Thursday, Mar 2, 10:55am
For the third year in a row, Laurel TV has been awarded a Telly--one of the most coveted awards in the television industry. That makes five Tellys for the City’s public access television station tucked away inside the Municipal Center.
Mayor Craig A. Moe received word of the honor on Friday. There were more than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents this year. Tellys are awarded for excellence in local, regional, and cable TV.
“I could not be prouder of Communications Director Audrey Barnes and everyone in the Department of Communications who had a hand in winning this award,” Mayor Moe says“ It’s a true testament to their hard work each and every day.”
Laurel TV won this latest Telly for a half hour special they produced on diabetes. Laurel resident Jackie Jones, who has diabetes and is a very vocal advocate for others who have it, approached Ms. Barnes last Fall about doing a diabetes special during November which is National Diabetes Awareness Month.
Jones was able to get Doctor Kashif Munir from the University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology/Midtown Campus and Dietitian Eva Gonzalez to participate in a call in segment that allowed viewers to ask questions during the taping-- a first for Laurel TV. Jones goes to the Center regularly for check-ups and support.
“This is what community television is all about,” Barnes says. “ Ms. Jones is very passionate about helping those with diabetes live longer, healthier lives. She came to us asking for our help to spread the word to as many people as possible. Her energy was contagious and our entire team was inspired to create the very best, most comprehensive program we could pull together.”
Ms. Jones says the Laurel TV Special has been shared many times among her support group and viewed by dozens of others who attend the UM clinic where she still receives treatment and support.
“I’m excited that the Diabetes special was recognized. I’m more ecstatic because we are getting the word out about diabetes awareness and it will help so many people,” Ms. Jones says.“ I love that Laurel TV is user friendly and dedicated to the community. It is a well-deserved award for Laurel TV for its dedication to the community.”
“It was a lot of hard work to pull off the call in segment, but with the help of Director John Sennett and Technical Director Ed Thomas, it worked flawlessly,” says Assistant Communication Director Joyce Jackson who co-produced the program along with Ms. Barnes. Carreen Koubek, the City’s Public Information and Social Media Specialist, did double duty during the taping—running the Teleprompter and Floor Directing when necessary. Auxiliary Production Assistant Jan Moss helped Floor Direct too.
“ I would encourage other members of the Laurel community to bring their ideas to us,” Barnes says. “That’s why we’re here. To do stories and share information about issues and events that the community cares about the most. Winning a Telly for it, is icing on the cake.”
You can watch Laurel TV on Comcast channel 996 in HD, Comcast channel 71 in SD, and on Verizon channel 12 if you live within the City limits of Laurel. Otherwise, watch a live stream at www.laureltv.org
The best way to view past programs and Specials is on the Official Laurel TV Youtube channel at https://m.youtube.com/LaurelTVOfficial If you subscribe to the YouTube channel, you’ll get alerts whenever a new government meeting, Special Report, or individual news story is uploaded.
For more information about Laurel TV or to share a story idea, email us at [email protected]. Make sure to LIKE the Laurel TV Facebook page and follow us @laureltvorg on Twitter.