KC PBS Takes Mid-America Emmys for Wrongful Conviction and WWII Docs
The local station took home honors for a wrongful conviction documentary and a World War II historical film at the October 24 ceremony in Overland Park.
By Alina Campbell ·
Kansas City PBS secured two awards at the 2026 Mid-America Emmy ceremony held on Saturday, October 24.
The station’s team recognized excellence in television across the region. The awards went to two distinct documentary projects. These programs represent the station’s output in public affairs and historical storytelling.
The first award was for Innocence Should Be Enough in the Public Affairs Program category. The credits list Solomon Shields, Brad Austin, and Paris Norvell. The film examines the impact of wrongful convictions in Missouri and Kansas. It features individuals who were wrongfully convicted and the work of the Midwest Innocence Project. The narrative focuses on the difficulty of securing freedom after proving innocence.
The second award was for Winning the War: Harry, Ike & The Fight for Democracy in the Documentary, Historical category. The credits include Emily Woodring, Chris Lester, Brian Burnes, and Paris Norvell. Producer Emily Woodring explores the legacy of Kansas City’s involvement in World War II. The film marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory. It centers on Harry S. Truman of Independence, Missouri, and Dwight D. Eisenhower of Abilene, Kansas. The documentary covers the decision to launch nuclear attacks on Japan and includes interviews with veterans.
Five other programs received nominations at the event. Aunt Sister: The Legacy of Sarah Rector was nominated in the Documentary, Cultural category. The creators are Jacob Handy, Michaela Handy, Samuel Jones, Betty Chung Jones, SyKnese Fields, Robert Coppage III, Isabelle Brown, and Brad Austin. The film documents the rise of an 11-year-old Black girl from Oklahoma to one of history’s wealthiest Black figures. Her journey includes an oil boom on her family’s land and her move to Kansas City.
KC Week in Review Newsmaker: KC Mayor and Jackson County Prosecutor was nominated in the Interview/Discussion category. The team includes Nick Haines, Matthew McClelland, Mark Stamm, and Eric Mater. The segment features host Nick Haines speaking with Mayor Quinton Lucas about city issues in his final year in office. It also includes an interview with Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson regarding her first year of service.
The $5 Million River Cleanup was nominated in the Environment/Science, Short Form Content category. Mike Sherry and Abigail Landwehr are listed as creators. The project uses $5 million from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to clean the Blue River. The funds are leftover federal COVID-19 relief money.
Two additional short-form projects received nods. Copper Boyz Preview was nominated in the Historical/Cultural, Short Form Content category. Collin Riggins and Brad Austin are the credited creators. The segment features the Copper Boyz, a group of cowboys who ride Kansas City streets to introduce youth to horsemanship and promote violence prevention. Donate a Car and Fuel Public Media was nominated in the Promotion, Non-News category. John McGrath and Cole Blaise are the creators. The spot is a Wes Anderson-inspired reminder for viewers to donate vehicles to the station. Cara Williams Fry, president and CEO of Kansas City PBS, stated that the team is proud of their commitment to producing high-quality work. She noted that the awards recognize the talent and support from viewers and partners. The winning and nominated programs are available on kansascitypbs.org, the PBS App, and the station’s YouTube channel.
