"Hometown Stories: Williamsport" and "Center Court with Rene Portland"
win prestigious awards
University Park, Pa. -- Local PBS affiliate, WPSX-TV has been honored with two Golden Quill Awards. This prestigious award, which is given annually by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, recognizes professional excellence in written, photographic and broadcast journalism in western Pennsylvania. WPSX-TV's production "Hometown Stories: Williamsport" won the award for best public affairs/documentary in the television category while "Center Court with Rene Portland" won the award for exceptional television sports reporting.
"We are truly honored to have been selected for these prestigious awards" said WPSX Station Manager Tracy Vosburgh. "These awards attest to the high quality local programming produced by Penn State Public Broadcasting."
"Hometown Stories: Williamsport" is the pilot program for a new on-going WPSX-TV produced series of specials which will present captivating stories featuring significant moments in a community's history. "Hometown Stories: Williamsport" features segments about Carl Stotz, the organizer of what would eventually become Little League baseball; the German-born immigrant artist that once lived in Williamsport whose work eventually hung in the White House; Peter Herdic, the wealthy creator of Williamsport's "Millionaire's Row" who eventually died penniless, unable to afford a headstone for his own grave, and more. Executive Producer for "Hometown Stories: Williamsport" was Tracy Vosburgh with Patrick Mansell, producer/director, Bill Wallace and Eileen Akin.
"Center Court with Rene Portland" takes viewers on an all-access tour of the nationally ranked Penn State Lady Lion Basketball team. Currently in its 10th year of production, "Center Court" is hosted by Anne Moss and Lady Lion Head Coach Rene Portland. The 2003-04 "Center Court" season offered fans a behind the scenes look at the defending Big Ten Champions, which was lead by Senior Guard Kelly Mazzante (2-time Kodak All-American and Penn State's All-time leading scorer) and Junior Tanisha Wright (The 2003 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year). Producer for "Center Court" is William Amin with Topher Yorks and Don Hampton.
In addition to the Golden Quill Awards, "Center Court" has been nominated for numerous Mid-Atlantic Region Emmy Awards. The show has won two regional Emmys, including best sports series in 2000. Past episodes of "Center Court" can be viewed at http://www.centercourt.psu.edu
WPSX-TV broadcasts a 24-hour program schedule to 29 counties throughout Pennsylvania and southern New York.
For more information on WPSX-TV, visit http://wpsx.psu.edu/home.html