Sept. 15, 2025
Winners to be announced Oct. 25
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS has earned 11 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. 25. Nominated productions may be viewed at myarpbs.org/awardnominated.
“We are honored to receive 11 Mid-America Emmy Award nominations this year,” Arkansas PBS Director of Education and Production Sajni Kumpuris said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our entire team and partners, and to the strength of the original productions we create right here in Arkansas. We are especially proud to spotlight the people, places and stories that make our state so special.”
Arkansas PBS original productions receiving multiple nominations include:
“Passage”
This Arkansas PBS original production follows Arkansan Adam Riley of Fayetteville and Canadian Matty Clarke as they embark on a journey through uncharted waters, setting out to conquer the final grail of adventure: rowing over the top of Canada in handmade rowboats, a feat that would make them the first ever to cross the Northwest Passage, self-propelled, in a single season.
Adam Riley, Matty Clarke – Photographer – Long Form or Short Form Content.
Documentary – Cultural. Produced by Terrell Case, Eric White, Tracy Prince, Corey Womack, Adam Riley and Matty Clarke.
“Unveiled: Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash”
This Arkansas PBS original production explores the creation and installation of Arkansas' newest statues in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol, as well as the enduring legacies of two of the state’s most iconic figures.
Nathan Willis, Director – Long Form or Short Form Content.
Documentary – Historical. Produced by Sajni Kumpuris, Nathan Willis and Courtney Pledger.
Nathan Willis, Photographer – Long Form or Short Form Content.
AR PBS Sports
“Coach Rip” – Sports Story – Short Form Content. Coach Charles Ripley is an Arkansas basketball legend, taking the Parkview Patriots to five state championships from 1978 to 1995. But Coach Rip, as he was known to his players, was admired much more for his contributions off the court. Produced by Eric White.
“Moment in the Sun” – Sports Story – Short Form Content. In the early 1990s, a remarkable chapter in Arkansas basketball history was about to unfold at Arkansas Tech University. Under the leadership of coach Joe Foley, the Golden Suns weren’t just chasing victories – they were building a program that inspired generations. This is the story of back-to-back national championships that did more than fill a trophy case – it created a legacy that continues to shape Arkansas basketball today. Produced by Shotaro Kanari.
“Unified” – Human Interest – Short Form. Starting from scratch can be a struggle, but teamwork makes the dream work. Siloam Springs began the year with the first practice ever for their Special Olympics Unified Cheer team and took that collaboration all the way to the state finals. Produced by Eric White.
Arkansas PBS also received the following nominations:
“Totality: Live Eclipse Across Arkansas” – Special Event Coverage – Live Production. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the Sun’s face. As the Great North American Eclipse of 2024 – a monumental celestial event more than 100 years in the making – spanned a complete arc across Arkansas, viewers worldwide were able to watch the full path via livestream. Produced by Anita Grote.
“Celebrating Arkansas: Holiday Traditions – Spring/Summer” – Magazine Program. Host Mario Luna gets the scoop on Fourth of July fireworks with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, St. Patrick’s Day Parades and cardboard boat races. Produced by Bailey Sanders and Casey Sanders.
“Arkansas Treasures” Season 2 Promo – Promotion – Program. Produced by Kevin Clark. Supporters from across the state bring their unique, antique and collectible treasures to be assessed by professional evaluators to learn their value and share their story.
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-Fayetteville-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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