Journalism Faculty, Students Earn Multiple Emmy Nominations

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From left, professors Larry Foley and Rowena Pedrena.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has honored professors Larry Foley and Rowena Pedrena and UATV student journalists with Emmy nominations for their contributions to television and documentary filmmaking.

"These nominations highlight the extraordinary work of professors Pedrena and Foley," said Bret Schulte, chair of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. "They're outstanding educators, and we're thrilled to see the Academy honor their passion for storytelling and commitment to producing content that informs and inspires."

Pedrena earned a nomination in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter as supervising producer on the episodic series Ed and Day in the 'Burgh. The show, produced for the Very Local streaming platform (via Hearst Television), competes in the Lifestyle Longform category. Pedrena led the team in showcasing Pittsburgh's culture and community through dynamic storytelling and immersive production, making a significant impact on local and broader audiences.

In the Mid-America Chapter, Foley's documentary film Cries from the Cotton Field secured two Emmy nominations. First, Foley, received a nomination in the Director–Short Form or Long Form Content category for his direction of the documentary, which explores key historical and social issues. Second, Ed Eaves of Foley Productions was nominated in the Editor–Short Form or Long Form Content category.

UATV News, the student-produced television newscast, won multiple 2024 NATAS Mid-America Student Production Awards in the spring, including Best College Newscast award for UATV Staff, Producers. They were recognized for their April 3, 2023, coverage of a tornado that hit Little Rock. Students will travel to Kansas City in October to accept the UATV awards, and Max Hoener, UATV news director, will accept the Governor's Creative Arts Scholarship.

"It's no wonder that these budding journalists are also collecting Emmy nominations and wins," said Tiffany King, advanced instructor and UATV faculty advisor. "Their tornado coverage was a beautiful example of teamwork. Students in the producing class and TV2 created all the content, three reporters covered the aftermath with live reports from Little Rock and the UATV executive staff helped in the production of the show."

For more information and to view the full list of nominees, visit:

• Mid-Atlantic Chapter: https://natasmid-atlantic.org/2024-emmy-nominees/
• Mid-America Chapter: https://emmymid-america.org/emmy-awards/2024-nominees-and-winners/
• Mid-America Chapter Student Awards: https://emmymid-america.org/education/2024-student-awards-nominees-winners/

About Larry Foley: Larry Foley joined the U of A faculty in 1993 following 17 years as a TV reporter, producer and public TV executive. His documentary films have earned eight Mid-America Emmys and 24 Emmy nominations in writing, journalistic enterprise, history, cultural history, special program and community service. His films have also received four Best of Festival of Media Arts awards from the international Broadcast Education Association. They can be found on Tubi, Amazon Prime and Pluto TV.

About Rowena Pedrena: Rowena Pedrena joined the U of A faculty in 2023. She is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning television producer with more than a decade of experience in scripted, reality and documentary formats for feature films and television. Her credits include work featured on Netflix, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNBC, PBS, TLC, History Channel, NatGeo, Hearst Television, Food Network and Discovery Channel.

About UATV: UATV is the U of A's student-run television station. Planned and produced programming for a 24-hour 7-day schedule, UATV broadcasts from its on-campus studio across the region on its exclusive Cox digital channel, 214. UATV features live nightly news briefs that are written, produced and anchored by senior students in an advanced television reporting course, Monday through Thursday. Audio newscasts are produced and broadcast on UATV Monday through Thursday by students in basic broadcast courses.

About the School of Journalism and Strategic Media: The School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas offers full-time and part-time degree programs for undergraduates as well as a graduate master's degree program. SJSM students major in journalism or advertising and public relations, and they receive instruction, guidance and access to hands-on experience from seasoned, award-winning faculty and staff. The school is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and media discourse. The journalism program was established at the University of Arkansas by Walter J. Lemke in 1930. Visit the school's website for more information.