This story is part of a series about the HIV - AIDS situation within the Latino communities of western New England. So, by definition, there is a distinct regional and ethnic focus for the series. I would urge stations within that particular region to seriously consider running this series (if they have not already done so) as a public service.

The reporting in this particular story is solid. A lot of work obviously went into finding individuals who represent the many others who are facing particular issues in their lives that could lead to infection with HIV, as well as people who are facing the consequences of living with the disease. A lot of work also clearly went into getting to know these people, and creating the emotional space that allowed them to talk forthrightly about their situations, how they became infected, and what they are now confronting in their lives.

I do think that a bit more could have been done to bring out the humanity of the people who are profiled. Their stories are both dramatic and tragic. They are treated respectfully in this piece, and I am not arguing here for sensationalism. But the story could have been done in a way that would have created more of a connection between the listener and the people in the story, while still exploring the "issues" in an intelligent and thorough way.

Also, the story bounces around a bit structurally. The transitions from one person's particular story or situation to another's are sometimes not obvious or clear, and require the listener to do a bit of connecting the dots to keep track of who is being talked about and why.

However, these flaws shouldn't disqualify this story, or this series, from airing on your station if it is within the western New England region. As I mentioned earlier, the production of this series was a true public service, as would be its broadcast.