Best reporting in any medium on Latin America
AWARD YEAR: 2004
AWARD NAME: The Robert Spiers Benjamin Award 2004
RECIPIENTS: Stephen Segaller and Angus Macqueen
AFFILIATION: Thirteen/WNET, Channel 4, October Films Ltd.
HONORED WORK: Wide Angle: “An Honest Citizen”
Wide Angle’s Honest Citizen stood out as a compelling, on-camera look at Maria Cristina Chirolla’s struggles as the head of Colombia’s anti-money launder- ing and anti-drug team. Trying to bring law and order to a chaotic country at palpable personal risk, Chriolla’s tale is told against the backdrop of a complex political situation. Unusual access and in-depth interviews with those on all sides of the issues, including a top paramilitary leader, yielded dramatic footage of the deep and difficult connections between the United States and Colombia, a major recipient of U.S. aid.
Citation for Excellence:
Scott Johnson with Mac Margolis
Newsweek
“Latin America Lags Behind”