Vanguard

Vanguard is an innovative, provocative documentary series broadcasted on the former Current TV network, which ran from 2006 until the network's dissolution in 2013. Named after the word meaning 'leading the way in new developments or ideas', the show certainly lives up to its title, with its unflinching coverage of everything from drug wars and climate change to child labor and human trafficking. The series was recognized for its unprecedented on-the-ground access to far-off, often perilous regions and illuminating stories overlooked by traditional media outlets.

Vanguard acted as both an investigative journalism outlet and a form of edutainment, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the depth of critical global issues from the comfort of their own homes. The program presented immersive journalism, where correspondents embedded themselves in various regions around the world to gain a comprehensive understanding of multifaceted issues. This immersive approach was aimed to provide a nuanced report that surpasses superficial headlines to bring audiences face-to-face with the people, cultures, conflicts, and triumphs shaping our world today.

Each hour-long episode focused on a single topic and encapsulated a journey, from the initial analysis to the final conclusion. The reports often started with a question that needs to be answered, then took viewers along as correspondents ventured into unknown terrains, often encountering situations that challenged their preconceived notions and pushed them out of their comfort zones.

The correspondents of Vanguard differed from your regular news correspondents. They acted as more than bystanders, cosmic voyagers who were not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty in the story they were covering. This often caused them to be a part of the story themselves. Their fearlessness in confronting controversial topics head-on, along with their empathy and respect for the varied individuals they interview, set them apart from many other news outlets.

Additionally, Vanguard was no stranger to experimenting with its episodes' aesthetics. The show often incorporated aspects of the cinematic form and relied heavily on striking visuals, aerial shots, atmospheric sounds, and evocative narratives that cut across the linear storytelling tradition of conventional news pieces.

The show's integrated multi-platform model allowed viewers to interact and engage with each episode's topic through social media and other digital platforms, encouraging a dialog between audience and reporters. This level of interactivity brought an unprecedented level of depth and accessibility to the subject matter.

While the series' content could often be heavy and challenging, Vanguard distinguished itself with an unflinching commitment to raw, unvarnished reporting, seeking to shed light on the darker corners of society without sensationalizing or exploiting the presented subject matter. Peppered with instances of humor, camaraderie, and human connection amidst often bleak narratives, the series offered a balanced view of life in contemporary society and the myriad of challenges faced globally.

Further transcending the traditional form of news delivery was the series’ structure itself. The breaks in the flow of the story during the initial and final few minutes of the episodes set aside for commercials were taken advantage of brilliantly by the show. These were not just idle fillers, but repeated highlights of the story so far, ensuring a fresh context when the story continues, bringing added value to the format.

The Vanguard documentary series was an effort to bring genuine, undiluted stories from around the globe to your living room. It was about viewing the world beyond the headlines, about experiencing the world by stepping into someone else's shoes, and about resonating with stories that are far removed from daily life, yet intrinsically connected to it. With their foray into international and domestic stories that were often less reported in mainstream media, Vanguard truly lived up to its name – being the vanguard in the field of exploratory and immersive journalism. It appreciated the world’s complexities and attempted to bridge the gap between viewer and subject with honesty, respect, and an open mind.