PITTSTON, PA — WVIA has announced that it has been honored with five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards. Winners were announced at a ceremony held on September 21 at the Grand Wyndham Pittsburgh Downtown.

The Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards celebrate excellence in television production across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. 

WVIA’s winning award categories include: News Special, Societal Concerns, Interview/Discussion, Lifestyle, and Photographer. WVIA received 14 Mid-Atlantic Emmy nominations this year, the highest number in its history. 

WVIA has a long history of excellence in public broadcasting, serving Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania with a diverse array of programs that spotlight local stories, cultural heritage, and the arts. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to share these stories and connect with our audience. We’re driven by a mission to reflect the richness of our communities, and this recognition fuels our passion even more,” stated WVIA Chief Content Officer, Ben Payavis II. “Each award represents not just individual excellence but our shared commitment to delivering quality programming that uplifts our community while creating connections.”

“Public media is uniquely positioned to address local issues and provide a space for community members to engage and share their experiences. We tell local stories that foster understanding and engagement among community members,” stated Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “These awards symbolize our commitment and passion for telling these stories.”

WVIA’s Awards Include:

News Special: To Save the River, Save the Mountain

Field Producer Kat Bolus and Producer/Director/Cinematographer/Editor Kelly Dessoye worked together to create this news special, which explores the environmental issues facing the Lackawanna River and the decades-long efforts to address them.

Societal Concerns – Short Form: Delaney’s Story – Mind Over Matter

Produced and directed by Tim Novotney, this short-form piece delves into a personal journey of resilience, shining a light on mental health and the power of perseverance.

Interview/Discussion – Long Form: Holocaust Warnings

This discussion, moderated by Julie Sidoni and produced by Ben Payavis, with production management by Ron Andruscavage, tackles the topics of antisemitism and extremism, encouraging dialogue and reflection on its implications in today’s society.

Lifestyle – Long Form: Pizza

Executive Producer Ben Payavis, along with Director/Field Producer/Cinematographer/Editor Kelly Dessoye, takes viewers on a journey to some of the most beloved local pizza shops, exploring their cultural significance and community impact .

Photographer – Content: Alexander Monelli, WVIA-TV

Recognized for his visual storytelling, Alexander Monelli’s work captures the essence of the region through imagery that elevates WVIA’s productions.

WVIA is the PBS and NPR affiliate serving over 22 counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. For over 50 years WVIA has been committed to serving the people by offering informational, educational, and entertaining content that enriches and expands viewpoints and serves as a catalyst for positive change. WVIA television channels include WVIA TV, WVIA PBS Kids 24/7, and WVIA Create. WVIA’s radio channels include WVIA Radio, WVIA Arts, and the Chiaroscuro Channel. WVIA’s programs can also be found streaming live and on-demand on wvia.org and the WVIA app.