“Selling Organs to Survive” features reporting from CBS News Correspondent Holly Williams

May 20, 2020 - CBS News Digital today announced that its series, “Down to Earth,” which features in-depth reporting on international stories, was honored with a 2020 Webby Award for its episode, “Selling Organs to Survive.” The story features reporting from CBS News correspondent Holly Williams and chronicles the millions of Syrians who, after fleeing violence in their country, are in such dire need for money that they turn to selling their organs.

“Down to Earth epitomizes the collaborative spirit of CBS News, in which a global team came together to tell stories across all of our platforms,” said Christy Tanner, Executive Vice President & General Manager, CBS News Digital. “We are proud of how Holly Williams and our colleagues gave these audiences an in-depth look at the harrowing stories of Syrians who fled violence and then found themselves selling their organs to pay rent.”

“Down to Earth,” launched in January 2019 on Facebook Watch, brings longer-form stories to audiences craving in-depth reporting from around the world on issues that hit close to home. From African migrants looking for a better life in Europe, to pollution so profound you can literally walk on water in the Philippines, to religious persecution in China, “Down to Earth” travels the world uncovering the stories hidden beneath the surface.

“Down to Earth” is a collaboration between CBS News Digital and international bureaus. Correspondents including Williams, Debora Patta, Seth Doane, Ben Tracy, Manuel Bojorquez, Adam Yamaguchi, and Elaine Quijano have reported from Brazil, Zimbabwe, Spain, the Philippines, and China. The team behind the series includes CBS News London Bureau Chief Andy Clarke, as well as a team in New York led by Senior Executive Producer Nancy Lane, Senior Producer Heather Abbott and Senior Producer Christina Capatides. For “Selling Organs to Survive,” Williams, Producer Haitham Moussa and the team were joined by Producer Justine Redman and Editor Maher Sattar.

Credits for “Selling Organs to Survive”:

Holly Williams

Correspondent

CBS News

Nancy Lane

Executive Producer

CBS News

Christina Capatides

Senior Producer

CBS News

Heather Abbott

Senior Producer

CBS News

Haitham Moussa

Producer

CBS News

Justine Redman

Producer

CBS News

Maher Sattar

Editor

CBS News

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