Summary: The first in a 4-part series on failed states looks at the meaning of the term, the causes and what can be done to pull countries away from the abyss.
This is pretty heavy stuff but it certainly helps answer the question, "What is a failed state?" This is a professionally-produced, technically solid and informational program but it's a real challenge to the attention span of the average listener.
There's certainly a place for detailed academic work of this type but I wish it had included more of the "production values" that have become the "norm" for public radio produced in the U.S. It's the audio equivalent of a "talking head" piece, produced with the assumption that the listener will be enthralled by the subject matter.
I listened to segments of this piece in both the peaceful quiet setting of my home, as well as in my car. Although I was able to follow the discussion in the domestic setting, I was able to give it about 5 minutes during the "car test."
One thing missing in this piece is any kind of explanation of why I might be interested in the topic of failed states. Public radio listeners are "smart listeners" but I argue that it's more often than not a good idea to tell us why we should care.
It's a well-produced piece in the same sense that a bowl of non-seasond organic vegetables may be a well-produced and healthy meal.
Comments for RN Documentary: Swimming, Sinking or Simply Paddling
This piece belongs to the series "RN Focus: Failed States"
Produced by Eric Beauchemin
Other pieces by Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Rating Summary
1 comment
John Hingsbergen
Posted on January 27, 2007 at 04:00 PM | Permalink
Review of RN Documentary: Swimming, Sinking or Simply Paddling
This is pretty heavy stuff but it certainly helps answer the question, "What is a failed state?" This is a professionally-produced, technically solid and informational program but it's a real challenge to the attention span of the average listener.
There's certainly a place for detailed academic work of this type but I wish it had included more of the "production values" that have become the "norm" for public radio produced in the U.S. It's the audio equivalent of a "talking head" piece, produced with the assumption that the listener will be enthralled by the subject matter.
I listened to segments of this piece in both the peaceful quiet setting of my home, as well as in my car. Although I was able to follow the discussion in the domestic setting, I was able to give it about 5 minutes during the "car test."
One thing missing in this piece is any kind of explanation of why I might be interested in the topic of failed states. Public radio listeners are "smart listeners" but I argue that it's more often than not a good idea to tell us why we should care.
It's a well-produced piece in the same sense that a bowl of non-seasond organic vegetables may be a well-produced and healthy meal.