Arkansas PBS wins nine Mid-America Emmy Awards

Oct. 28, 2024

Arkansas PBS wins nine Mid-America Emmy Awards

CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS won nine regional Emmy Awards from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for original, local productions, including five awards for the Arkansas-produced series “Mystery League.” Award-winning productions may be viewed at myarpbs.org/awardwinning.

“At Arkansas PBS, we are dedicated to being the storytellers of Arkansas, and this year’s recognition with nine prestigious regional Emmy Awards is a powerful affirmation of that mission,” Executive Director and CEO Courtney Pledger said. “Our team’s dedication to excellence and our community partnerships make this level of accomplishment possible.

“My congratulations go out to our exceptional Arkansas PBS team and our invaluable collaborators. Each nomination – 16 for this year – underscores our commitment to amplify the voices of Arkansans and provide meaningful, educational content that reflects the spirit of our great state.”

The Arkansas PBS original production “Mystery League” was honored with five regional Emmy Awards. 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 their fictional small Arkansas town of Mulberry Springs, each episode centers on relevant storylines that encourage Arkansas kids to problem solve and build relationships.

Awards for the series included:

 

“Arkansas Treasures” received the award for 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. The series is produced by Kevin Clark. A second season of “Arkansas Treasures” will be produced in 2025.

The Arkansas PBS original series “Celebrating Arkansas: Holiday Traditions,” which showcases The Natural State’s culture and heritage, features host and professional DJ Mario Luna scouring the state for the most interesting, time-tested Arkansas celebrations. Luna received the award for Program Host/Moderator/Correspondent.

“Blueberry’s Clubhouse: Space Invader Blueberry” received the award for 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. The segment was produced by Terrell Case, Charles Eric White, Corey Womack and Rivka Kuperman.

“Rise & Shine: Season 3” received the award for Musical Composition/Arrangement. This extensive educational program was designed to boost summer learning and help K-5 students retain academic learning targets. The music was written/performed by Steve Lee and produced/written/mixed by Kyle Andrews.

Arkansas PBS also received the following nominations:

 

All nominated productions may be viewed in a playlist at myarpbs.org/awardnominated. The complete list of nominees and winners may be viewed here.

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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