County Lines | Lights Out
BBC Radio 4
ROLE: Production / Audio Composition
Four people recount their involvement with “county lines” - gangs that exploit children and vulnerable adults to sell drugs around the UK. Underneath their stories lies a series of unspoken, unanswered questions. Who gets to decide the boundary between criminal and victim? Why do we view 'county lines' through the lens of crime and punishment? And how well does the system support individuals and families devastated by the impact of 'county lines'?
With thanks to St Giles Trust SOS Project, Not In Our Community, Escape Line and Eski Media
Produced by Phoebe McIndoe and Redzi Bernard
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio Four
Featured In…
Press
“Set against a soundscape that gives the voices space to move - and frees them from the customary conventions of crime reporting. It was a wonderful programme - you conveyed the experiences of those people so powerfully - and kept their confidences in a way I think only radio can.”
“Absolutely incredible programme – I know how hard it is to find the voices you have found – and how mistaken it is to see many of those who get caught up in this world through a criminal justice lens. It’s harrowingly well told, and made. Sincere thanks to you for making it and to the contributors for taking part. ”
“I stumbled upon this quite by accident and I am so glad I did! Jaw-dropping audio to make you stop in your tracks....and handled cautiously & creatively. A must listen!”
“Audio storytelling so powerful it makes you stop in your tracks. ”
“County Lines - an extraordinary, moving, kaleidoscopic documentary from Phoebe McIndoe and Redzi Bernard. ”
“We’re honoured to have helped the talented Phoebe McIndoe and Redzi Bernard produce the BBC Radio Four show “County Lines” that first aired last night. Excellent production shining a light on the harm caused by gangs that exploit children.”
“This is such a powerful and brilliantly crafted doc. Recommended listening.”
“LOVE this. Compassionate and transportive. Thank you, thank you Phoebe and Redzi for putting this out in the world.”
“So good and also terrifying.”
“This new year started with an important listen: a tender, beautifully crafted yet devastating peice. And most of all - incredibly brave. Thank you Phoebe McIndoe, Redzi Bernard and Falling Tree Productions for making radio with so much heart.”
“Thank you for this beautifully crafted brilliant piece of audio storytelling.”
“In awe of Phoebe McIndoe and Redzi Bernard. This piece transfixed me - it balances a systemic issue with a personal through-line; holds concurrent narratives effortlessly; refracts the subject matter carefully through multiple viewpoints; it’s unsentimental but tender; never over-explains but is direct in delivery and structure ... and they make all that sound effortless! Just brilliant. ”
“Really powerful work”
“This is an outstanding feature. A humane, harrowing and haunting tale of our times, that we never get to hear. ”