Arkansas PBS is honored to share that we have won five regional Emmy Awards from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for original, local productions Saturday, Sept. 30!
"At Arkansas PBS, as we continue to engage with and uplift our incredible Arkansas community through local storytelling, we take great pride in being acknowledged for our dedication with five prestigious Mid-America Emmy Awards," CEO Courtney Pledger said. "Our heartfelt congratulations go out to our outstanding Arkansas PBS team and our invaluable community collaborators!"
The 18 nominated productions, including the five winners, are available today in a playlist on the Arkansas PBS YouTube channel here.
“The One and Only Canaan Sandy” won Sports Story - Short Form Content.
ESPN Fan Hall of Famer Canaan Sandy has never let his Down Syndrome slow him down as he and his mother have spent the last 40 years cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. After being knocked off the Hog trail because of health issues, Sandy is back in full force, bringing his love and passion for his home team to fans and supporters across the country. Produced by Eric White and Corey Womack.
“Dirt” won Audio - Live or Post Production
This original Arkansas PBS documentary breaks through the surface to explore the living, breathing ecosystem beneath. The film addresses soil conservation and delves into how Arkansas farmers, ranchers and more are improving their operations by helping the environment. Major funding for “Dirt” was provided by the Pulaski County Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Arkansas. Audio by Tracy Prince.
“Blueberry’s Clubhouse: Campfire Tales” won Director - Short or Long Form Content
This original pre-K-2 children's program features Blueberry, a curious puppet guide, and her friends at Camp Onomatopoeia participating in fun, engaging and insightful summer activities across The Natural State. The series is produced in partnership with the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Directed by Corey Womack.
“Rise and Shine: Songs Away” won Musical Composition/Arrangement
This extensive educational program was designed to boost summer learning and help K-5 students retain academic learning targets. The six-week program featured lessons led by Arkansas teachers to reinforce learning in key subjects including literacy, math, science and social studies. Composed by Steve Lee, Courtlan Clement, Joshua Moore.
“Be Pro, Be Proud: Tyson” won Business/Consumer Short Form Content.
This new digital series brought to you by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce's "Be Pro, Be Proud" program looks at exciting opportunities in building tomorrow's workforce. In this episode, we check out chickens and robots to learn a bit about the skills it takes to pay the bills as a maintenance technician with the team at Tyson Foods in Springdale, Arkansas.
Maintenance tech Wes drops some knowledge on his exciting job at Tyson and we learn about how he supports the state-of-the-art technology behind some of the foods we eat every day! Produced by Cody Scott.
Other Arkansas PBS nominations included:
“Sportraits: Behind the Lens” - Sports Story - Short Form Content/ Editor - Short Form or Long Form Content. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Rock Town Media uses effects to generate jaw-dropping, eye-popping sports photos. Rock Town Media’s work has received millions of views and has been featured on ESPN SportsCenter. Produced by Terrell Case.
“Dirt” - Documentary Cultural. Break through the surface to explore the living, breathing ecosystem beneath our feet. “Dirt” — a new documentary about saving our soil — delves into how Arkansas farmers, ranchers and more are improving their operations by helping the environment. Produced by Jennifer Gibson.
“Yo-Yo Ma & Carrie Mae Weems Performance” Special Event Coverage - Live. "Yo-Yo Ma & Carrie Mae Weems at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art” is a 2023 nominee of the 47th Annual Mid-America Emmy® Award in the category of Special Event Coverage – Live. Produced by Anita Grote.
This conversation is hosted in honor of Crystal Bridges’ free exhibition “We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy” exploring the importance of the U.S. Constitution and free speech to democracy. Drawing from their careers and experiences as artists and social advocates, the speakers will share their perspectives on the role of artists and their civic duties.
“Dolly Parton Interview” - Interview/Discussion - Short Form or Long Form Content. It’s the first day of summer, and we’re kicking off our summer reading celebration with The Book Lady herself, Dolly Parton! Listen as she talks with Arkansas PBS COO and Deputy Director Ed Leon about the Arkansas Imagination Library program, what inspired her to create Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, how her father helped launch the project, their plans for the future and more. Plus, don’t miss The Queen of Nashville performing a special excerpt from “The Coat of Many Colors”! Produced by Sajni Kumpuris.
“Rise and Shine: Let’s Take a Vacation” - Entertainment - Short Form Content/ Director - Short Form or Long Form Content. mömandpöp sing about going on a vacation. Produced by Levi Agee.
“Blueberry’s Clubhouse: Campfire Tales” - Arts/Entertainment - Long Form Content. While waiting for the festivities to begin, Blueberry, Sofie and Max sit around the campfire and tell the tales of their homemade costumes, each of which is inspired by a legendary monster from The Natural State. All is well until, out of the dark, comes a spooky noise! Will the campers have enough courage to solve the mystery of the shuddersome sound?! Produced by Eric White, Terrell Case, Corey Womack and Rivka Kuperman.
“Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame” - Historical/Cultural - Short Format Content. The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1958 to honor and memorialize outstanding individuals to promote legacy and inspiration for younger generations. Since then, ASHOF has recognized Arkansas’s greatest athletes and coaches who bring fame and honor to the state. Through interviews with inductees, learn what hall of fame recognition means to them and their communities. Produced by Paulina Sobczak.
“Rise and Shine: Songs Away” - Director - Short Form or Long Form Content/ Editor - Short Form or Long Form Content. Mr. Steve tells us how every situation can be a song. Whatever you need to say, sing it! Directed by Eric White.
“Blueberry’s Clubhouse: Snawfuss Animation” - Graphic Arts - Motion Graphics and Visual Effects. Graphics by Greg Mobley.
WATCH NOW:
See all of the outstanding Arkansas PBS content nominated for the 2023 Mid-America Emmy Awards in our YouTube playlist.