I got my first job in journalism at 16 as a copy-boy at the News and Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina. I've worked in documentary photography, print, radio and television. My radio work started in Burkina Faso in West Africa, following a three year stint with the Peace Corps in Togo. From Burkina Faso, I moved to London to produce the BBC World Service flagship breakfast program for Africa, "Network Africa."In 1990, I moved back to the US, and helped start up a new public radio station in upstate New York in the Adirondacks where I reported, produced and hosted a daily two-hour news and current affairs show. Four years later, I moved to Rome, Italy where I was the correspondent for Monitor Radio. In 1995, WGBH and The World hired me to help begin the program. Its mission -- to bring international news to American ears in a compelling way that would make the world more relevant to them -- scratched me where I itch. And I've been committed to that mission ever since.Along the way, I've won some awards (the National Federation of Community Broadcasters for an original radio drama I wrote; the Sony awards for an exposé on child labor in West African gold mines; the New York Festivals for a BBC documentary on the 1987 assassination of Burkina Faso’s president; the first annual Unity award from the Radio and Television News Director’s Association for coverage of diversity issues; and an Emmy for a Frontline documentary on Libya). But the most important honor for me remains the emails I get from listeners thanking us for the coverage we give to often little-known stories and voices from around the globe.
Israelis mark 6 months since attacks in the south of the country
Hamas’ deadly attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, left about 1,200 people dead, and about 250 taken as hostages. Some of those hostages were released after negotiations with Hamas last November. Most of the world first saw the terrifying videos and images from a music festival where hundreds had gathered for the weekend. Host Marco Werman traveled to the Nova music festival site and two other areas where Hamas struck.
‘Our main goal is to bring our family members back to Israel’ Israeli MP says
Host Marco Werman is in the Middle East this week to gauge the mood of both Israelis and Palestinians six months after the war between Israel and Hamas began. On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking over 200 people hostage. Israel hit back with strikes on the Gaza Strip, and the death toll there has been mounting, including thousands of children. Host Marco Werman spoke with Sharren Haskel, of the New Hope party and member of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset for her thoughts on the status of the war today.
‘Imaginary Amazon’ exhibition counters negative stereotypes through contemporary art
University Art Gallery at San Diego State University has just unveiled an exhibit, “The Imaginary Amazon,” featuring works by contemporary artists, many of them Indigenous inhabitants of the forest. The artists’ intent is to address some of the stereotypical Western perspectives of the Amazon.
A conversation with Russian protest group Pussy Riot
There are many Russian critics of the war in Ukraine. Those inside Russia generally keep quiet, while others are silenced through imprisonment. Others have left the country, including the four members of the feminist activist collective Pussy Riot. The World’s Marco Werman speaks to one member of the group.
Los Lobos celebrates 50th anniversary
The iconic East Los Angeles band Los Lobos is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Their blend of rock ’n’ roll and traditional Mexican music has stayed consistent over generations. Members of the band, which formed when they were in high school, reflect with The World’s host Marco Werman on their staying power.