This important story is comprehensively covered. The reporter talked with numerous people in many locations about a variety of issues. But so much information is given - statistics, medicinal regimes, etc. - without enough breathing space to take it all in. If this was a series of shorter news items that might not be such a problem. But it's difficult to sustain an hour-long piece in that format.
The reporter often just simplifies what a speaker is about to say. And the sense of place is lost when links keep interrupting with no location sound underneath. The mostly present tense script occasionally lapses into past tense which is also a bit disorienting. I'm sure this was an incredible experience for what sounds like a young reporter - but the newsy style of narration distances us from that journey.
However, many of the individual stories are compelling. And there was a beautiful moment captured in the first part - a woman talks about revealing her HIV+ status as a rooster crows in the background. Gentle, ironic, and real. For a moment, I was there. I wish I had been during more of the program.
Comments for Treating the Rainbow Nation: AIDS in South Africa
Produced by Scott Detrow
Other pieces by WFUV
Rating Summary
2 comments
nfn Esmee
Posted on June 01, 2007 at 05:39 AM | Permalink
Review of Treating the Rainbow Nation: AIDS in South Africa
Thank goodness there are still journalists that are interested in sharing real world news. Thank you for teaching us something with your story.
David Swatling
Posted on December 29, 2006 at 06:39 AM | Permalink
Review of Treating the Rainbow Nation: AIDS in South Africa
This important story is comprehensively covered. The reporter talked with numerous people in many locations about a variety of issues. But so much information is given - statistics, medicinal regimes, etc. - without enough breathing space to take it all in. If this was a series of shorter news items that might not be such a problem. But it's difficult to sustain an hour-long piece in that format.
The reporter often just simplifies what a speaker is about to say. And the sense of place is lost when links keep interrupting with no location sound underneath. The mostly present tense script occasionally lapses into past tense which is also a bit disorienting. I'm sure this was an incredible experience for what sounds like a young reporter - but the newsy style of narration distances us from that journey.
However, many of the individual stories are compelling. And there was a beautiful moment captured in the first part - a woman talks about revealing her HIV+ status as a rooster crows in the background. Gentle, ironic, and real. For a moment, I was there. I wish I had been during more of the program.