Seattle Channel is the recipient of a Northwest Regional Emmy Award for the editing of an animated short film about a local World War II veteran.
The city-operated station was recognized Saturday, June 3 at the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Emmy Awards ceremony.
The winning feature, An American Hero: Frank Nishimura, tells the story of Nishimura, a Japanese-American World War II veteran. Part of Seattle Channel’s Community Stories series, the segment draws from the graphic novel Fighting for America: Nisei Soldiers, written by Lawrence Matsuda and illustrated by Matt Sasaki.
Nishimura grew up in Seattle where his family ran hotels, including the Puget Sound Hotel. With Executive Order 9066, which set in motion the expulsion of Japanese Americans from the West Coast, the Nishimuras moved to Eastern Washington avoiding imprisonment. Nishimura volunteered to join the U.S Army as part of the 442nd/100th Battalion and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star among others. He was later awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal.
“Seattle Channel’s in-depth coverage of public policy, the city’s diverse communities and its history, underscores our civic values and offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed, engaged, inspired and connected to their city,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “I congratulate the station on its work and its dedication to excellence in local programming.”
The story about Nishimura was produced, directed, shot, animated and edited by Seattle Channel staff members Shannon Gee, Randy Eng and Ian Devier. Natalie Eng and Kai Pacifico Eng were also animators and editors, and Stephen Thomas Cavit provided the audio mix and original score. The feature was developed in partnership with the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience and the Seattle NVC Foundation as part of the State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Kip Tokuda Memorial Washington Civil Liberties Public Education Program.
“Residents can be proud of Seattle Channel’s commitment to thorough and inclusive programming,” said Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell, chair of the Education, Equity and Governance Committee. “The station shines a light on Seattle’s diverse communities and reflects the city’s values of public engagement and transparency.”
Emmy recipients from left: Kai Pacifico Eng (student volunteer); Natalie Eng (The Wing intern partner); Shannon Gee, Seattle Channel general manager; and Randy Eng, Seattle Channel video specialist
In the 54th annual Northwest Emmy Awards, Seattle Channel competed against commercial and public television stations in the Northwest NATAS five-state region which includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. This year, the station received eight Emmy nominations in program categories including overall station excellence, arts/entertainment, historic/cultural, interview/discussion, public/current/community affairs and documentary. A complete listing of the 54th annual Emmy awards is posted on the NATAS Northwest Chapter’s website.
