FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 17, 2025
CONTACT:
Michelle M. Bailey, [email protected] (202) 702-6404
OCTFME CELEBRATES NATIONAL NATOA WINS, EXPANDS CABLE TELEVISION AND RADIO SLATE,
AND PREMIERES THE 40TH ANNUAL MAYOR’S ARTS AWARDS
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser presents Lifetime of Achievement Award to Blue Alley’s Harry
Schnipper at the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. Photo Credit: Alijah Jones
Washington, D.C. – The award-winning DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) is proud to announce an expanded slate of original programming on the District of Columbia Network (DCN), new platforms for local musicians on DC Radio, and the upcoming broadcast premiere of the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. These milestones come on the heels of OCTFME receiving multiple national honors at the 39th Annual ‘NATOA Government Programming Awards,’ including the coveted ‘Overall Excellence in Government Programming Award,’ NATOA’s highest recognition. Additional awards include the ‘Award of Excellence’ for Good Things DC and the March on Washington: Behind the Scenes, and ‘Awards of Honor’ for The Holiday Spirit: Joy, Agency Performance Reel, and Emancipation Day.
Building on this award-winning momentum, OCTFME is raising the bar with new and returning original content that highlights the creativity, culture, and stories of the District. The cable television lineup now features:
- Good Things DC - a lifestyle program spotlighting inspiring people and experiences across the city. (DKN Tue/Fri 7pm | DCN Mon/Thu 7pm)
- Speak Out DC - the Emmy-nominated current affairs series returning with new episodes that amplify critical issues and voices. (DCN Tue 8pm)
- Conversations with Women in Media, Entertainment & Technology - adapted from OCTFME’s acclaimed Women’s History Month event and hosted by Director LaToya Foster, featuring candid conversations with leaders including Kelly Flanigan (Live Nation), Shawn Yancy (NBC4), Danita Johnson (MLS DC United), Maureen Umeh (Fox 5), Onose Ijewere,Sommer Hill (NPR) and others. (DCN Wed 8pm)
- Straight Crankin’ - hosted by Eugene Thorpe, which celebrates DC’s official music, Go-Go. (DCN Fri 7:30pm)
- CineMagic - a new series hosted by Emmy-award winning Gigi Hinton. The program explores film and storytelling through exclusive news, sports and entertainment interviews plus behind-the-scenes access. (Fri 8pm)
OCTFME is also creating new opportunities for local musicians through DC Radio, one of only two municipally-owned, full-power radio stations in the United States. DC Radio is inviting artists to submit new, clean radio-ready tracks for a chance to be featured on WHUR 96.3 HD4 and DCRadio.gov. OCTFME remains committed to supporting and amplifying the District’s culture and vibrancy, as well as resources and opportunities.
The District will also continue to celebrate a cultural milestone with the broadcast premiere of the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards on Saturday, October 18 at 8:00pm on DCN. Fitting for this celebration of four decades, the award show took place for the first time at the historic National Theatre, the second oldest theatre in the nation!. The tentpole taped on September 25, honors four decades of creative excellence, recognizing artists, organizations, and leaders who make Washington, D.C. the Creative Capital including Lifetime of Achievement Award honoree Blues Alley, and Mayor’s Distinguished Honor award recipient Gretchen Wharton.
LaToya Foster, Director of OCTFME and DC Film Commissioner, said: ‘Winning multiple NATOA Awards, including the Overall Excellence honor, demonstrates that the District is setting the standard in government media. With new shows, platforms for local artists, and the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, OCTFME continues to deliver high-quality programming that informs, entertains, and inspires. Washington, D.C. is the Creative Capital, and our content reflects the voices and culture that make our city shine.”