Kansas City PBS received seven nominations for the 2026 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-America Regional Chapter EMMY® Awards. The nominations are based on outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news and informational achievements in television. The winners will be announced during a ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas.
“These nominations reflect Kansas City PBS’ commitment to powerful, meaningful local storytelling, and I am incredibly proud of our team,” said Cara Williams Fry, president and CEO of Kansas City PBS. “They are a testament to the creativity and dedication of our staff, as well as the people and communities who trust us to tell their stories. I am thrilled to celebrate this recognition with them and with our viewers, members and supporters, whose commitment makes this work possible.”
Kansas City PBS’ nominations are as follows:
Aunt Sister: The Legacy of Sarah Rector (Documentary – Cultural)
Jacob Handy, Michaela Handy, Samuel Jones, Betty Chung Jones, SyKnese Fields, Robert Coppage III, Isabelle Brown, Brad Austin
Winning the War: Harry, Ike & The Fight for Democracy (Documentary – Historical)
Emily Woodring, Chris Lester, Brian Burnes, Paris Norvell
Innocence Should Be Enough (Public Affairs Program)
Solomon Shields, Brad Austin, Paris Norvell
KC Week in Review Newsmaker: KC Mayor and Jackson County Prosecutor (Interview/Discussion)
Nick Haines, Matthew McClelland, Mark Stamm, Eric Mater
The $5 Million River Cleanup (Environment/Science – Short Form Content)
Mike Sherry, Abigail Landwehr
Copper Boyz Preview (Historical/Cultural – Short Form Content)
Collin Riggins, Brad Austin
Donate a Car and Fuel Public Media (Promotion – Non-News)
John McGrath, Cole Blaise, Brad Austin
About the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS)
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, founded in 1955, is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television. NATAS presents the prestigious Emmy® Award for achievements in News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime, Public & Community Service, Technology & Engineering and more. Regional Emmy® Awards are given in 19 regions across the United States.
About the NATAS Mid-America Chapter
The Mid-America Chapter was chartered in 1962 and began honoring outstanding achievements in television with local Emmy® Awards in 1976. As "The Emmy® People," their mission is to set the gold standard while celebrating innovation and integrity across all platforms of visual media. The chapter includes television markets primarily in Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois.
