WDIO News receives seven Regional Emmy Nominations

By WDIO

NATAS Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards

In an announcement early in September, WDIO News learned we have been nominated for seven Regional Emmys from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Upper Midwest Chapter. With the most recent recognition, WDIO News has been honored with 86 Emmy Nominations since 2000.

WDIO News at Six was nominated in the “Newscast – Evening” category. The newscast nominated was from the December 2022 snowstorm. Wet, heavy snow began falling on Tuesday evening and continued in waves through Saturday. The storm was nicknamed, “The Blue Blizzard,” due to the blue tint of snow.

Chief Meteorologist Justin Liles was nominated in the “Children/Youth/Teen News” category for his story, “Northland Strong: Zeke Priest.” 7-year-old Zeke lives with Cerebral Palsy. With the help of Northland Adaptive Recreation (formally known as Courage Kenny), Zeke can get out and kayak every Wednesday night. The story not only shared Zeke’s accomplishments, but highlighted the life changing programs offered by Northland Adaptive Recreation.

WDIO The Lift Anchor Baihly Warfield and Photojournalist Kyle Aune were nominated in the “Historical/Cultural/Nostalgia News” category, for their story “Letters from WWII.” In 2000, Joe Westerberg began typing out nearly 900 letters his father wrote and sent home chronicling every part of his experience in WWII. 27 files of letters covering 2 1/2 years. This is a firsthand account of history in World War II from just your general sailor, an 18-year-old kid from a small town in Minnesota going into the largest conflict that the world has ever seen.

WDIO The Lift Anchor Baihly Warfield and Photojournalist Kyle Aune were also nominated in the “Lifestyle” category, for their story, “Exploring Lake Superior: Sailing with Kicks.” Every Wednesday evening during the summer, the sight of dozens of sailboats on Lake Superior delights both locals and tourists. One of those boats is Kicks, a Tripp 33 sailboat, with an all-woman crew, with Kris Henry as the skipper. Kris Henry emphasizes that she wants the environment on Kicks to be conducive to learning. WDIO’s own Baihly Warfield climbed aboard and set sail.

Meteorologist Brandon Weatherz and Photojournalist James Faynik were nominated in the “Weather – News” category, for his weather franchise, “Weatherz School.” The stories submitted include lessons on: Gravity Waves, AM Radio and the Skip, Behind the Scenes of Broadcast Meteorology, and Dew Point and Humidity. Knowing the correct winter terminology, the WDIO Storm Track Meteorologists use can help keep you and your family safe.

The Storm Track Weather Team, comprised of Justin Liles, Brandon Weatherz and Sabrina Ullman were nominated in the “Weather – News” category, for their series, “Winter Weather Ready.” Winter can be tough in the Northland. It’s important to be prepared for all kinds of weather, from freezing rain to snow, and from temperatures near freezing to well below zero.

Chief Meteorologist Justin Liles was also nominated in the “Talent – Anchor – Weather” category.

“We’re proud to have members of our newsroom nominated for Emmy Awards again this year,” newly promoted WDIO News Director Alexandra Buie said. “We don’t think about winning an award when we’re covering a story, but it’s always gratifying when others in the news industry tell us our work is award-worthy.”

The Emmy Awards will be presented during the Upper Midwest Regional Emmy Awards Gala on October 14 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.

The Upper Midwest Chapter of the NATAS was established in 2000, and currently includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Northwestern Wisconsin and a portion of Iowa. The National Television Academy is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational, and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime, Creative Arts, Public & Community Service, Technology & Engineering/Advanced Media, and Business & Financial Reporting. Excellence in Primetime programming and international programming is recognized by its affiliate, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Regional Emmys are given in 19 regions across the United States.