WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Voice of America won Gold and Bronze World Medals during the 2018 New York Festivals International TV and Film Awards gala at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas on April 10, 2018.
“I am deeply proud of our winners,” said Voice of America Director, Amanda Bennett. “These accomplishments demonstrate the scope of talent and excellence displayed by our journalists who work tirelessly each and every day, often at risk of their lives, to bring our worldwide audience fresh, truthful and compelling stories.”
VOA’s feature-length documentary Boko Haram: Journey from Evil which delivers an in-depth examination of Boko Haram, the Islamic fundamentalist group that has ravaged Nigeria, placed first in the International Affairs category. The documentary reveals a hidden world of torture and executions culled from 18 hours of secret Boko Haram videos that VOA obtained, and examines Boko Haram’s underpinnings, the Nigerian government’s response, and inspiring stories of extraordinary Nigerians risking their lives to return to normal.
The winning team included VOA’s Senior Executive Producer Beth Mendelson, VOA’s Hausa service Mobile Stream Managing Editor Ibrahim Ahmed, VOA News Center’s Supervisory Investigative Editor Tom Detzel and the collective effort of many creative individuals from around the world.
In addition, VOA News Center’s TV series Off The Highway, which focuses on voices from rural and small town America, won the Bronze medal in the Coverage of Continuing News category. The project brought together reporting by News Center’s Heather Murdock and Greg Flakus and VOA Urdu service’s Deepak Dobhol. The series gives VOA audiences insight into a different American perspective and a glimpse into parts of the U.S. not as frequently covered as urban centers along the east and west coasts.
Off the Highway was also recognized as an honoree in the Film & Video: News & Politics: Series category by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences’ 22nd Annual Webby Awards.
