United States Agency for Global Media

Springfield, Va. — The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN) podcast “Chapters” won gold for Best Documentary/Narrative Podcast in the New York Festivals-Radio Awards, it was announced on April 16, 2024. The episode “The Last Days in Kojo” chronicles the details of the day ISIS invaded the Yazidi village Kojo with firsthand accounts from survivors.

“The Last Days of Kojo” is an expansion of a report that initially appeared on Irfraasawtak.com (Raise Your Voice). It brings to life the brutal ISIS offensive in Kojo on Aug. 3, 2014. The podcast highlights what happened when the ISIS fighters overtook the village, killing the men and older women, enslaving younger women, and forcing children to turn against their families to become ISIS fighters themselves. The podcast shows how this once peaceful village turned into a ghost town in a matter of days.

“This podcast is an exemplary example of storytelling. Through audio imagery, the podcast brings the listener to the terrifying details that faced the Yazidi people at the hands of ISIS and shows the brutality of extremist groups. ISIS destroyed everything in the village. Therefore, personal accounts are the only way to ensure their story never dies,” stated MBN Acting President Hassan Shwiki. MBN manages and oversees Irfaasawtak.com and MBN podcasts. “This incredibly talented team collaborated to make sure this important story reaches the largest audiences possible. This recognition is a testament to their incredible work.”

Alhurra.com’s report Digital Twins was a finalist for Best News/Feature Investigative Report at the annual New York Festivals-TV and Film Awards; winners were also announced on April 16, 2024.

About MBN