Do you know Why?

WHY foundation

Do you know Why?

The Nordics believe in public service media and journalism as a fundamental part of democracy. But not all countries have access to this type of information.

Traced by:
Mette Hoffman Meyer

The Why Foundation produces and distributes eye-opening documentary series on topics such as international poverty and slavery. These series have reached hundreds-of-millions of people in their own language. But, just as importantly, some of these series have been viewed at the UN General Assembly in New York, reaching the decision-makers of the world: the ones who truly need to understand the conditions of the ill fated, because they have the ability to change their situation.

The Red Cross of media

Traditional media outlets around the world are suffering as a result of censorship, decreased public funding and commercial pressures. This is particularly evident in the less developed countries. In response to this, The Why are producing and distributing documentaries and public media series globally, and distributing them at prices based on the broadcasters’ ability to pay.

This is the original intention of The Why Foundation.

Why at the UN?

Why Slavery is a specific documentary series made by The Why. It explores the truth about the overwhelming amount of people around the world who actually live under circumstances that are directly comparable to slavery. This particular series was shown during a United Nations General Assembly in New York. It started a global discussion about modern slavery between global influencers, politicians, journalists and citizens. A discussion that might be even more important than the original intentions of The Why Foundation.

 A little more info

  • The Why
  • United Nations General Assembly.
  • The WHY was launched as an independent non-profit organization in 2004 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • WORLD STORIES consists of 20 documentary films per series distributed to a global audience through local and national broadcasters in low and middle-income countries. WORLD STORIES has reached hundreds of millions of viewers annually through a unique network of local and national broadcasters in 194 countries.
  • The WHY has previously produced and distributed the multi award-winning documentary series, WHY DEMOCRACY? and WHY POVERTY? Both of these series reached hundreds-of-millions of people, through the WHY’s distribution network of more than 75 broadcasters worldwide.
  • WHY SLAVERY? is a new awareness campaign that aims to generate a much-needed global discussion about modern slavery. WHY SLAVERY? will be launched in April 2018 in collaboration with 70 broadcasters and local impact partners around the world, reaching an estimated 700 million people.
  • Watch the trailer.