An Unspeakable Act, produced by Tinderbox
Production for BBC World Service, took producer
Terry Lewis and presenter Will Storr to the
Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s a country with an
estimated 24 trillion dollars of known mineral
reserves and sufficient arable land and hydro electric
power potential to feed and supply the African
continent to first world standards. But within seconds
of crossing the border from Rwanda and entering
Goma, they realised the DRC is a vision of hell.
Lewis and Storr were hugely affected by the stories
they heard about the use of rape as a weapon of war.
They admit to sobbing uncontrollably listening to the
tales of survivors.
Our judges said that this was a completely
engaging, harrowing and thought-provoking piece of
radio. One said that this was one of the most
disturbing radio documentaries you will ever hear. It’s
an immensely brave piece of work that stays with you
long after it ends.
Investigative
documentary - radio
Tinderbox
Production
Inspiring creativity
Explaining scientific topics in a way that entertains
and informs is an art form. And the judges said that
Russia’s Nauka (Science) channel achieved an almost
perfect balance with Helicopters.
The programme looked back at the history of the
helicopter, explaining how Leonardo da Vinci
formulated the earliest concepts of a rotor-bladed
flying machine.
With high-quality graphics and often amusing
animations, the programme explained how the
helicopter manages to fly - going into tremendous
detail.
Our judges said that this programme contained
excellent story-telling throughout, with highly
professional production techniques. And the
animations were memorable both for their excellent
explanations and for their light-hearted take on
presenting complex scientific issues.
Science
programme
JSC Nauka
Highly commended
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Victims of ‘88 (aka 2009)
The Victims of ‘88 (2009), a newly launched radio
series by Radio Farda (the Persian-language service
of RFE/RL), tells the story of the people who lost their
lives protesting the results of the 2009 presidential
election in Iran. It’s a series that’s clearly and
concisely written and is thoroughly compelling. Our
judges said that it’s well-produced and dynamic and
definitely engages the listener. Superb research is its
foundation.
Highly commended
RT Channel
More than Meets the Eye
What lies beyond our five senses and how can
whatever it is be detected? That’s the challenge for
scientists seeking to explore what might be left to
discover in the world that surrounds us yet cannot
be seen.
Good use of graphics and clear explanations were
noted by the judges.
