Host Aaron Brown reporting from Ethiopia in June, 2009 |
Hello Again,
I am sitting in my office at home, the jet lag from a two week WIDE ANGLE trip to Africa finally clearing. I am so excited about the season ahead and the nature of the films we have.
I should write here how they are important pieces of international reporting and that WIDE ANGLE is the only program devoted to exploring international issues in long form pieces on TV. I could go on and write about the shrinking world we live in which makes our attention to international issues all that more important. The events in Iran this week, I could add, make that point so clearly.
And all of that is true. WIDE ANGLE takes great pride in the fact that long form international journalism pretty much belongs to us alone. There may be the odd piece here or there on American TV, but no program so thoughtfully and carefully looks at the world beyond our borders.
The filmmakers we work with come from across the globe — we worked with a young British filmmaker in Ethiopia and a Swede in Mozambique; a South Korean team will begin our season. It is the combination of their perspective and that of the WIDE ANGLE staff — a pretty varied group as well — that makes the program what it is.
I could go on about that, about the importance of the season that begins July 1st in this changing and complicated world and it would all be true. But it would miss the real point of my excitement about the season ahead and why I think you will fall in love with the pieces as well.
They are simply great stories. The season opens with a thriller about the escape from North Korea to the South through China. Setting aside all the “big issues,” it is a great story of perseverance and risk with a bit of daring journalism thrown in for good measure.
And there are others like it. In truth — and I hope this doesn’t disappoint any regular viewers — there isn’t a wonkish piece on the list. Which isn’t to say that they aren’t substantive. They are. But you could easily miss “importance” for the depth of the characters, their hearts or courage and often their sacrifice. It is going to be a fabulous season.
And I can’t tell you how excited and blessed I feel to be a part of it again this year. And I hope we can find new and better ways to use this space this season as well. See you July 1st.
Aaron Brown
Wide Angle
New York
(3 votes)
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Welcome back. Looking forword to the new season.
Everyone is going to watch, wonkish pieces or not.
Mr. Brown,
I for one have been following this whole North Korea mess for a long time with trepidation as to the final outcome of what this man will do to his country and to his neighboring countries. Now having watched WIDE ANGLE’s season opener, I am not put at ease. The North Korean’s face tremendous hardships and such mind blowing brain washing – it literally makes me sick.
I ask the age old question, why do people want to rule the world? I just don’t get the mind set? Am I so American that I can only see that the world would be so much better if we just all got along. Utopia? No, I know it doesn’t exist, but I am still tenderhearted enough to feel deeply for those that do not share our freedoms, our prosperity in-spite of our economic downturn, our ability to move across our borders whenever we so choose. We take for granted our liberties and this movie only drove the point home even more.
Bless anyone that that has the courage and willingness to leave what they know in their hearts is actually killing them and their families. And bless the smugglers and ministries that help the underground to function.
Thank you to all that participate in producing shows that help the rest of the world understand what is happening inside tyrannical regimes that seem like something out of a bad horror novel.
The kind of reporting and stories that Wide Angle is producing can only help to educate all of us that do not have access to these secret events.
Susie McEachern
Aaron Brown and PBS are a perfect match and I cannot believe I somehow missed an entire season (2008). His brand of journalism combines wit, heart, and intellect in a way no one else could quite match. Henceforth I shall not miss a single episode. Thanks, PBS, for putting this wonderful man in his proper place!
I was pleased beyond words last evening to see Wide Angle for the first time. The most pleasing thing is that the host is Aaron Brown. I have been waiting and looking for him to reappear ’somewhere’ again, after his departure from CNN. I knew that whatever he was involved in would be good, deep, and special reporting. I have only seen the one program so far, but that hour will certainly be remembered and set aside for my watching. Hold on to this man with this program. He is meant for depth, and insightful thinking and reporting. Lorraine Cooper
Great to have Aaron Brown back! Maybe journalism will be what it used to be once again?
Where have you been Aaron? We’ve missed you. Welcome back! My wife and I will be sure to watch and download Wide Angle. We re-found you through Leonard Lopate’s NPR segment on North Korea. Excellent journalism!
It may have taken a while to get your response but many thanks for letting me know that Aaron Brown will be back soon. I have not watched CNN since they “dumped” Aaron several years ago. Cannot wait for the new season to start.
Dear Aaron –
A request if I may, please.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would host a chat show about 9/11 and the growing, unavoidable unanswered questions related to this event.
I would suggest thhat Mr Richard gage, well known for his work in this field, wouuld make a interesting guest. After all, you were there that awefull day and
probably could add personal observations and experiences? It was such an historic event with such gigantic consequences, i am sure it would generate significant public intere4st.
How about it?
Thanks, Steve
Dear Mr. Brown,
Thank you for continuing to be good at what you do and, along with the rest of the Wide Angle team, providing us with a series we can all learn something from.
Oh, and Happy Birthday!
Best from the West,
Betsy
I have been waiting and looking for Aaron Brown to reappear again, after his departure from CNN. I use to watch almost everyday your 10 PM on CNN. I can’t tell you how Me and my enjoyed your program. After a friend of mine sent me the link to the market maker episode about Ethiopia, I was so glad to see Aaron Brown. Thanks PBS for bringing Aaron back. We will be watching on wide angle.
Thanks
Hi Aaron,
So glad to get a chance via the internet to watch you. I’ve long been a big fan of yours and felt badly let down by CNN when they let you go back in 2005.
Wishing you all the very best for 2010.
Regards,
Georgina (Ireland).