Best TV interpretation or documentary on international affairs
AWARD YEAR: 2001
AWARD NAME: The Edward R. Murrow Award 2001
RECIPIENTS: Saira Shah, David Henshaw, Cassian Harrison, James Miller, Vivian Schiller, Jennifer Hyde
AFFILIATION: CNN Productions/Channel 4 International/Hardcash Productions
HONORED WORK: “Beneath the Veil”
This account of an Afghan-Briton’s daring attempt to learn about her father’s homeland was chosen for its courageous infiltration of Taliban- run Afghanistan. The story was produced months before the U.S. war on terror began. In constant peril, the production team secretly recorded life under the Taliban, even continuing to tape with hidden cameras during two brief detentions. The team’s deep research, networking with secret resistance groups, and use of dramatic amateur footage elevated this personal story to an outstanding documentary, enriched by the sensitivity of reporter Saira Shah.
Citations for Excellence:
BBC America
“Afghanistan: The Fall of Kabul”
Lisa Hsia, John Reiss
NBC News — Dateline
“The Roots of Rage”