Last modified: Wednesday, July 7, 2010
WTIU wins Telly, regional Emmy awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2010
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- WTIU-TV, the PBS television station owned and operated by Indiana University, has won a national Telly Award for nature programming and a regional Emmy for a locally produced children's program.
The WTIU production "Indiana State Parks: Treasures In Your Own Backyard" was awarded a bronze award in the TV Nature/Wildlife category of the 31st Annual Telly Awards. And WTIU's The Friday Zone received a regional Emmy in the Children/Youth Program/Special category for the episode "Under The Sea."
Emmy award
"Indiana State Parks: Treasures In Your Own Backyard" showcases and celebrates Indiana state parks and introduces viewers to their vibrant natural beauty and the people who have dedicated their lives to preserving them for future generations.
"I was inspired by the natural beauty in the parks and how their character changed from season to season," said producer/videographer Ron Prickel. "I think the final product shows how well the entire team worked together to create a truly inspirational documentary. It's my hope that people will visit at least one, if not more of Indiana's state parks because of this film."
Viewers can watch a trailer online at www.indiana.edu/~radiotv/wtiu/stateparks/.
The Friday Zone received its award at the 41st Annual Lower Great Lakes Regional Emmy Awards, which took place at a banquet in Cleveland on June 19. The Great Lakes Chapter includes TV stations in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
In the episode, host Katie Sullivan gets scuba lessons from an expert and swims with dolphins at the Indianapolis Zoo. Also, former host Holly Gregory demonstrates different eating methods used by whales.
Viewers can see the show online at www.youtube.com/user/WTIUFridayZone.
"It's an honor to be involved in a program like The Friday Zone, and to have worked with former host Katie Sullivan to achieve this Emmy," said Bridget Siebert, producer of children's programming for WTIU. "PBS is renowned for its children's programming, and The Friday Zone presents television that engages and informs viewers right here in Indiana. Knowing that others appreciate The Friday Zone is humbling."
About WTIU
WTIU serves more than 350,000 households in 29 counties in western and south-central Indiana. WTIU airs programming on four digital channels 24 hours a day, and produces local, regional and national programs.
About Telly Awards
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award program honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.
About Emmy Awards
The Emmy Award is a coveted television production award, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards (for film), Grammy Awards (for music) and Tony Awards (for stage).
