The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) honored the winners of the 38th Annual Government Programming Awards (GPA) this evening in conjunction with it's Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach, CA. The awards program honors excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming produced by local government agencies. This year NATOA received more than 950 entries submitted by local governments across the country.
Entries in the categories cover a variety of programming including videography, social media, use of humor, ethnic experience, community events, documentary, public affairs and public service, interview/talk show, performing arts, sports, election coverage and more.
Among the awards with special significance are the "Overall Excellence" awards, a compilation of the agency's programming throughout the year. This year's Excellence awards were presented to the following outstanding NATOA communities:
"Overall Excellence – City of Kent" City of Kent, WA (Operating Budget to $250,000)
"City of Costa Mesa CMTV 3" City of Costa Mesa, CA (Operating Budget $250,000 - $500,000)
"AuroraTV - Programming Excellence" City of Aurora, CO (Operating Budget $500,000 - $1,000,000)
"City of San Antonio Overall Excellence" City of San Antonio, TX (Operating Budget Over $1,000,000)
OCTFME Awards:
Karen Tolson, Director of Programming
Stacy T. Holmes, Editing Specialist/Producer
Gigi Hinton, Producer, Writer, and Host
Eugene Thorpe, TV Producer, Host, Writer, and Editor
Vanessa D. Anthony, Audio Visual Specialist and Filmmaker
Nick Dorsey, Editor
Award of Honor: "OCTFME Salutes Black History Month"
Award of Distinction: "Straight Crankin' 'Junkyard Band'"
Award of Excellence: "Remembering Ms. Vanilla Beane"