Arkansas PBS earns 16 Mid-America Emmy nominations

Sept. 13, 2024

Winners to be announced Oct. 26

CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS has earned 16 regional Emmy Awards nominations from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for original, local productions. Winners will be announced Saturday, Oct. 26. Nominated productions may be viewed at myarpbs.org/awardnominated.

“At Arkansas PBS, our mission is to serve and connect with our audience through compelling stories that reflect the heart of the great communities we serve,” Executive Director and CEO Courtney Pledger said. “Receiving 16 regional Emmy nominations is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team.

“We take great pride in sharing the unique voices and stories of Arkansas, and this recognition encourages us to continue elevating local narratives that inspire and provide educational content in our state.”

Arkansas PBS original productions receiving multiple nominations included:

“Mystery League”
This live-action series filmed entirely in Arkansas is designed for kindergarten through second grade students and is aligned with Arkansas academic standards in areas including civic engagement, economics, community involvement and leadership. Featuring three fifth-grade detectives – Millie, Mike and Marta – as they solve the never-ending mysteries of the fictional small Arkansas town of Mulberry Springs, each episode centers on relevant storylines that encourage Arkansas kids to problem solve and build relationships.

“Celebrating Arkansas”
This Arkansas PBS original series showcases The Natural State’s culture and heritage. Host and professional DJ Mario Luna scours the state for the most interesting, time-tested Arkansas celebrations.

Arkansas PBS also received the following nominations:

  • “TOTALITY: The Great Arkansas Eclipse” – Documentary Cultural. Produced by Corey Womack.
  • “Blueberry’s Clubhouse: Space Invader Blueberry” – Informational/Instructional - Short Form Content. This original 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. Produced by Terrell Case, Charles Eric White, Corey Womack and Rivka Kuperman.
  • “Arkansas Treasures” – Lifestyle- Short or Long Form Content. This new Arkansas PBS series showcases the wonderful, weird and wild collectibles and antiques to be found throughout the state. Participants met with professional evaluators to find out just how valuable their treasures could be. Produced by Kevin Clark.
  • “Moving Forward” – Sports Story - Short Form Content. Former Arkansas star quarterback and Liberty Bowl MVP Ryan Mallet tragically drowned in June 2023. After a professional collegiate and professional football career, Mallet returned to Arkansas as the head football coach of White Hall High School. After also losing a football player to gun violence just before graduation and another student to suicide, White Hall must pull themselves together to confront the 2023 season. Produced by Terrell Case.
  • “Rise & Shine: Season 3” – Musical Composition/Arrangement. This extensive educational program was designed to boost summer learning and help K-5 students retain academic learning targets. Written/performed by Steve Lee, produced/written/mixed by Kyle Andrews.

About NATAS Mid-America chapter
The Mid-America chapter was chartered in 1962 and began honoring outstanding achievement in this region with local Emmy Awards in 1976. The Mid-America chapter includes the television markets primarily in Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois and surrounding DMAs: St. Louis, Kansas City, Little Rock, Springfield (MO), St. Joseph, Columbia-Jefferson City, Joplin-Pittsburg, Quincy-Hannibal-Keokuk, Ottumwa-Kirksville, Davenport-Rock Island-Moline, Paducah-Cape Girardeau-Harrisburg, Champaign-Springfield-Decatur, Fort Smith-Fayettville-Springdale-Rogers, Jonesboro, Monroe-Eldorado and Shreveport (LA). NATAS Mid-America is one of 19 regional chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, headquartered in New York City.

About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Gaither) and KETS (Yancy).

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