WHRO Public Media Awards 2025
WHRO Public Media Awards 2025
WHRO Public Media has been honored to win several awards recently. From journalism reports and television documentaries to services provided by our WHRO Education team, we are excited to be recognized.
“WHRO Public Media is committed to delivering outstanding content that enriches and educates our community. We are honored by these awards and nominations,” stated Bert Schmidt, president and CEO of WHRO.
Below is a list of our 2025 Awards
Telly Awards
Gold - Student Category
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Dominic Pistritto overcame academic struggles to become an author of impactful science fiction.
Silver - Documentary: Long Form (Above 40 minutes) Category
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Virginia's Eastern Shore residents grapple with rising water.
Silver - Social Impact Category & DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Category
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The story of a university, seized land and a Black neighborhood in Newport News, Virginia.
Bronze - History Category
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A dramatic discovery in Williamsburg, VA gives historians insight into America's past.
Bronze - Education & Discovery Category
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Explore the wonders and challenges of our environment with Spotlight Earth—a captivating video series designed for high school students. Dive deep into the heart of Virginia’s diverse ecosystems, from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the expansive Chesapeake Bay, and uncover the environmental stories shaping our state and world.
Emmy Awards
Six WHRO projects have been nominated for Regional Emmy Awards.
Documentary: Cultural/Topical
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Virginia's Eastern Shore residents grapple with rising water.
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The Inheritance Theater Project works with the community on a play that features the 7 cities as an intergenerational family.
Arts/Entertainment: Short Form Content (Up to 10 minutes)
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Roberta Lea is the first black woman from Hampton Roads to pursue country music.
Arts/Entertainment: Long Form Content (More than 10 minutes)
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Curate delves into the dynamic art scene within our community and throughout the region.
Education/Schools: Short Form Content (Up to 10 minutes)
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World-renowned trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis enlightens HCBU students.
Historical/Cultural: Long Form Content (More than 10 minutes)
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A dramatic discovery in Williamsburg, VA gives historians insight into America's past.
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute to Excellence Awards
WHRO Public Media has been nominated in two categories. Award winners will be announced on August 9, 2025.
Radio – Market 16 And Below – Public Affairs: Segment
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A Virginia Beach high school baseball team recently forfeited its season because of racism and harassment among members of its own team. Is this behavior part of the reason why more and more African Americans are not playing America's pastime? We examine the relationship between the African American community and the game of baseball - and what can be done to get this community more interested and involved with the game. Project members include: Barbara Hamm Lee, Lisa Godley, Jordan Christie.
Television – Market 16 And Below – Documentary
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"Against the Current" provides a powerful glimpse of how Virginia's Eastern Shore residents are subject to the challenges of rising water's effects on their lives and livelihood. Through resilience and perseverance, they learn to co-exist and celebrate their rural home. How can this unique community shed light on the national conversations happening around these climate issues? Project members include: Lisa Godley, Neil Grochmal, Brandon Nance, Sheryl Jeffries.
Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters
Best Serious Feature - 1st Place
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A team at Virginia Commonwealth University is studying how the barrier islands off the Eastern Shore respond to changing climate conditions and the best strategies to protect them.
Best Sports Feature - 1st Place
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Fifty years ago the Monarchs men’s basketball team brought the school its first national championship through lightning fast offense and smothering defense.
Best Use of Sound - 1st Place
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Virginia is the only state that permanently bans all ex-felons from voting unless they receive an executive pardon.. Richard Walker uses his nonprofit – and cooking skills – to help other former felons win back their voting rights
American Advertising Awards (ADDY)
Silver Addy:
Social Media Campaign: Democracy at Work, Shannon Jay