DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – WAND News was the winner of a Regional Emmy Award at a recent ceremony by the NATAS Mid-America Chapter.
Wake Up Anchor Deron Molen and Photojournalist Erika Ahola were the chosen winners in the Serious News Feature category. Their story, Home for the Holidays, was up against four other nominees.
The story centered around John Reese, who struggled with homelessness for six years, but was able to get back on his feet through several non-profit organizations in the Springfield area.
WAND was nominated in six categories at this year’s Emmys.
"Great storytelling and solid journalism are the foundation of WAND News," said WAND News Director Rod Hissong. "Being honored by our peers and the Academy for our outstanding work is a true honor. We're also grateful to our viewers for trusting us every day to tell, share, and inform them about important things happening in our communities."
The Emmy Awards are among the highest recognition in visual journalism and media. The NATAS Mid-America Chapter covers five states: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It is one of 19 regional chapters that belong to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Emmy winners were announced at an awards gala in St. Charles, Missouri, on Saturday.
WAND News was also awarded a Silver Dome Award on Monday for a story on Halloween.
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