ESPN was in the spotlight this year, winning the coveted title of TV Programmer of the Year for the second year in a row. The sports cable network was honored by the 2009 New York Festivals Television Programming and Promotion Awards, sweeping this year's competition with a total of 45 winning entries. ESPN won ten Gold Medals, ten Silver, six Bronze and nineteen Finalist Certificates.
Three Gold Medals and Silver were awarded to two documentaries produced by ESPN's new film division, ESPN Films. “ Black Magic” a two part film that chronicles the injustices of the Civil Rights Movement, as told through the lives of basketball players and coaches who attended Historical Black Colleges received three Gold Medals in the following categories: Best Direction, Best Soundtrack and History & Society. “ The Zen of Bobby V,” which follows former Mets manager Bobby Valentine and his current job managing the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, was awarded a Silver Medal.
“ 'Black Magic' and 'The Zen of Bobby V' were especially important documentaries in the rollout of our new ESPN Films brand last spring. While very different stylistically, both films told stories that we are proud of. We're thrilled to have these films recognized with such wonderful honors form the New York Festivals Television Programming and Promotion Awards,” said Kristin McDowell, associate producer, ESPN.
ESPN was honored in a wide variety of categories including: Best Camerawork, Sports Special, Cultural Issues, Children's/Youth's Special, Music Video, Best Writing, Sports & Recreation and Best Regularly Scheduled Entertainment Program. For a complete list of ESPN's winning entries visit www.newyorkfestivals.com.
The 2009 Television Programming and Promotion Awards received entries from 30 countries, spanning 5 continents. The competition, now in its 52nd year, honors “ The World's Best Work” in categories such as news, documentary, information and entertainment programming, in addition to music video, infomercial, promotions, spots, openings and IDs.
All press inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Gayle Mandel: gmandel@newyorkfestivals.com Ph: 1 212 643 4800
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AWARDS GROUP::
International Awards Group (IAG) provides processing services and organizing the competitions owned by International Awards Group (IAG). IAG oversees the New York Festivals Awards Brands (NYF): NYF Advertising in All Media Awards (Television and Radio Advertising; Design, Print and Outdoor Advertising); NYF Film & Video; NYF Television Programming and Promotion; NYF Radio Programming and Promotion; and NYF Innovative Advertising. Entries to each of the competitions are judged around the world by panels of peers in their respective industries. In addition, IAG also oversees three stand-alone international competitions: The Midas Awards for financial services communications, the Global Awards for healthcare communications and the AME Awards for advertising and marketing effectiveness. Founded in 1957, International Awards Group now has representation in 62 countries. For more information, go to www.newyorkfestivals.com.