Ep 48. December 21, 2016

On December 21, 2016, Vice News Tonight aired its 48th episode of season 1. The show covered a range of global topics, from the Syrian civil war to the Dakota Access Pipeline controversy.

The episode began with a segment on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Aleppo, Syria. Correspondent Hind Hassan reported on the Syrian government's recapture of parts of the city from rebel forces, and the ensuing displacement of thousands of civilians. Viewers were shown harrowing footage of families fleeing the conflict zone, as well as interviews with aid workers struggling to provide assistance to those in need.

Next, the show examined the death of Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, who was assassinated by a lone gunman at an art gallery in Ankara the previous day. Correspondent Seb Walker spoke with experts who speculated about the possible motives for the attack, which occurred at a sensitive time for Russia-Turkey relations.

The episode then shifted focus to domestic news, with a report on the ongoing protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota. Correspondent Aaron Cynic visited the Oceti Sakowin camp, where demonstrators had been staging a peaceful resistance for months. He spoke with protesters about the significance of the pipeline's proposed route through sacred land, as well as the environmental risks associated with the project.

Later in the episode, Vice News Tonight covered the reactions of various world leaders to the assassination of Karlov. Correspondent Alzo Slade spoke with experts about the potential implications of the incident for global politics, particularly in the context of Russia's role in the Syrian conflict.

The show then turned its attention to the aftermath of the recent election in Ghana, where opposition candidate Nana Akufo-Addo had defeated incumbent President John Mahama. Correspondent Isobel Yeung interviewed Akufo-Addo about his plans for the country's future, including his promises to boost economic growth and improve infrastructure.

The episode concluded with a segment on the rise of tech-enabled activism, particularly in the wake of the 2016 election. Correspondent Elle Reeve spoke with organizers behind various grassroots campaigns, from social media mobilization to crowdfunding efforts to support vulnerable communities. She also explored the potential risks and challenges of relying on technology to drive social change.

Overall, the 48th episode of Vice News Tonight's first season was a timely and informative exploration of a range of global issues, from conflict in the Middle East to political upheaval in Africa to the changing landscape of activism in the digital age.