Three WKYU-PBS producers were recognized with Emmy statues Saturday night at the 48th Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards in Florence, Ind. Three student projects were also recognized.
WKYU-PBS producers (from left) Cheryl Beckley, Jessica Gibbs and David Brinkley were recognized July 28 at the 48th Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards for their work on “MainStreet.” (Photo by Joe Simon)
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognized Cheryl Beckley, Jessica Gibbs and David Brinkley for their work on the long-running program MainStreet. WKYU-PBS, the public television service of WKU, produced a special behind-the-scenes edition of the popular show titled, “Kentucky Adventures.”
WKYU-PBS received four nominations in three categories. This marks the eighth consecutive year that WKYU-PBS has received nominations, receiving the coveted award 11 times.
“We are honored to have this program recognized,” said Brinkley, senior producer/director. “MainStreet has been a fixture at WKYU for 24 years and we are proud to bring even more attention to this wonderful program about the people and places of our Commonwealth.”
Associate Producer Gibbs said she was “thrilled that a Public Television program was once again recognized as an outlet for quality content for our community.”
Producer/director Beckley added, “It’s wonderful to be recognized for doing what you love, we are supported by our administration, colleagues and viewers…they make what we do possible.”
Dr. Bob Owen, Vice President for Information Technology, called WKYU “a tremendous asset to our community, the region, and the Commonwealth. The superb locally produced content that we air is a testament to these extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to this station and their craft.”
Student productions are also recognized by the Academy with awards annually. This year three WKU student productions were given Honorable Mention awards in two categories, Fiction and Non-Fiction.
The award in Fiction went to Measure of Success, which was produced by Andrew Swanson of Henderson, Chris Young of Cynthiana, Daniel Dunston of Williamsburg, and Barrett Dennison of Glasgow.
Two entries in Non-Fiction were honored: The Family, produced by Austin Anderson of Benton and Katie Gibbs of Connersville, Ind., and East Meets West, produced by Nate Hovee of Paintsville.
The Ohio Valley chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has members in 25 television markets (including Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington and Charleston) across four states (Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia) and continues to recognize the best in local news, weather and sports as well as accomplishments in writing, editing, children’s programming, documentaries, student productions, art design and new media.
The Emmy Awards judge entries on their own merits and do not compare entries to one another. It is for that reason that the Emmys are unique because there can be one award, more than one award, or no awards given in any given category. The Emmy Award, also known as the “Emmy,” is the highest award given in the television industry and it considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards (for film), Grammy Awards (for music) and Tony Awards (for stage). This year there were a record 658 entries representing the work of more than 80 organizations.
Contact: David Brinkley, (270) 745-2400.
