Oct. 27, 2025
Arkansas PBS wins four Mid-America Emmy Awards
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS won four regional Emmy Awards and was nominated for 11 from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for original and local productions. Award-winning productions may be viewed at myarpbs.org/awardwinning.
“Every story we tell begins with a deep respect for the people and places that make our state unique,” Arkansas PBS CEO and Executive Director Carlton Wing said. “To have that work recognized with four Mid-America Emmy Awards is an incredible honor and a reflection of the talent, dedication and heart of our entire team. These awards remind us why we do what we do – to connect Arkansans through powerful storytelling and to share voices that inspire, challenge and unite us all.”
The Arkansas PBS original production “Passage” was honored with two regional Emmy Awards.
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.
Awards for the production included:
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.
Arkansas PBS also won the following Mid-America Regional Emmy Awards:
“Unveiled: Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash” received the award for Director – Short Form or Long Form Content. 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. Directed by Nathan Willis.
“Unified” won for Human Interest – Short Form. This Arkansas PBS original production follows Siloam Springs as they 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. Starting from scratch can be a struggle, but teamwork makes the dream work. Produced by Eric White.
Arkansas PBS also received the following nominations:
“Unveiled: Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash” – Documentary Historical. Produced by Sajni Kumpuris, Nathan Willis and Courtney Pledger.
“Unveiled: Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash” – Photographer – Long Form or Short Form Content. Photographed by Nathan Willis.
“Coach Rip” – Sports Story – Short Form Content. Produced by Eric White.
“Moment in the Sun” – Sports Story – Short Form Content. Produced by Shotaro Kanari.
“Totality: Live Eclipse Across Arkansas” – Special Event Coverage – Live Production. Produced by Anita Grote.
“Celebrating Arkansas: Holiday Traditions – Spring/Summer” – Magazine Program. Produced by Bailey Sanders and Casey Sanders.
“Arkansas Treasures” Season 2 Promo – Promotion – Program. Produced by Kevin Clark.
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 (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
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