AJAs 2024 Finalists
Mark Bragg's Song of Recovery
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| Date Aired or Published | Sept 21, 2024 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | CBC NL |
| Name of Program: | Weekend AM |
| If co-produced, list partner: | Heather Barrett |
| Location: | St. John's/Gander |
| List awards, grants: | |
| Running time (TV/Radio): | 24:03 |
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Short explanation of the story and how it developed: Mark Bragg is an acclaimed musician and singer-songwriter based in St. John's, known for his unconventional music and for being a generous supporter to other local musicians. In June 2023, he released an album, Ashes, that was supposed to be his breakthrough into the larger Canadian music market. That same week, he suffered a near fatal brain bleed, which, at the age of 47, left him hospitalized for months and altered the course of the rest of his life. CBC reporter Melissa Tobin had booked Bragg for an interview on the CBC Radio program Weekend AM about his new album on the same week he entered hospital, an interview that Bragg was unable to do. Melissa kept in contact with Mark's manager and his family on how he was doing, with a hope that one day he would talk about his music and his health. Mark knew Melissa through her CBC work, and through her regular attendance at his shows, and he knew that when he was ready, Melissa would help him tell his story in a thoughtful way to both music fans and to those who are living with brain injuries and their loved ones. Mark's story was powerful and was widely read and listened to. |
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Resources of the newsroom (money and time) available to complete the story: With only a digital audio recorder, Melissa sat down with Mark at his home one afternoon for a long, in-depth interview that aired on CBC Radio's Weekend AM in Newfoundland and Labrador on September 21, 2024, and was published on CBC Newfoundland and Labrador's website on September 22, 2024. CBC senior producer Mike Rossiter took photos which accompanied Melissa's online feature, which was edited by CBC senior producer for digital, John Gushue. CBC host/producer Heather Barrett contributed editorial advice. |
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