KTUU wins top honor for Overall Excellence at Regional Emmy Awards

Channel 2, KTUU-TV was honored with three regional Emmys, including the most prestigious award for Overall Excellence at the NATAS Northwest Regional Emmy Awards in Seattle.

“We’re in an esteemed group in the northwest - powerful stations in large markets doing great work. It is beyond astonishing that market 147 was awarded this recognition,” KTUU’s Vice President and General Manager, Nancy Johnson said.

The category of Overall Excellence does not recognize a single story. Instead, it is a year-long review of the entire station and its contributions to the community. From news to sports, promotions, operations, engineering and community affairs this Emmy recognition is a symbol of excellence across the board. “The talent and commitment across departments, Telling Alaska’s Story, 365 days a year, won us this award,” Johnson shared with excited employees Monday morning.

In 2018, telling Alaska’s story meant delivering immediate coverage online following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that shook communities for hundreds of miles across the state. On air, KTUU brought viewers some of the first aerial images of earthquake damage and delivered hours of continuous coverage with field crews reporting live from the scene to share the newest information from first responders and city officials with viewers. “The earthquake coverage was a testament to our commitment to our community, but only a part of what made us rise to the top for this award,” Johnson said.

Johnson notes KTUU has a record of covering the gamut of news but doing it with compassion and exemplary story-telling are examples of how Channel 2 demonstrates its ongoing commitment to viewer-focused community coverage.

Alaska’s story is not limited to the zipcodes of the 49th state. A KTUU News team embedded with the military in Afghanistan to deliver a series of special reports titled

. KTUU traveled to China for a series examining the trade relationships and economic impact between the two regions. A fully staffed bureau in Washington D.C. allows viewers to stay informed on what Congressional leaders are doing nationally with a local impact.

While more than 22 hours of news coverage each week allows Channel 2 to be Alaska’s News Source, KTUU is built on providing a community service. From volunteer work to participating in fundraisers for non-profits, station employees appeared at more than 85 local events last year.

The Emmy award for Overall Excellence is truly a team effort and required the dedication of every person behind the scenes and in front of the camera working toward the common goal of telling Alaska’s story.

KTUU-TV is owned by the Gray Media Group, “Their strongly-held belief in broadcasting and journalism allows us to do what we do. We’re fortunate to be part of their team,” Johnson said.

Regional Emmy awards also went to members of the KTUU Creative Services department for the news promotional spot,

. Multimedia Journalist Blake Essig with Photojournalist Albert Lutan were recognized for writing as part of the

series.