Nebraska Public Media Receives Pinnacle Awards from NBA
For Immediate Releases
Nebraska Public Media Receives Pinnacle Awards from NBA
LINCOLN, Neb. (Aug. 28, 2025) – The Nebraska Broadcasters Association recently honored Nebraska Public Media with multiple awards recognizing the network’s excellence in radio and television.
At the association’s annual convention, Nebraska Public Media earned eight awards for radio.
These included a gold for “Faith, Family and Football: Greg Sharpe” by multimedia reporter/producer Aaron Bonderson and silver for “Fastest Growing High School Sport in Nebraska,” also by Bonderson in the Best In-Depth Sports Story category.
In the Service to Business, Industry, Government or Education category, Nebraska Public Media earned its second gold for “Nebraska’s Sandhill Crane Migration Stronger Than Ever” by multimedia reporter/producer Arthur Jones and reporter Macy Byars and a silver for “Silver Tsunami Hitting Rural America” by multimedia reporter/producer Brian Beach.
The network earned two additional silver awards for “Schools, Legislature & Student Cell Phone Use” by multimedia reporter/producer Jolie Peal in the Service to Children category and “Colorado Wary of Perkins County Canal Plans” produced by senior reporter Fred Knapp for Best Continuing Coverage of a News Story.
“Farmers Endure Long Nights & Frigid Temps” produced by “All Things Considered” host Jackie Ourada, won a bronze for Service to Agriculture, while “How Sidney is 'Building Back Better'” produced by Mike Tobias won bronze for Best In-Depth or Investigative Story or Series. This was produced as part of the television series “What If…”
In the television category, Nebraska Public Media won three awards.
“Steak Science” won a gold award in the Service to Agriculture category. The production team included: Brandee Weber, producer; Tiffany Johanson, videographer/editor; Colleen Kelley, associate videographer; Joe McMullen, graphics/animations; Arthur Jones, field audio; David Barry, post production editor; Ryan Messman, audio sweetening and Perry Stoner, executive producer. This local documentary explored the science behind achieving the perfect steak.
The network also earned two additional silver awards: “What If… Innovator Insights” for Service to Children and “Nebraska Stories: Lost in Loomis” for Service to Business, Industry, Government or Education.
“Innovator Insights” was produced by Mike Tobias with Justin Cheney as videographer/editor, Emily Kreutz as field audio/audio sweetening, Lisa Chavanothai Craig with graphic design, Ian Edgington as finishing editor and Matt Heusman as K-12 education specialist. “Innovator Insights” is an educational component for teachers and students based from the innovation, creativity and invention television series “What If…”
The story “Lost in Loomis” was featured on “Nebraska Stories,” the flagship, award-winning local series that explores the history, culture and spirit of Nebraska and is now entering its 17th season. The production team included Kay Hall as producer, Colleen Kelley, videographer/editor; Arthur Jones, field audio engineer; Scott Beachler, animation/graphic design; Werner Althaus, audio sweetening and David Barry as post production editor.
The 2025 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Pinnacle Awards program was held on Aug. 13 in La Vista. The program was established in 1958 to recognize and encourage excellence in broadcasting and service to the community by Nebraska radio and television stations.
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About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.