WNIT's Toradze Documentary Wins 2 Emmy's

WNIT Public Television’s documentary Kicking the Notes the Toradze Way has won a regional Emmy award in two of the three categories in which it was nominated. According to WNIT President and General Manager Mary Pruess, the program won in the category of Outstanding Achievement for Entertainment Programs and Tim Schaller won for Outstanding Achievement for Editing (non-news).

WNIT accepted the honor at the 52nd Annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards Ceremony held Saturday, November 6, 2010.

Linda Schaller is the project’s producer and director and Angel Hernandez, WNIT’s Vice President of Production, is the Executive Producer. The program was made possible by the Martin Foundation, Brian and Jeannelle Brady, Indiana University Foundation, Indiana University South Bend, Patricia and Arthur J. Decio, Rod and Carol Ganey, Robert and Mary Pat Deputy, Liz Naquin Borger and Tom Borger, and Mary Naquin.

"Alexander Toradze and his Piano Studio at Indiana University South Bend are cultural treasures," said Hernandez. "WNIT would like to thank the community partners that made it possible for us to produce this extraordinary documentary. Winning an Emmy is always an honor, but winning an Emmy in the Midwest Chapter/Chicago is even more challenging. Being the third largest media market in the U.S., Chicago’s production standards are very high." Stated Pruess, "This is another way WNIT serves the community by exploring and connecting our region’s assets as no one else can. Congratulations to everyone who worked to make this program possible! It takes a dedicated team with a good story and a strong vision to create the kind of program that garners this kind of recognition from our professional community."

Kicking the Notes the Toradze Way was first aired by WNIT on December 7, 2009. The documentary was also selected as one of the top 24 finalists at the prestigious International Television Festival Golden Prague awards, October 16 – 20 in Prague, Czech Republic.

Outstanding Achievement for Arts/Entertainment Program

• Linda Schaller, Producer
• Angel Hernandez, Executive Producer
• Alexander Toradze, Co-Producer

Outstanding Achievement for Editing (non-news)

• Tim Schaller

For a complete list of winners, visit www.chicagoemmyonline.org.