he AIBs 2013: 18 categories, 102 shortlisted entries. Just how much knowledge, effort,
talent, skill, perseverance, suffering, heartbreak, courage, survival, elation and triumph
is hidden behind that three-digit figure is difficult to comprehend, let alone describe. If
you had carried out the initial sifting and evaluating of entries submitted in this year’s AIB
International Media Excellence Awards in order to draw up the definitive shortlist you would
immediately understand what I mean - words and pictures being mightier than the sword, not
just telling stories but changing lives.
Media people, by nature of their profession, are constantly exposed to the raw edge of what
happens in the world - which may somewhat blunt our sensitivity. Yet what our fellow
professionals do with that raw news never ceases to amaze, particularly in our multi-platform
world. 2013, in that respect, was no exception. Stories that we already knew, had heard and seen
covered from different angles by different channels still managed to draw us in. ‘What is it about
that report that gets under our skin?’ we had to ask ourselves and admit at the same time that
analysing our own response is not always a comfortable thing to do. With no topic taboo,
investigative journalism does not make for easy viewing. It lays bare how unfathomable human
nature is, and that inhuman things exist in our midst that we didn’t know and sometimes would
rather not know. All the while, while we as judges are sitting safely in our chairs, reaching the
edge of squeamish, the reporters are out there, fully exposed. It takes a special type of person to
do that and I salute their determination and courage.
As in previous years, what made it ultimately bearable and a positive experience to view and
listen to all these amazing programmes was the way producers had given structure to the reality
they covered or – in many cases – uncovered: by using an exceptional narrator, an original device
to tell the story, high levels of creativity, risk taking, innovative editing. Whatever the formula -
when it worked and gripped the viewer/listener, that was the winner. And sometimes the formula
seemed unusual on paper but as it turned out on viewing proved a stroke of genius.
Of course among the 18 categories of this year’s AIBs there were some that, comparatively, were
a delight to view: great educational concepts in ‘Science’ which presented visual feasts;
fascinating informative glimpses into different worlds in the ‘Specialist Genre’; full-on emotional
engagement in ‘Live Sports Coverage’; and re-discovering the kid in you in the ‘Children’s
Factual’ entries.
Altogether, the programmes entered in this year's AIB International Media Excellence Awards
took us to the edge of our seats and imagination, entertained, educated and inspired us.
Inspirational – each year since the AIBs were established in 2005 we hear this adjective many
times in the course of the AIB awards gala evening. When the film clips are shown of the finalists
in the 18 AIBs categories there is a hush in the room and there’s no doubt that the content
showcased each year is remarkable.
As a not-for-profit organisation, AIB cannot organise these awards without the support and
involvement of the industry. So firstly, my special thanks go to those media professionals who
served on the international judging panel and gave their time and expertise so generously this
year. Our judges are a key element in the AIBs – they all have a vast range of experience in
different aspects of broadcasting and are drawn from all over the world. They had the hard task
to determine the outright winner among a strong field of finalists in each category. I also extend
my particular thanks to our sponsors - RTG TV and RUPTLY – for their generous support of the
AIBs in 2013. And I would like to thank our host for the evening, Melissa Bell from France 24.
This year's AIBs have been a great experience – I already look forward to 2014.
WELCOME
T
Simon Spanswick
Chief Executive, AIB
