Seattle Channel is the proud recipient of five Northwest Emmy Awards in the categories of arts/entertainment, business/consumer, diversity equity inclusion, human interest, and video essayist.
The winning programs include a profile on mixed media artist; a feature on a beloved Vietnamese supermarket; a segment looking back at the mystery of two missing local aviators; and a documentary on a local athlete and activist. A staffer was also awarded top honors in the video essayist category.
The City of Seattle’s government-access station was recognized Saturday, June 3, at the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Emmy Awards ceremony.
“The Seattle Channel does important work to shine a spotlight on the issues facing our city, the experiences of residents and businesses, and the work to build a better tomorrow” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Seattle Channel absolutely deserves these recognitions for all the great work they do, and I know they will continue to push to do even more in the future.”
CityStream’s feature on Viet-Wah, a culinary hub for Seattle’s Vietnamese community, received the top nod in the “Business/Consumer – Short and Long Form Content” category. It was filmed and edited by 13-time Emmy winner Randy Eng, with Ron Chew producing and reporting, and Shannon Gee contributing as executive producer.
“As a long-time fan of the Seattle Channel, I’m thrilled they continue to be recognized for their work!” said Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson (Position 9, Citywide), chair of the Council’s Economic Development, Technology & City Light Committee, which oversees the Seattle Channel. “The Seattle Channel’s programming – highlighting our continued economic development, resident support, and vibrant arts community – tells the true story of our beautiful city.”
A feature showcasing the city’s vibrant arts community includes a profile on mixed media artist Moses Sun. Created by Chris Barnes, the piece won in the “Arts/Entertainment – Short Form Content” category. It is Barnes’ fourth Emmy.
“I’m extremely proud of and honored to be a part of this hardworking and dedicated Seattle Channel team, whose nominations and awards in the Pacific Northwest broadcast market help to elevate the rich history, community, and culture of Seattle,” said Shannon Gee, Seattle Channel’s general manager, and 12-time Emmy award winner. “We are grateful for the people and organizations who shared their experiences with us. Their contributions and stories are what make our city great.”
Winning an Emmy in the “Diversity Equity Inclusion – Long Form Content” category was the Community Stories documentary “Running with the Paint: Rosalie Fish.” The 21-minute film follows University of Washington athlete Rosalie Fish, a nationally known activist who wears red paint and runs for missing and murdered Indigenous women. The feature was produced, directed, filmed, and edited by Phillip Townsend; Ian Devier, earning his ninth Emmy, served as senior producer, editor, and photographer; Shannon Gee was executive producer, Stephen Thomas Cavit was composer, and David Bialik added additional support as photographer.
Longtime Seattle Channel contributor Feliks Banel won an Emmy in the “Human Interest – Short Form Content” category for a CityStream feature that looked back at a mystery behind two missing Sand Point aviators.
Videographer Pete Cassam was honored in the “Video Essayist” category, which recognizes the best visual storyteller among commercial and public television stations in the Northwest NATAS five-state region, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. It is Cassam’s fourth Emmy.
All awards in this 60th annual Northwest Emmy Awards were for work completed between January 1 and December 31, 2022. This year, the station received 13 Emmy-Award nominations in program categories highlighting the quality and breadth of programming produced by Seattle Channel.
“Every year, the Seattle Channel continues to demonstrate their expertise and skill in producing in-depth coverage of issues impacting Seattle residents and about the rich culture of our city,” said Interim Chief Technology Officer Jim Loter. “This truly sets them apart from other media outlets. I’m proud of how the Seattle Channel has continued to grow and push the limits of government television.”
In addition to the winning programs, here are the other nominations:
Business/Consumer – Short and Long Form Content
CityStream: ARTE NOIR: Uplifting Black Art, Artists & Culture: Nicole Sanchez, Producer.
Health/Medical – Short Form Content
CityStream: Help is available through free & confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Brian Callanan, Reporter; Dustin Gagne, Photographer/Editor.
Arts/Entertainment – Long Form Content
Art Zone: Marshall Law Band, Preston Singletary, typewriter repair & more: Vincent Pierce, Photographer/Editor; Nancy Guppy, Host/Producer; Rosemary Garner, Producer; Howard Shack, Photographer/Editor.
Historical/Cultural – Long Form Content
Community Stories: Spirit of the Waters: Ian Devier, Senior Producer; Penny LeGate, Producer/Director; David Bialik, Photographer.
Diversity Equity Inclusion – Long Form Content
Community Stories: And We Rise: Climbers of Color: Aileen Imperial, Produce/Director/Photographer/Editor; Ian Devier, Senior Producer; Nic Raingsey, Photographer; Terrence Jeffrey Santos, Editor; Jovelle Tamayo, Photographer/Contributing Videographer.
Human Interest – Short Form Content
Art Zone: Brittany Davis glows as a vessel of sound, channeler of music: Howard Shack, Producer/Director/DP/Editor.
Informational/Instructional – Long Form Content
CityStream: Daybreak Star: Programs, Powwows & New Connections: Shannon Gee, Executive Producer; Norm Ohashi, Senior Producer; Enrique Cerna, Host; Ian Devier, Photographer.