Where Is Austin Tice?
Summary
This episode of On the Media introduces "Where Is Austin Tice," a new investigative series from NPR embedded in the BBC. Host Josh Baker and producer Sarah Obidat follow the trail of the missing American journalist, interviewing his mother Deborah Tice and a defected Syrian intelligence officer who claims Austin is still alive. The narrative culminates in the sudden fall of the Assad regime, prompting the team to enter chaotic Syria with a folder of GPS coordinates to search for Austin in former detention facilities.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and show introduction
Background on Austin Tice and the new series
Exploring a Syrian intelligence facility
Meeting Deborah Tice at the 12th anniversary event
Deborah shares memories and the day Austin vanished
Josh Baker explains his motivation for investigating
Meeting Salam, a defector and intelligence source
Claims that Austin is alive and held at Branch 235
Series title and episode one conclusion
Progressive Insurance advertisement
New Yorker Radio Hour preview with Ari Emanuel
Rebel offensive and fall of major Syrian cities
Tice family press conference and new evidence
Fall of Assad regime and US government response
Entering lawless Syria and arriving in Damascus
Receiving GPS coordinates of potential holding sites
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