Media

New documentary follows LGBTQ people fleeing persecution in Chechnya

June 30, 2020

In early 2017, stories began emerging on how Chechen authorities were persecuting the LGBTQ community. The World speaks to director David French on his new film, "Welcome to Chechnya," which gives an inside look at the abuse and torture faced by the republic's LGBTQ people and those who try to help them escape.

Arts, Culture & Media

'Volcano Man': Song from Eurovision spoof film inspires covers from real contestants

The World

June 30, 2020

A new Netflix movie starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams may fill the Eurovision-sized hole in 2020's entertainment world. Now, a song from the film is getting a few authentic covers — from Eurovision contestants themselves.

As more journalists stand trial in Turkey, the truth becomes more elusive

The World

June 26, 2020

Turkey is often cited by the Committee to Protect Journalists as the world’s largest jailer of media personnel in the world, alongside China and Egypt.

Arts, Culture & Media

Centuries ago, Spanish writers challenged gender norms and barriers

The World

June 25, 2020

An exhibit at the Cervantes Institute in Madrid focuses on some of the most important — but largely ignored — women writers of Spain's 16th and 17th centuries.

Education

Black history is ‘integral part’ of British culture, says Black Curriculum founder

The World

June 24, 2020

What do students learn in the classroom about race and history? In the UK, an organization called The Black Curriculum has been pushing for Black history to be taught nationwide.

Media

How Russia laid the groundwork for future disinformation campaigns

The World

June 24, 2020

Nina Jankowicz describes how relocating the Bronze Soldier statue in Tallinn, Estonia, made the country vulnerable to a cyberattack over a decade ago that laid some of the groundwork for Russia's future disinformation campaigns.

Social media

Farmers become social media stars on Chinese TikTok

The World

June 22, 2020

Part of the appeal for Chinese urbanites is a peek into life in the countryside. But the promise of a bargain is also a draw.

Media

Duterte’s ‘weaponization of the law’ is a threat to democracy, says journalist Maria Ressa

The World

June 18, 2020

Out on bail after facing charges of cyber libel, veteran Filipina journalist Maria Ressa tells The World's Marco Werman that working in journalism in the Philippines is "tougher than a war zone" and that this moment is "a battle for the truth."

Identity

‘We need to talk about racism,’ these Middle Easterners say

The World

June 17, 2020

In the wake of George Floyd's death and the protests in the US, some in the Middle East are highlighting anti-black racism at home.

Trump administration

Will Voice of America’s new Trump pick protect the agency’s independence?

The World

June 17, 2020

Michael Pack, a close ally of conservative political strategists including Steve Bannon, has been confirmed by the Senate as the head of VOA, America's tax-payer funded federal media agency.

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