Don’t use debit cards in Africa if at all possible, you are more protected by credit cards for loss.
5. If you have to use an ATM, use one inside a bank
6. Take cash – Sterling, US Dollars and Euros and make sure you have Kenyan Shilling- small denominations
7. Ensure you have high factor sunscreen if working outside, as the sun is hot, but remember it can also be cold at night, so take appropriate clothing.
8. Expect heavy rain showers during the rainy seasons, so take a strong umbrella or light raincoat. The “long rains” are from March-June so around the time of the elections. Be prepared as they can be torrential.
9. Take mosquito repellent, if going outside Nairobi and assess the areas you are going to for malaria risk; consult your doctor about which vaccinations you require and whether or not you need anti malaria tablets.
10. Ensure you carry photocopies of your travel documents and other vital documents as well as an electronic copy on a flash disk/ on the internet in case your originals get stolen or lost.
Flights to Kenya and getting in/immigration
It is easy to fly to Kenya on one of the many regular airlines operating. The airport can be mayhem at certain times of the day and the usual airport scams may be expected. Have an agreed identification process with your driver (know their name, phone number and the make and model/registration number of their car). It is easy to get picked up by the wrong person.
Kenya is an English speaking country, but bear in mind your accent will be different and allow people to get used to your accent by speaking slightly slower at first and more clearly. Try to avoid slang.
UK citizens need a visa. Depending on how long and what you are doing you may need to get this in advance. You can get visas at the airport on arrival, however you will need to check if this is possible with your citizenship and for what you are doing and length of stay.
It is always useful to have a letter from your company stating that you will return to the UK and what your position is there, as well as to show you have the funds to support yourself whilst there. Or some sort of accreditation to your company and preferably some sort of press card. You will need to be accredited to film in Kenya, after you arrive.
It is worth having a yellow fever certificate in case you go on anywhere else in Africa after this assignment. If you are arriving from somewhere which has yellow fever, you may need to show the certificate.
You will have to fill in a landing card on arrival and another one for exit, prior to going through immigration.
Be careful about using personal addresses; bear in mind your own personal security when travelling. Try to use your work address for the airport as well as the hotel.
Your luggage
Your luggage gets delivered on belts on the other side of passport control, after your passport has been stamped. Trolleys are free, but if you have a lot of kit, you are better to hire a porter who will then push and shove on your behalf if required to get your bags.
The area where the baggage comes out is open and you sometimes need to show your luggage tags as you leave to prove the bags are yours, so don’t throw them away. Keep a close eye on things as it all comes out to ensure that nobody else takes your bags. If your host has a protocol officer you can use them to get you through.
Accommodation
There are a lot of good hotels in Nairobi, however, if you are staying down town, then watch your personal security at night and be aware that it is inadvisable to walk around at night.
Do use the safes in the rooms as long as they are attached to something but don’t leave all your money there (split it up).
Moving around Kenya
If you are going to drive around Nairobi at night, then pay attention. Carjacking and robbery are common at traffic lights and as people arrive home. Around the time of the elections expect to find more security checkpoints and have your documents ready.
Make sure you know if there are curfews, which may be in place if there is violence. Make sure you have a good fixer and driver, know where you are going, be prepared for anything.
Be conscious that outside Nairobi, there are few streetlights and cars can sometimes drive without headlights in the more rural areas.
If you are going up country, then make sure your vehicle is prepared and you have adequate provisions. Punctures do happen so make sure you have a spare tyre and jack to change it.
Information
You need to have good sources of information to make sure you know what is going on, speak to local contacts and ensure your driver/fixer is tapped into the local media and security forces if possible, so you get up to date information.
Health
The water is not always the cleanest to drink, so don’t drink the water at all; use bottled water. If you want to be ultra careful, brush your teeth in it too. Be careful of what you eat outside Nairobi (no salads etc) as hygiene standards are very different. Take water purification tablets, as there is no guarantee of always getting bottled water up country and you may run out.
MAKE SURE ALL YOUR INNOCULATIONS ARE UP TO DATE.
Make sure you have good travel insurance, as Kenya does not have free hospitals for foreigners. Malaria tablets are a must if in the season and going to malaria areas.
Communications
There is talk of the Kenyan Government shutting down the mobile phone networks and the internet in the event of civil uprising. INSI suggests that, to get around this, you buy multiple SIM cards from all the providers in Kenya as they may only shut down the “Big Two” at first (Airtel and Safaricom) so Orange and the YU network may work.
Ensure you have an effective and reliable means to transmit out of the country.
Take an unlocked phone, and use the local simcards. You will have to top up on credit. Make sure you top up to the maximum and top up whenever you can.
If you can get access to a satphone it is recommended to take one to be safe, if you are going up country. Kenya has good mobile coverage, although out of Nairobi it can sometimes be intermittent and see above for shutting it off in times of unrest. The internet can sometimes be unreliable at times in the hotels.
In the event of power and comms going down, having a battery operated radio would be useful as many Embassies will be sending out communiques over the radio and this will allow you to receive those.
Kit to take
Take a good first aid kit with a set of needles and dental emergency kit too as the hospitals can sometimes lack equipment out of Nairobi
Take torches, as electricity often fails
Take all hostile environment emergency equipment – plug for sinks, wet wipes (as water often goes off) etc. 2 pin adaptor with surge protector for electronic kit.
Camera equipment
Equipment clearance on arrival in Kenya – INSI has heard from sources in Nairobi that Filming Licenses/Permits will be required to clear equipment arriving into the country even if it is only for news coverage (currently equipment for news coverage doesn’t need a temporary Customs Bond)
Check nearer the time of the elections as to what the regulations are, so that you avoid any nasty surprises or huge fees on arrival to purchase customs bonds.
Contact INSI if you require an equipment list or further information for working in hostile environments
Hannah Storm (Director of INSI) – hannah.storm@newssafety.org
Read all about it…the latest international industry briefing from the Association for International Broadcasting has been published.