This was a short conference, but intense. Continuing my report on Wednesday, there was a lot of buzz about the CBC's programs that were screened in the morning in a session called "Get Me the Ratings! Attracting Attention to Get an Audience." Recreating a kidnapping and involving viewers' step-by-step input on what they think investigators should do, "Kidnapped, the Fifth Estate," raised a lot of issues, as did "The Dirt on Hotels." Since "Dirt" included an investigation on a Sheraton and most of us were staying at a hotel in that chain, well...I need say no more...

As usual at an INPUT conference there's way more available to view that is possible for one mortal. The discussions over meals and drinks make up for this a bit and of course are at the heart of the gathering, but I think everyone wishes they could be in 3 places at once. On Wednesday afternoon I went to the session entitled "Anatomy of a Daring Documentary: Exchange of Expertise." A highlight for me was FRONTLINE's "Big Sky, Big Money," produced by Rick Young, who did a masterful job of dealing with the essential but somewhat wonky topic of campaign finances in the US, specifically the fall-out from the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. From the discussion it seemed that even the inernational audience was able to grasp the complexities of the story.

FRONTLINE producer Rick Young with moderator Hiroshi Tanami of NHK.

Wednesday night the traditional midweek party took place at the beautiful home of a friend of our host. It was on the top of a mountain overlooking the city, a magical view.