Frontlines of Journalism

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Jeremy Bowen presents stories from the frontlines of conflict - and journalism itself.

Reflecting on some of the most difficult stories he's reported on, BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen look at the obstacles that stand between journalists and the truth.

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Frontlines of Journalism: 1. Off Balance

1. Off Balance

BBC Radio 4 - Frontlines of Journalism, 1. Off Balance

You can’t be neutral about everything, in a world this cruel.

Getting to the truth means weighing up evidence and making judgements. You can’t be neutral about everything, in a world this cruel.

In the spring of 2023, twenty years after the Americans, the British and their allies invaded to overthrow Saddam Hussein, BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen was reporting from Iraq for the BBC.  He described the invasion as 'a catastrophe'. 

Taking you to some of the most difficult stories Jeremy and other journalists have covered; in this episode - why impartiality is not about trying to get perfect balance, the truth lying somewhere in the middle.  Often it does not.   

Jeremy speaks with: journalist Rana Rahimpour who was born in Iran but left when she was 25 to work for the BBC; former BBC bureau chief Milton Nkosi, who grew up under apartheid in Soweto, South Africa; journalist and environmentalist George Monbiot, and CNN's Chief International Anchor Christiane Amanpour. 

Presenter:  Jeremy Bowen 
Producer:  Georgia Catt 
Assistant Producer:  Sam Peach  
Additional research:  Rob Byrne  
Series mixing:  Jackie Margerum 
Series Editor:  Philip Sellars

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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Frontlines of Journalism

1. Off Balance

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