Piece Comment

Review of RN Documentary: Swimming, Sinking or Simply Paddling


This is pretty heavy stuff but it certainly helps answer the question, "What is a failed state?" This is a professionally-produced, technically solid and informational program but it's a real challenge to the attention span of the average listener.

There's certainly a place for detailed academic work of this type but I wish it had included more of the "production values" that have become the "norm" for public radio produced in the U.S. It's the audio equivalent of a "talking head" piece, produced with the assumption that the listener will be enthralled by the subject matter.

I listened to segments of this piece in both the peaceful quiet setting of my home, as well as in my car. Although I was able to follow the discussion in the domestic setting, I was able to give it about 5 minutes during the "car test."

One thing missing in this piece is any kind of explanation of why I might be interested in the topic of failed states. Public radio listeners are "smart listeners" but I argue that it's more often than not a good idea to tell us why we should care.

It's a well-produced piece in the same sense that a bowl of non-seasond organic vegetables may be a well-produced and healthy meal.