Past Prize-Winning Programs
The Maeda Prize
(The program judged to be of particular merit in the Secondary Education Category)
THE PROGRAMME WITH THE MOUSE: Rome-Special

Entered by Westdeutscher Rundfunk (Germany)
Category: Secondary Education
Duration: 29 min. 05 sec.
This is an amusing yet informative program which investigates the history of the Roman Empire. Two hosts, Armin and Christoph, show the audience various aspects of the life and culture of the ancient Romans.

Armin and Christoph begin the program with the interesting note that the year zero is lacking in the Christian calendar. Then, utilizing a variety of images of ruins, art works, models and recreations, the clothing, architecture and lifestyles of the Roman Empire are resurrected in the present time. A clear and understandable explanation of the workings of the Augustan calendar/clock is also given.

While many programs employ computer graphics to illustrate information these days, in this program the reporters use simple mechanical tools to reach their objectives without showy techniques. The program is abundant with visual elements unique to television, such as microcamera work inside miniature models of Roman houses, to give the audience an idea of what the lifestyle of the Romans was like.

The production work as well as the friendly and therefore accessible language of the reporters won high appreciation from all the jury members.