The winners of the 2013 AIBs were announced tonight by the Association for International Broadcasting at a gala dinner at LSO St Luke’s in London.
These annual international broadcasting awards are now in their ninth year and celebrate the best in radio, TV and transmedia – programmes, technology and talent. The AIBs are judged by an independent and international panel of distinguished media professionals representing broadcasting across the world and they ensure that the awards are judged independently from commercial influence. The chosen winners demonstrate the best in engaging, powerful, moving and innovative reporting and investigation from entries which are submitted by countries in every continent of the world.
Simon Spanswick, AIB CEO said: ”The entries in 2013 demonstrated the continuing dedication of programme makers and journalists to uncover important and challenging stories, to take risks, both personally and professionally and to work expertly to investigate and explain complex subjects. The entries educate, entertain and engage their audience using the latest technologies at their disposal. We have seen important and sometimes harrowing stories brought to light, the power of the voice to captivate as well as exciting and engrossing coverage of sporting events. Once again the judges have had the hard but rewarding search for the best out of a very strong set of entries.”
As well as categories for current affairs, live journalism, short features and documentaries, there were also awards for best programmes in science, sport, and children’s television, for best use of transmedia, for most innovative production technology and separate awards for TV and radio personalities
This year’s awards were hosted by Melissa Bell, international correspondent at France24. They included an inspiring conversation with Giles Duley, the photojournalist whose work on humanitarian issues and the consequences of conflict has taken on extra power after he himself was severely injured while working in Afghanistan. The champagne reception was sponsored by Ruptly.
The 2013 AIBs | Winners and highly commended finalists
Domestic current affairs documentary – TV
Winner
VRT for ‘The Disturbed Procedure’
—“a very moving film and a scary human story“—
Highly commended
Antena 3 for ‘Hells Angels’
—“A harrowing and gripping documentary that demonstrated how the film makers built great relationships with the addicts“—
France24 for ‘7 Days in Tibet’
—“Beautifully shot by courageous journalists who put themselves at great risk“—
International current affairs documentary – TV
Winner
Channel 4 for ‘Walking Wounded: Return to the Frontline’
—“brilliant documentary, a unique, personal and moving film with exceptional photography and editing“—
Highly commended
BBC Current Affairs for ‘Shot for Going to School’
—“an exceptionally well-constructed documentary covering a burning issue in a very “human” way “—
Channel NewsAsia for ‘Living in the Shadows’
—“A remarkable piece of research uncovering a hidden side of China“—
Investigative documentary – radio
Winner
Tinderbox Production for ‘An Unspeakable Act’
—“a completely engaging, harrowing and thought-provoking piece of radio “—
Highly commended
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty for ‘ Victims of 88 (AKA 2009)’
—“superb research is its foundation“—
Science programme
Winner
JSC Nauka for ‘Helicopters’
—“excellent explanations and a light-hearted take on presenting complex scientific issues “—
Highly commended
RT Channel for ‘More than Meets the Eye’
—“Good use of graphics and clear explanations“—
Live journalism – TV
Winner
CNN for ‘Anti-government Protests in Turkey’
—“great live, on-the ground reporting in challenging circumstances “—
Highly commended
BBC Persian for ‘Coverage of the Iranian Presidential Elections’
—“depth of subject and context and slick and engaging journalism“—
NDTV for ‘Delhi Gang Rape Protests’
—“good live coverage of the demonstrations and protests “—
Live journalism – radio
Winner
BBC Five Live for the ‘Victoria Derbyshire Show’
—“classic investigative journalism and in-depth reporting, well-balanced and thoroughly researched“—
Middle East documentary
Winner
Channel 4 for ‘Syria across the Lines’
—“brave, sensitive and comprehensive filmmaking “—
Investigative documentary – TV
Winner
Channel 4 for Dispatches: The Hunt for Britain’s Sex Gangs’
—“a brave examination of a complex subject that never flinches from searching for the truth“—
Highly commended
Channel NewsAsia for ‘Get Rea! – Bangladesh Brothel Secret’
—“thought-provoking and insightful“—
TVC News for ‘TVC News Investigates – The Accused’
—“a very brave piece on a difficult subject“—
Radio creative feature
Winner
Nuala Macklin for ‘Below the Radar’
—“rich story-telling with skilful moderation“—
Highly commended
Kazakhstan Republican TV & Radio for ‘Classicomania’
—“Relaxing, entertaining, educational and original“—
Voice of Nigeria for ‘Ripples’
—“inviting and educational, enhanced by attractive and well-used music and dramatic adaptation“—
Radio current affairs documentary
Winner
Grey Heron Media for ‘Take No More’
—” compelling radio with a dynamic and pace of which you do not tire“—
Highly commended
Radio Taiwan International for ‘My Days at the Mental Ward’
—” immediate appeal, and demonstrates fine production values and excellent pace“—
Voice of Russia for ‘FGM – The Horror of Hidden Abuse’
—” high production values combined with strong and passionate interviews“—
Short feature
Winner
CNN for ‘ Damascus Undercover: Daraya’
—” Insightful reporting made this a moving and gripping report“—
Highly commended
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty for ‘ At Afghan Brickworks, Family Trapped in Cycle of Debt’
—“a tragic story, sensitively told and utterly compelling“—
RT Channel for ‘ The human toll of American drones in Pakistan’
—“upsetting, yet honest and direct“—
Live sport coverage
Winner
Nine Network for ‘ Boxing Day Test 2012’
—” the use of the spidercam took viewers “up close and personal”“—
Highly commended
Sunset+Vine for ‘Dubai World Cup’
—“outstanding editing and slo-mo shots“—
Transmedia production
Winner
LVL Studio for ‘Hockey Night in Canada’
—“an excellent example of a second screen app adding value with a range of unique interactive features“—
Highly commended
Turner Sports for ‘ NCAA March Madness Live’
—“polished, professional and comprehensive transmedia“—
Innovative production technology
Winner
Radio Free Asia for ‘ Remembering Tiananmen’
—” many potential applications of this idea in bringing new media to a wider audience“—
Highly commended
TVE for ‘Mapping 2012 – News Summary’
—“a clever concept and it could be adopted as a way to present news in the future“—
Specialist programme
Winner
BBC World Service for ‘My City’
—“colourful with the personality of each correspondent“—
Highly commended
Danmarks Radio for ‘The Duel’
—” an extraordinary topic to explore“—
RTG TV for ‘ Journey to the Solovetsky Islands’
—“a beautifully shot programme in stunning high definition, wonderfully colourised“—
Children’s factual programme or series
Sponsored by RTG TV
Winner
ABC for My Great Big Adventure – Body Image’
—” handled a delicate and difficult topic sensitively and sensibly“—
Highly commended
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation for ‘Matanglawin (Hawkeye): Sabang Dragons’
—” overcame daunting logistical challenges to produce a highly informative, skilfully shot and edited show“—
BBC Newsround for ‘Hard Times – Newsround Special’
—“powerfully moving narratives“—
International TV personality
Winner
Francine Lacqua, Bloomberg Television
—“an excellent, direct style, coupled with a warmth for her guests that belies a steely determination to find answers“—
International radio personality
Winner
John Suchet, Classic FM
—“John has a warm personality and he manages to connect with the listener through a great mix of words and music. He’s a great storyteller.“—
You can download the 2013 AIBs winners press release in pdf format here