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CONTACT: Mari Irby
August 31, 2009
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MPB Congratulates Emmy Winners

“Between the Lions” wins awards for Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Series and Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Series

(Jackson, Miss)—“Between the Lions”, which is filmed in Jackson, Miss., has been awarded two Creative Arts Emmy Awards.  The early childhood education program won awards in the categories of Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Series and Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Series. 

 

“Between the Lions” is co-produced by WGBH of Boston, MA and Sirius Thinking of New York, NY in collaboration with MPB.  Three MPB employees were recognized in Hollywood on Saturday night for their work on the early childhood education program. 

 

“We could not be more pleased about these awards,” said MPB Executive Director, Dr. Judith Lewis.  “The ‘Between the Lions’ production and writing staff have put countless hours into creating this program, which aids young children in developing a firm literacy foundation.  We are thrilled that MPB, WGBH, and Sirius Thinking collaborators have received this recognition.”

 

Scott Colwell, and Rick Klein, both from Jackson, MS were recognized for their work as part of the team of producers for “Between the Lions.”  Klein has been with MPB for 28 years and has worked with “Between the Lions” since MPB began collaborating on the project in 2005. 

 

“It’s an honor for Between the Lions to win an Emmy, but really I’m just proud to work on a show that helps young children with literacy,” said Colwell.  “It’s great to work on something that feels like it makes a difference.”

 

Klein added:  “I am thrilled to be part of such an incredibly creative project.”

 

Keri Horn, of Fannin, MS was one of the writers who received an award for Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Series.  Horn, a native of Jackson, who has worked at MPB since 1999, recently began collaborating with the writers of “Between the Lions.”     

   

This is the first Emmy for “Between the Lions” in the category of Outstanding Pre-School Children’s Series.  Other nominees in the category were “Johnny and the Sprites” of the Disney Channel, “Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies” of PBS, “Sesame Street” of PBS, and “The Wonder Pets!” of Nickelodeon.   

 

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Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) provides relevant instructional and public programming to Mississippians through its statewide television and radio network.  MPB enhances the work of educators, students, parents and learners of all ages through quality programs, resources and services that educate, entertain and enlighten.  Children’s programs constitute a major portion of the daytime and weekend morning schedules.  Since 1970, MPB has won over 350 national and regional awards, including Emmys and Parents’ Choice Awards, for its productions.