Watch Foreign Correspondent Postcards

Foreign Correspondent Postcards is a show produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly known as ABC, that focuses on bringing unique perspectives and insights into international news and cultural happenings. The show is a part of the larger Foreign Correspondent program of ABC, which has been in existence for more than two decades and has managed to captivate its viewers with its fresh takes on global events.

Postcards is particularly unique because it focuses on bringing in-depth and personal stories from the correspondents, rather than just regurgitating the news bulletins. The show has a team of journalists and filmmakers based in various parts of the world, each of whom presents tales that they have picked up from the region they are stationed in.

The show's structure is quite simple - each episode follows a particular correspondent on their journey as they weave a narrative that gives insight into the culture, politics, and daily lives of the people in that region. This format allows the correspondents to showcase their skills as storytellers, and it results in a show that is incredibly engaging and informative.

Postcards is not just limited to documentary-style filmmaking, though. One of the show's strengths is its variety of formats - they have done everything from digital exclusives to Snapchat takeovers. This breadth of formats allows the team to experiment with new ideas and find what works best for each story they tell.

The show has covered a wide range of topics and regions across the world. For example, one episode takes us to the Amazon rainforest, where we witness the plight of the Munduruku people who are resisting efforts from the Brazilian government to build a dam on their land. Another episode takes us to Tokyo, Japan, where we witness the culture of kawaii (cuteness) and how it is a pervasive force in Japanese society. Yet another episode takes us to Thailand, where we see how the culture of Muay Thai (Thai boxing) is increasingly becoming a mainstream sport outside of Thailand.

The show's ability to bring us stories from lesser-known parts of the world is one of its great strengths. For instance, one episode takes us to the island of Kiribati, a nation that is slowly being consumed by rising sea levels due to climate change. The show's correspondent, Eric Campbell, takes us on a tour of the island and its people, many of whom have now become climate refugees in their own country.

Another episode takes us to the Swedish mining town of Kiruna, where the locals are facing a unique problem - the very ground they live on is beginning to sink due to mining activities. The show's correspondent, Lisa Millar, takes us into the heart of the community and shows us how they are coping with the situation.

One of the most notable aspects of the show is its commitment to telling stories that are difficult to cover. For instance, the episode on sex trafficking in Cambodia sheds light on one of the most troubling issues in the country. Correspondent Samantha Hawley interviews the survivors of trafficking and speaks with the people who are trying to turn the tide on this issue.

Similarly, the show's episode on the Kurdish struggle for independence is an example of how the show is not afraid to tackle sensitive political issues. The episode takes us deep into the lives of the Kurdish people, their culture, and their long-standing desire for an autonomous Kurdish state.

The show's ability to bring us unique and authentic stories from around the world is due to the talent of its correspondents. Each correspondent has an individual style of storytelling, and this makes each episode of the show unique. For instance, the aforementioned episode on Kiribati is told through the eyes of Eric Campbell, whose laidback and relaxed style is perfect for the story's pacific island setting.

Another correspondent on the show, Norman Hermant, brings a lot of energy and excitement to his stories. His episode on a group of daredevil parkourists in Gaza is one of the most thrilling episodes of the show. Hermant's energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and it's hard not to feel excited watching him in action.

In conclusion, Foreign Correspondent Postcards is a show that offers a refreshing take on global news and cultural events. The show's ability to take us into the lives of people around the world, and its commitment to telling stories that are difficult to cover, is a testament to the talent of its correspondents. The show's variety of formats keeps things fresh, and its commitment to authentic storytelling makes it one of the most engaging and informative shows on television.

Foreign Correspondent Postcards is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between February 20, 2002 and on ABC