Page 35 - AIB | The Chanel | Issue 1 2012

THE CHANNEL | ISSUE 1 2012 | 35
Best children’s factual
programme or series
Children's factual television is one of the most
challenging genres to get right. Our judges thought
that one programme had definitely succeeded - BBC
Newsround with its special edition Growing Up in a
War Zone.
This was a highly educational programme with a
compelling mix of history and contemporary life, the
judges noted, transporting the viewer to the
challenging environment of Afghanistan and
explaining how children's lives are affected there by
the continuing conflict.
The varied, colourful stories of the children in the
programme are sure, said one judge, to resonate with
young audiences in societies that are very different
from that featured in the programme. It was also
refreshing, commented another judge, that this multi-
faceted look at life in Kabul presented a different story
to that told in news bulletins every day.
BBC
AIB is always keen to see broadcasters who create
inspiring marketing strategies to encourage viewers
and listeners to engage on-air or online.
Our judges singled out France 24 for its campaign
to draw attention to its Twitter service during the Arab
Spring. The international news channel produced a
great film that combines current affairs with the
power of social media.
Based on Hitchcock's "The Birds", an advertising
campaign was devised showing characters very clearly
based on - now deposed - dictators in Tunisia, Egypt
and Libya under attack from blue-feathered birds.
Our judges said this was a fantastic production,
combining video with print and online adverts to promote
France 24's Twitter feeds and was unlike anything
seen from other international news channels.
Most creative marketing
strategy
France 24
This new AIB award is designed to reward broadcasters
who have delivered outstanding coverage to viewers of live
sport. Our judges were pleased to see a wide range of
high-profile sporting events represented.
The winner, our judges decided, is Nine Network for
its coverage of The 2010 State of Origin, an annual
rugby league match between Queensland and New
South Wales and one of Australia's most popular
sporting events. The judges liked the pre-match build-
up and analysis that explained the rivalry between the
two teams as well as why this event is unique. The
production employed extensive close-up and wide
shots without disruption that allowed viewers to
experience the game's intensity seamlessly.
Produced in high definition as well as in 3D for the
first time, Nine Network's coverage was judged to be
excellent although one judge did suggest that there
was need for more on-screen statistics during the
game and the half-time break. That did not detract
from the winning formula that Nine has developed.
Highly commended
BBC Birmingham
Stoke City in the FA Cup Final
Our judges asked that this coverage be recognised with
a commendation. This was a Cinderella story with a
twist in the coverage. The BBC provided a thorough
insight into the life of a city and a club looking for a
better future through a national sporting event.
Sony Professional and others
Wimbledon in 3D
A first for the world'smost important tennis championships,
first televised in 1937. In 2011, finals were delivered in
3D via the BBC's HD channel and into a range of
venues across the UK. Great camera angles captured
the emotion and drama of the final weekend's play.
Best live sports
coverage
Nine Network
▼
Top Dan Clarke
and Sonali Shah,
BBC Newsround
Centre Francois
Laborie of Vizrt
with Nine
Network’s
Geraldine Easter
Bottom
Benedicte Paviot
of France 24