TheWorldJournal.com - Entertainment

WGBH is Televisions Masterpiece
By Daniel Berman, TheWorldJournal.com

There is no doubt in my mind that WGBH channel 2 has broken the mold when it has come down to Boston programming. Throughout it's over 40 years in existence WGBH has brought to us educational, insightful, cultural, and thought provoking shows that has captured the imaginations of all of us. Recently, WGBH came away with an astonishing four Peabody awards. I should not even be surprised at the fact that they won 19 local Emmys just this past Sunday, May 4, 2003 at the 26th Annual Boston/New England Emmy Awards.

The channel revolutionized the way we look at television with groundbreaking programs such as "Sesame Street", "Frontline", "Masterpiece Theater", "Nova", and one of my personal favorites "The American Experience". Channel 2 has opened, encouraged, and educated young minds with its extraordinary focus on young children from programs like "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood", "Reading Rainbow", and the program that I grew up watching "Sesame Street". WGBH has changed the way we look at the world and ourselves from fascinating local and national news coverage with programs like "Frontline".

David Fanning who earned the prestigious Governors' Award this year has made "Frontline" his life's work. Creator and Executive Producer David Fanning just did not find success in television but in film as well. In his native country of South Africa his first film, "Amabandla AmaAfrika," (1970) and "The Church and Apartheid," produced for BBC-TV, (1972), the film dealt with race and religion in his troubled homeland. Fanning came to WGBH/Boston in (1977), to launch the international documentary series "World". Between 1977 and 1982, he acted as executive producer on over 50 films for PBS. "Frontline" has earned every (multiple of) every major broadcast journalism award.

It's something rare these days when it comes to television to see a channel like this continue a tradition. What tradition you ask? No matter the day or time there is always high quality programming right on WGBH. The programs are geared toward so many demographics it truly is a learning experience just watching.

Peabody Awards presents

"FRONTLINE"

"Frontline", "Exxon Mobile Masterpiece Theater", and "The American Experience" all earned honors.

"Frontline" had taken home a Peabody Award for "Shattered Dreams of Peace: The Road From Oslo". It's a brilliant account on the Middle East peace process. It was produced with SET Productions, and C-Films Productions in association with Francs 2, Abu Dhabi Television, and Tel Ad Israel.

"THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE"

Brings home an award for "Monkey Trial" a documentary on the scopes Trial produced with Nebraska ETV.

"MASTERPIECE THEATER"

Won for "Othello", the Shakespearean play, which was set in contemporary England "Othello" was produced with London Weekend Television.

"Almost a Woman" a fascinating looks into the struggle and success in New York's Puerto Rican community, "Almost a Woman" was produced with ALT Films.

Other outstanding programming included:

CBS for "9/11" documentary by Jules and Gedeon Naudet; ABC News "Nightline" for "Heart of Darkness" a five part look at the war in the democratic republic of Congo, and for "The Survivors", a look at the pain and heroism of September 11 survivors; and "Showtime" for "Bang-Bang You're Dead" a look at the troubles of teenagers.

Entertainment programming winners included:

HBO and Simmons/Lathan TV for "Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry";
NBC, in association with Dream Works Television, for "Boomtown";
FOX, David E Kelley Production, and 20th Century Fox for "Boston Public/Chapter 37";
HBO, Janollari Studios, and Actual Size Inc. for "Six Feet Under".

Just by reading through the article you can see all of the accomplisments of WGBH/Boston. One award winning program after the other, simply outstanding work.

© May 8, 2003

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