THE CHANNEL
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ISSUE 1 2014
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41
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
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.
The Middle East remains the focus of attention of
many broadcasters. A brave and astonishing
documentary recounting how the civil war is
destroying lives in rural Syria is our winner.
Documentary maker Olly Lambert produced Syria:
Across the Lines for Channel 4 which compelled
viewers to face the awful truth of civil war through the
eyes of the people living through the conflict.
Lambert bore witness to both sides of the conflict -
Assad loyalists and the rebels - around two villages in
east Syria where he managed to get people to talk.
This was brave, sensitive and comprehensive film-
making, said our judges.
Middle East
documentary
Channel 4
Inspiring creativity
Radio journalism is alive and well across the world,
and our entries provided evidence of continued
excellence in radio news.
Our winner is the Victoria Derbyshire Show on
BBC 5 Live. In December 2012, the two-hour
programme was broadcast live from an animal
research laboratory in the north-west of England.
Our judges noted that devoting a two-hour news
show to this controversial and topical subject was a
brave decision and they found the programme was
extremely well executed and insightful, balanced and
thoroughly researched.
Live journalism - radio
BBC 5 Live
