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The Doc Project

'Thank God I didn't turn the tape recorder off': Karin Wells reflects on a career of documentary making

Karin Wells is one of CBC's best radio doc makers. Her work has been a fixture on CBC radio for over 40 years, but this past summer Karin retired. So on today's show, we're going to tour the work of this relentlessly dedicated doc producer, and Karin herself will be our guide.
CBC Radio ·
Karin Wells with Mother Teresa while working overseas.
The Doc Project27:29Karin Wells reflects on a career of documentary making
Take a look at Karin Wells' passport, and it may leave you scratching your head. Vladivostok in the dead of winter, Beirut at the end of the civil war ... the desert in Eritrea.

Perhaps she's a glutton for the most uncomfortable vacations the world has to offer? If you're a dedicated CBC doc fan though, you know Karin was on the trail of a good story.

VIDEO: A lifetime of lessons from docmaker Karin Wells

The Doc Project sat down with Karin as she shares memories from some of her stories and advice for those who will follow in her footsteps. Continue reading →

Karin Wells is one of CBC's best radio doc makers. Her work has been a fixture on CBC radio for over 40 years, but this past summer Karin retired. So on today's show, we're going to tour the work of this relentlessly dedicated doc producer, and Karin herself will be our guide.

About

Karin Wells was in law school when she first picked up some work at the CBC doing arts reviews on the Ottawa morning show. She graduated from law school, but (luckily for us) her career stayed with journalism. Radio documentary became her primary focus on programs like CBC's Sunday Morning and later The Sunday Edition.

Karin has reported from more than 50 countries, has produced documentaries on everything from the last piano factory in Ontario, to the slow recovery of Sierra Leone in the wake of civil war. Her work has won just about every major documentary award, from New York Festivals, to the UN media award.

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