(Riverton, WY) – Wyoming PBS is proud to announce it has received three Heartland Regional Emmy® Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), recognizing the station’s commitment to exceptional local storytelling and its ongoing exploration of Wyoming’s unique communities, issues, and culture.
The awards span several categories, including public affairs, business, and consumer issues.
“These awards are a testament to the power of local storytelling,” says Wyoming PBS CEO Joanna Kail. “At Wyoming PBS, our work begins and ends with the people of this state. We’re honored to share stories that reflect Wyoming’s character, complexity, and resilience—and grateful to the many individuals who trust us to help tell them. Recognition from our peers is meaningful, but our greatest measure of success remains the impact we have here at home.”
Award-winning Wyoming PBS productions include:
- 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 - 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
- Business/Consumer/Politics/Government—Short Form Content
“Food Freedom Markets” in “Our Wyoming”
Kyle Duba, Photographer; Melissa Hemken, Producer
“A State of Mind”—now in its third season—has received Heartland Emmy® recognition for three consecutive years. The series shines a light on mental health challenges in Wyoming and is known for its personal storytelling and thoughtful reporting. Past episodes such as “The Battle Inside,” “The Lone Wolf,” and “The Pickup Man” have all received awards from NATAS.
“I’m deeply moved by the strength and honesty of those who shared their journey, especially in a place where stigma runs deep,” says “A State of Mind” director Mat Hames of Alpheus Media. “Their courage has helped others feel less alone and made a real impact across Wyoming. I’m especially grateful to Wyoming PBS and Joanna Kail for the vision to commission this series and the trust to let me direct it alongside a talented, thoughtful crew. Their commitment to meaningful storytelling and elevating quiet, humble voices made this possible”
“Our Wyoming” also continues to celebrate the people, places, and history that define the state. In 2023, the series received a Heartland Emmy® for “The Steel Sculptress,” and continues to deliver engaging short-form storytelling across a wide range of topics. Wyoming PBS would also like to congratulate “So Others May Live – Mach 1,” directed by Gregory Sheffer, on receiving a Heartland Regional Emmy® Award in the Human Interest/Nostalgia – Short Form Content category. While not produced by Wyoming PBS, the film was featured as part of the station’s “Our Wyoming” online collection.
Wyoming PBS also extends its congratulations to longtime partner Caldera Productions for the Heartland Emmy® Award in the Documentary – Cultural category for “Who She Is,” produced by Sophie Barksdale and Jordan Dresser.
The Heartland Chapter of NATAS encompasses Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The 20 regional chapters celebrate excellence in all areas of media and television. Award entries are reviewed through a rigorous peer-judging process by members from other chapters to ensure fairness and consistency.
For more information on the Heartland Emmy® Awards and to see the full list of winners, click here.
Wyoming PBS is a non-profit public broadcasting organization serving the state of Wyoming. With a commitment to educating, informing, and inspiring, WY PBS produces and broadcasts high-quality programming that addresses the unique needs and interests of the Wyoming community.