The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Northwest Chapter presented KOBI TV/NBC5 the Governors Emmy Award for its 24-week series, SO Close to Homeless. The Governors Award is presented to a television station that shows a strong commitment to its designated market area beyond delivering the news.
Representing the project at the 55th Annual Norwest Regional ceremony in Seattle on June 9 were Vice President/General Manager of KOBI TV/NBC5 Bob Wise and KOBI TV/NBC5 Anchor and Reporter Natalie Weber. From ACCESS at the event was Executive Officer Pamela Norr.
The SO Close to Homeless series was produced by KOBI TV in conjunction with ACCESS. SO Close to Homeless gave viewers an in-depth look into the lives of people who are homeless, have been homeless, or who are very close to it. The personal vignettes told the stories of how (often swiftly) employment and income, health care and housing issues took people and families to the point of despair.
Norr commented on the Emmy Award saying, “This award would not have been possible without ACCESS’ amazing partnership of KOBI NBC5, 5:00 Marketing and 25 other agencies. Those organizations and the community members, our neighbors, featured in the stories, are the true ‘stars’ of this series and are the reason for this prestigious award. All deserve a standing ovation! It is an honor to collaborate building community.”
The goal of the on-air and web campaign was to educate and inform people about support programs that help individuals who are experiencing homelessness and/or poverty. The on-line component of the project received 7 million hits.
Wise commented on the award saying, “The effort Natalie Weber and our entire organization put into this series was extraordinary. Truly a collaborative undertaking. We could not be more proud of the Award, but more importantly the impact of local broadcasting informing our viewers of the issues surrounding us.”
On any given night in Jackson County, at least 732 people including children are homeless.
To learn more and to view the entire Emmy-winning SO Close to Homeless series, visit www.soclosetohomeless.org.