The team behind "How Millions are Trapped in Modern-Day Slavery at Brick Kilns in Pakistan" was awarded an Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within a Large Digital Organization. The documentary — which garnered 9.5 million views on YouTube — is part of Business Insider's Risky Business series, spotlighting the world's most dangerous jobs.
The investigation revealed the daily lives of millions in Pakistan and across Southeast Asia who are trapped in the dangerous work of brick-making to repay loans borrowed from kiln owners. Workers, including young children, inhale dust and toxic fumes throughout the day. Unaware of the terms of their contracts, brickmakers find their debt snowballing into an endless cycle of forced labor.
"Being from Sindh province, where many of these brick kilns are located, it's well known that the area is notorious for feudal activity. Everyone knows it's happening, but no one dares to take action because these people are very powerful and well connected," said Deputy Executive Producer, Havovi Cooper. "When I pitched this to the team, I wanted to really dig into this issue and see what goes on inside these kilns."
"Most of us got into journalism because we want to show what is happening in the world in a way that motivates people to make it a better place," said Business Insider's Head of Video, Erica Berenstein. "This story's impact went beyond motivating our audience - it spurred action, and ended with a family being freed from debt bondage. That's the biggest impact I've ever seen in my career, and it inspires our team to continue doing high-impact journalism!"
Following the powerful exposé, the team followed the family featured in the original documentary as they escaped modern-day slavery, and published a guide to share how readers could help.
Olivia Nemec and Havovi Cooper were the lead producers for the episode. Robin Lindsay and Olivia Nemec edited the piece and the field production and camerawork was conducted by freelancers Kashif Khan, Bilawal Bhatti and Maqbool Ahmed Zai, who found and interviewed the Meghwar family.