Page 36 - AIB | The Chanel | Issue 1 2012

36 | ISSUE 1 2012 | THE CHANNEL
The 2011 AIBs
Seven investigative TV documentaries were selected
for the shortlist in this year's AIBs with the
determination of TV journalists to get to the heart of a
story, no matter how disturbing and distressing,
demonstrated time and again.
Our winner in this category is Danmarks Radio for
The Man Who Lied the World into War. Judges said
that this was a really daring and brave investigative
documentary and called it "unmissable". One said it
was a triumph in every respect, the very essence of
investigative reporting - thorough, with the dogged
pursuit of facts and no bases left uncovered.
Production values were extremely high and the
depth and verve of the reporting was amazing.
Highly commended
Al Jazeera English
On a Wing and a Prayer
A courageous, challenging and intriguing documentary
that one wants to watch to the very end. The producers
took on a globally-known company to uncover an issue
that could affect millions.
Antena 3
The Poison in our Homes
Perhaps the most shocking of all the investigative
documentaries submitted. A touching and striking
programme that examined one of the legacies of the
communist era - disused chemical factories with highly
toxic elements left exposed.
Channel NewsAsia
Unbroken Faith
A chilling and compelling topic presented in an
original and fascinating way, shining the light on
conflicts within the Muslim world. Very well
researched and good use of archive material.
The sometimes slower pace of radio documentaries
offers programme makers the opportunity to delve
deep into a story and allow listeners the chance to
stretch their imagination. The right combination of
narration, actuality and sound effects can be a potent
mix and that's what our judges said was the case with
Czech Radio's programme Pilot and Death.
The documentary tells the war-time story of the
Czechoslovak fighter pilots who, having fled their
invaded country, fought alongside the Allies. Almost
one in two of the thousand plus pilots perished in the
battles raging in the air over occupied Europe.
The judges praised Stanislav Motl's production that
traced the story of one pilot, Timoteus Hamsik, who
died when his plane crashed in France. This was an
excellent investigation, with thorough research,
presented in an accessible and highly "listenable"
way, they said.
It was a fine example of a historical investigation
that will stand the test of time, one judge observed.
Highly commended
RFE/RL
The Invisible Women of Osh
The judges said this programme was both shocking
and highly revealing. The in-depth report investigated
the women victims of the violent riots between Kyrgyz
and Uzbeks who were subjected to gang rape in June
2010. The story was one that definitely needed to be
told, said the judges.
Best investigative
documentary - TV
Danmarks Radio
Best investigative
documentary - radio
Czech Radio