• Photo Courtesy: Alliance for Community Media Central States Region

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Alliance for Community Media (ACM) Central States Region, which includes Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, has announced HOMTV as an award winner in the 2020 Philo Media Award Competition.

In the “Underserved Voices” category, HOMTV received a First Place Award in the Professional Division for the A Chance to Dance Special Feature. The “Underserved Voices” category was for entries produced by individuals with developmental or physical challenges or programs created about subjects of interest or areas of concern in underserved communities. HOMTV’s A Chance to Dance Special Feature highlighted a young dancer and Okemos High School student’s journey of creating the A Chance to Dance program. The program provides free social dance classes to students with disabilities in mid-Michigan and beyond. The A Chance to Dance program also helps everyone involved learn to enjoy social environments by breaking down barriers and building bridges through music and dance.

HOMTV also received a Finalist Award in the “Children’s Programming” category for the HOMTV Summer Media Camp for Kids Special Feature. The “Children’s Programming” category was for entries that were informational or entertainment media targeted for children. Under the supervision of HOMTV Staff and Interns, the 19 campers who participated in the 2019 HOMTV Media Camp produced the HOMTV Summer Media Camp for Kids Special Feature. The campers were introduced to basic field and studio television equipment and techniques. Campers conducted interviews with special guests from the Meridian Township Police Department, Meridian Township Fire Department, Harris Nature Center and the Capital Area District Libraries (CADL).

HOMTV’s Special Feature programs focus on special topics of interests that aim to engage audiences by creating a spotlight on a particular topic, person or civic organization.

“These Special Feature programs take a lot of hard work, dedication and time to produce. It is rewarding to see our talented staff and student interns be recognized for their efforts of providing quality programming to the residents of Meridian Township,” stated HOMTV Executive Producer Brandie Yates. “I’m especially proud of our Children’s Programming Finalist Award, as this was the first time HOMTV offered a 2-day kids media camp.”

The PHILO Competition honors the memory of Philo T. Farnsworth, the father of modern television, by recognizing the efforts of modern day pioneers who work to further develop the use of this technology and promote the use of media in our communities. The “PHILO” is awarded as recognition of excellence in media creation. The 2020 Philo Media Award Ceremony will take place virtually on October 29th due to the COVID-19 pandemic.