WGTE Honored with Four 2026 Telly Awards
WGTE Public Media has once again been recognized for excellence in television production as four programs have been honored in the 47th annual Telly Awards. Listening with Keith Burris: Fighting Parkinsons won a Gold Telly Award and Taking Ownership of Your Future won a Silver Telly Award. Two installments of WGTE’s acclaimed documentary series Toledo Stories won Bronze Telly Awards: Beyond Sight: A Legacy of Empowerment and Monroe St. United.
“Being recognized by the Telly Awards is always a tremendous honor, and it’s a testament to the incredible team we have here at WGTE,” said Shane Potgieter, Content & Creative Services Officer. “Many of the stories we’re being recognized for are those of communities who are too often overlooked. Those are the kinds of stories that public media exists to tell, and we are very proud to be able to provide this service to the community.”
The following WGTE programs were honored this year:
· Listening with Keith Burris: Fighting Parkinsons – Gold Award, General-Public Interest & Awareness. Journalist Keith Burris explores what it feels like to live with a chronic disease and the ways patients find courage and support in the face of new challenges. He also speaks with scientists, clinicians and people living with Parkinson’s disease to uncover how exercise, community, and medical innovation provide strength against a condition that is progressive and incurable.
· Taking Ownership of Your Future – Silver Award, General-Education & Training. At Whitmer Career and Technology Center, students gain hands-on experience and real-world exposure to a wide range of career paths—all while still in high school. Through immersive learning and career-focused programs, students get a valuable head start on their futures by discovering what inspires them and preparing for success beyond graduation. Taking Ownership of Your Future is made possible by the Broadcast Educational Media Commission (BEMC), the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), and WGTE Public Media.
· Beyond Sight: A Legacy of Empowerment – Bronze Award, General-DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. For over a century, the Sight Center of Northwest Ohio has empowered people who are blind or visually impaired. This documentary follows the organization’s evolution from community roots to decades of progress in recreation, industry, and advocacy, sharing the personal stories and innovations that keep its vision shining bright.
· Monroe St. United – Bronze Award, General-Religion & Spirituality. Commemorating the 200th anniversary of Monroe Street United Methodist Church, this documentary celebrates two centuries of incredible faith, justice, and dedication to the Toledo community. It takes viewers inside the church’s historic walls to reveal true stories of resilience, steadfast love, and the many lives MSUMC has touched.
The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies.