Piece Comment

Review of Immigration: Human Trafficking


This is an important story and one that's difficult to do because of the danger for the victims of human trafficking. I commend KALW for taking on this tough topic. This report by Pueong Vongs and Stacey Fowler covers a lot of ground from the perspectives of the victim and the people trying to combat this billion dollar industry. The majority of people either work in bonded servant inhumane conditions or are sex slaves with no sight of escape. This "business" harkens back to the early Gold Rush and the selling of Asian women forced into prostitution and indentured servitude. It's noteworthy that things have not changed all that much and this piece sheds light on a little discussed subject. The feature is a good length for most news magazines. The narration though a little stilted doesn't detract from the research and the perspectives offered here. While I would have wanted more emotional impact in this story, this is a good solid offering from KALW.