(Riverton, WY) – Wyoming PBS is proud to announce that it has been honored with seven Heartland Regional Emmy® Award nominations by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS). These nominations recognize the station’s continued excellence in original, impactful storytelling and its commitment to exploring and documenting Wyoming’s unique culture, challenges, and communities.
“We are deeply honored to receive these nominations,” says Wyoming PBS CEO Joanna Kail. “This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and passion of our production teams, and underscores the power of storytelling that matters—stories that are uniquely Wyoming.”
The nominations span a diverse range of categories, from public affairs and environmental reporting to societal issues and political coverage. Every nomination this year is part of Wyoming PBS’s acclaimed series “A State of Mind” and “Our Wyoming.”
Nominated Productions:
- Business/Consumer/Politics/Government—Short Form Content
“Food Freedom Markets” in “Our Wyoming”
Kyle Duba, Photographer; Melissa Hemken, Producer - Business/Consumer/Politics/Government—Long Form Content
“Miner’s Light” in “A State of Mind”
Kyle Nicholoff, Photographer; Mat Hames, Director; Kyle Duba, Photographer; Beth Hames, Producer; Sandra Guardado, Editor; Tyler Hiott, Editor; Izzy AbuHamad, Associate Producer - Documentary—Topical
“Frontier State” in “A State of Mind”
Kyle Nicholoff, Photographer; Mat Hames, Director; Beth Hames, Producer; Laura Utt, Producer; Kyle Duba, Photographer; Izzy AbuHamad, Associate Producer; Tyler Hiott, Editor; Sandra Guardado, Editor - Environment/Science/Health/Medical/Technology—Short Form Content
“Hell’s Half Acre” in “Our Wyoming”
Nathan Schucker, Producer - Environment/Science/Health/Medical/Technology—Long Form Content
“Through The Clouds” in “A State of Mind”
Mat Hames, Director; Beth Hames, Producer; Laura Utt, Producer; Tyler Hiott, Editor; Wilson Waggoner, Photographer; Sandra Guardado, Editor; Izzy AbuHamad, Associate Producer - Public Affairs Program—Single Program or Series
“Crisis Behind Bars” in “A State of Mind”
Mat Hames, Director; Beth Hames, Producer; Kyle Duba, Photographer; Tyler Hiott, Editor; BJ Klophaus, Photographer; Laura Utt, Producer; Izzy AbuHamad, Associate Producer
- Societal Concerns—Short Form/Long Form Content
“The Caregivers” in “A State of Mind”
Mat Hames, Director; Beth Hames, Producer; Laura Utt, Producer; Sandra Guardado, Editor; Tyler Hiott, Editor; Wilson Waggoner, Photographer; Izzy AbuHamad, Associate Producer
This is the third consecutive year “A State of Mind” has been recognized by NATAS. The series shines a light on mental health issues in Wyoming. Last year, episodes “The Battle Inside” earned a Heartland Emmy, and in 2023, the series earned three awards for episodes “The Lone Wolf” and “The Pickup Man.” Several episodes in “A State of Mind” have been nominated for awards as well.
“Our Wyoming” is another Wyoming PBS past award winner. Last year, an Emmy was awarded for the episode, “The Steel Sculptress.” The series explores the people, places, and events that make Wyoming unique.
The Heartland Chapter Emmy® Awards ceremony will take place on July 19. Wyoming PBS extends congratulations to all the nominees and thanks its viewers and supporters for making this work possible. For more information about the Heartland Emmys, and for a complete list of nominees, visit here.
Heartland is a regional chapter of NATAS, encompassing Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The 20 regional chapters celebrate excellence in all areas of media and television. The judging process is rigorous and impartial. Entries are evaluated by a minimum of seven experienced peers from other NATAS regions, ensuring an unbiased assessment of the merit of each work.
Wyoming PBS is a non-profit public broadcasting organization serving the state of Wyoming. With a commitment to educating, informing, and inspiring, Wyoming PBS produces and broadcasts high-quality programming that addresses the unique needs and interests of the Wyoming community.