Al Jazeera Investigation Unit wins Frontline Club award

Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit has won the 2016 Broadcast Award at The Frontline Club in London.

Genocide Agenda, an investigation that exposed the inner workings of Myanmar’s military regime, provided “strong evidence” that the crime of genocide was being committed against the Rohingya minority in the west of the country.

The Frontline Club marks journalism that shows “integrity, courage and independent spirit”. The production team, led by Manager of Investigations, Phil Rees, included Adrian Billing, Manny Panaretos and Tessa Bryson. During his acceptance speech, Rees thanked the invaluable contribution from freelance producers Emanuel Stoakes and Closay Saw.

The Judges praised the documentary for presenting “complex evidence compellingly, with heart-breaking interviews, and some tremendous graphics”.

“The programme took a three-dimensional view of the history of the conflict, with a nuanced view of recent history that was so much more refreshing than the usual binary tit-for-tat claim and counterclaim. Phil Rees is an experienced and accomplished journalist who has made a film in the best traditions of Frontline.” 

Genocide Agenda has also been shortlisted at the Monte Carlo, Grierson and CINE Golden Eagle awards.