Page 33 - AIB | The Chanel | Issue 1 2012

THE CHANNEL | ISSUE 1 2012 | 33
The devastating events on 11 March 2011 in Japan
have been explored by many broadcasters and this
was reflected in our entries. One production stood
out: Surviving the Tsunami, submitted by Japan's
public broadcaster NHK.
The judges were amazed by the amount of
research carried out to piece together the stories of
people who were, quite simply, some of the luckiest
on earth - people who escaped with their lives,
despite being at the mercy of the waters that swept
onto the country.
The documentary incorporated NHK's own footage
as well as amateur videos captured on mobile
phones, piecing together truly incredible stories of
human survival. Gripping accounts from these
survivors who revisit the places where the water
engulfed them animate the story, while the footage
found of the moment they were put into mortal
danger is quite amazing. A great, memorable
production.
Highly commended
Current TV
Gail Porter on Prostitution
This in-depth investigative report explained the issues
surrounding the possible decriminalisation of
prostitution in the UK. An excellent production - one
judge described Gail Porter's presentation as
inspirational.
S
Radio remains an important medium for documentary
makers.The winner in this category is Radio Taiwan
International for Freeing Taiwan's Slaves presented
by Natalie Tso.
The documentary marked the second anniversary
of the enactment of a law passed in Taiwan to prevent
human trafficking. Presenting
the true story of trafficking
victim Senja, the programme
treated a highly sensitive subject
very well, with excellent
research and was competently
told by the presenter who talked
with shelter workers, prosecutors, officials and
activists as well as those who have suffered.
Domestic current affairs
documentary
NHK
Radio current affairs
documentary
Radio Taiwan
International
The state of the world economy is not improving and
it's up to broadcasters to explain what is happening in
the world of finance and to analyse the events that
have caused the downturn and market uncertainty.
Our search for the best business programmes has
considered entries both from domestic and from
international channels with very different audience
needs. One entry stood out for our judges: Meltdown
from Société Radio-Canada.
This told the story of the
financial collapse in an accessible
and credible way, using language
that can be understood by any
viewer even though it includes
interviews with some of the most
prominent and influential figures
involved in the crisis.
The programme made excellent use of archive
footage and was expertly edited to maintain a brisk
pace that keeps the viewer engaged throughout.
Best business
programme
SociétéRadio-Canada
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Top Masahiro
Hayakawa of NHK
Centre RTI’s
Natalie Tso
Bottom Michel
Montreuil, SRC