VPM earned three public media honors at the 55th Annual Public Media Awards Gala that took place on Sunday, September 10 during the 2023 NETA Conference and CPB Public Media Thought Leader Forum.
The Public Media Awards honor NETA members' finest work in community engagement, content, education, marketing/communications, independent productions, and overall excellence. The awards were judged by a group of expert panelists from within the public media system, as well as industry professionals working outside of public media.
VPM and Deep Structure’s docuseries LIFE IN THE HEART LAND won in the Community Initiative category. LIFE IN THE HEART LAND premiered in March and dives deep into the heart of America to meet the neighbors, communities and organizations that are creating unique solutions to rural America’s toughest challenges.
VPM won in the Podcast category for ADMISSIBLE: SHREDS OF EVIDENCE. Presented in partnership with iHeartMedia and Story Mechanics, this 12-episode series investigates the story of 13 men who were exonerated thanks to the miraculous discovery of preserved samples hidden away for decades in a Virginia records facility and the forensic scientist responsible for them: Mary Jane Burton.
VPM also won an award for its social media campaign titled “Illustration from Unique Perspectives,” which featured local artists from varying cultural backgrounds depicting their perspectives on national months and/or holidays. Black History Month, Women's History Month, Ramadan, A.A.P.I., African American Music Month, Pride Month and Juneteenth were each spotlighted.
VPM was a finalist in five other categories, including:
- News and Public Affairs: VPM News Focal Point, Gender and Identity
- Short Form: VPM News Focal Point, Prison Deaths
- Topical Feature: VPM News Focal Point, Survivors
- Radio – Society and Culture: Reconnect Jackson Ward
- Radio – Society and Culture: Another Way: How one Virginia city reckons with gun violence
View the full list of this year's winners.