Philip Merrill College of Journalism | University of Maryland

UMTV Programs Win Telly Awards

For Immediate Release July 9, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -– The Philip Merrill College of Journalism is a winner in an international television competition. Four productions were recently honored by the 25th Annual Telly Awards. Regular UMTV favorites, “Front and Center”, “The Writer’s Tale” and “Discovery: Maryland”, along with a special program, “Are the Media Colorblind?” received finalist awards for excellence in television production. The Telly Awards recognize outstanding local, regional and cable TV programs.

Professor Lee Thornton, host and producer of “Front & Center,” received a Telly for an episode of “Front and Center” that featured Robert Novak, nationally syndicated columnist and CNN "Crossfire" host. Thornton said, “The format of “Front & Center” enables in-depth discussion with Washington journalists, among whom Bob Novak has long been a leader. I think that episode showed a side of Bob that people don’t always see.” “Front & Center” has been in production since 2001. The Telly marks the third such honor for this series.

The honored episode of "The Writer’s Tale" featured Stanice Anderson discussing her memoir, "I Say a Prayer for Me: One Woman's Life of Faith and Triumph". Producer and Associate Professor Judith Paterson said, “I’m thrilled but not surprised. We have an impressive team of folks working on “The Writer’s Tale”. And marvelous guest writers for the interviews.” The Writer’s Tale regularly features authors discussing their new works and the writing process. The program was also honored by the International Communicator Awards this year.

"Discovery: Maryland" takes the viewer behind the scenes of one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. The winning episode contained a package on the campus’ Neutral Buoyancy lab, a retrospective on Cole Field House and a package on the Black Saga Competition. The program’s Executive Producer and UMTV General Manager, Serena Ferguson Mann said, “I am happy that this program and all of the others were recognized for their excellence. We have an exciting lineup of outstanding programming and these episodes were some of the best.”

Broadcast Lecturer Sue Kopen Katcef won for her work on “Are the Media Colorblind?” The program, sponsored by the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, asked panelists to ponder questions dealing with the media’s coverage of community issues, and the image of society that is portrayed on television and news as it reflects the multi-racial and cultural society in which we live. Several students were involved in the production including Josh Maurer (producer and moderator), Erin Fillah (producer) and Agnes Lee (moderator and reporter).

For more information, contact Sharon Merkel, 301-405-6653.