The Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) recently recognized KET productions and programs with eight Regional Emmy Award nominations.

The awards recognize excellence in the areas of local news, programming and individual achievement and are one of the industry’s highest honors.

“I’m so proud of the work our talented staff does year-in and year-out,” said KET Executive Director and CEO Shae Hopkins. “These Regional Emmy nominations attest to the high-quality and breadth of KET’s productions and underscore our dedication to serving the people of Kentucky.” 

KET productions receiving nominations are:

“Forest Giants,” Kentucky Life segment: Jim Voskuhl – Feature/Segment in Arts & Entertainment 

This Kentucky Life segment spotlights a new art installation at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, where recycling artist Thomas Dambo built three giant sculptures inspired by the surrounding landscape. 

Preventing Youth Suicide: A KET Forum: Justin Allen, Nick Helton, Laura Krueger, and Renee Shaw – Program in Health/Science/Environment 

This town-hall style forum, hosted by Renee Shaw, explores the alarming rise in youth suicide, examining its root causes and highlighting the most effective strategies for prevention.

Election 2019: Casey Parker-Bell, Toby Gibbs, Nick Helton, and Renee Shaw – Program in Politics/Government 

KET’s live coverage and panel discussion of the 2019 General Election in Kentucky. 

News Quiz: Allison NeCamp Day, Anna Gordon, Jayne McClew, Angelic Phelps, and Kelsey Starks – Program in Informational/Instructional 

KET’s long-running, weekly current events news program for fourth through eighth graders.

“Stagecraft,” Kentucky Life segment: Brandon Turner – Feature/Segment in Magazine 

This Kentucky Life segment spotlights rapper and community organizer Jecorey “1200” Arthur of Louisville, who works with an assortment of civic organizations to teach youths how to read and compose music.

“Story Musgrave,” Kentucky Life segment: Frank Simkonis – Program in Nostalgia 

This Kentucky Life segment, airing in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, features an interview with retired NASA astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave, who talks about his incredible career, his travels in space, and his mission to help repair the Hubble Space Telescope. 

School Safety: A KET Forum: Justin Allen, Nick Helton, Laura Krueger, and Renee Shaw – Program in Public/Current/Community Affairs 

This town-hall style forum, hosted by Renee Shaw, features a conversation with lawmakers, educators and students about new legislation addressing school safety in Kentucky public schools. 

Composite: Renee Shaw – Host/Moderator/Narrator 

Renee Shaw nominated for her breadth of work as host for a variety of KET productions. 

All of the nominated KET productions are available to watch online at KET.org.

The Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences includes 13 television markets from a four-state region, including parts of Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 4. 

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, where learning comes to life for more than one million people each week via television, online and mobile. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on Twitter @KET and at facebook.com/KET.