CCM Show 'The Unseen Montgomery' 1 of 3 County Winners at 3CMA National Awards

The concept for a cable television special show by Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen that evolved into the County Cable Montgomery episode of The Bottom Line: The Unseen Montgomery has been named the winner of a Savvy Award—first place nationally—by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). The show was one of three from Montgomery County’s organization of public cable stations (PEG, representing Public/Education/Government) to win national recognition when the awards were announced at the 3CMA national conference on Sept. 5 in Scottsdale, Ari.

The Unseen Montgomery won first prize in the category of TV and Video—One-Time Special Programming (for jurisdictions with population: 100,000 and up). The original idea for the show came from Councilmember Floreen, who wanted to portray a side of the County that is often overlooked: residents who did not appear to need the help of available services, but through circumstances, could not financially keep up with their individual and family needs.

The show was produced and hosted by Susan Kenedy of County Cable Montgomery (CCM). The videographer was Mike Springirth. The show was edited by Loren Olson and was coordinated by Delphine Harriston.

“Montgomery County is known for its prosperity, so it is easy to forget that we have many residents who do not have enough money to pay for even their basic needs,” said Councilmember Floreen. “Some of those living in poverty lost their jobs in the recession while others find themselves trapped in low-wage jobs that don’t pay enough to cover the rent. These families live right here, and they need help—but they are not always easy to identify. That’s why I am so grateful to Susan Kenedy and her outstanding team for looking past the affluence and giving us a chance to see a growing part of life right here in Montgomery County. The Unseen Montgomery tells a very important story in a way that’s meaningful and thought-provoking. The team at CCM definitely deserves this award.”

CCM Show The Unseen Montgomery 1 of 3 County Winners at 3CMA National Awards

The concept for a cable television special show by Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen that evolved into the County Cable Montgomery episode of The Bottom Line: The Unseen Montgomery has been named the winner of a Savvy Award—first place nationally—by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA). The show was one of three from Montgomery County’s organization of public cable stations (PEG, representing Public/Education/Government) to win national recognition when the awards were announced at the 3CMA national conference on Sept. 5 in Scottsdale, Ari.

The Unseen Montgomery won first prize in the category of TV and Video—One-Time Special Programming (for jurisdictions with population: 100,000 and up). The original idea for the show came from Councilmember Floreen, who wanted to portray a side of the County that is often overlooked: residents who did not appear to need the help of available services, but through circumstances, could not financially keep up with their individual and family needs.

The show was produced and hosted by Susan Kenedy of County Cable Montgomery (CCM). The videographer was Mike Springirth. The show was edited by Loren Olson and was coordinated by Delphine Harriston.

“Montgomery County is known for its prosperity, so it is easy to forget that we have many residents who do not have enough money to pay for even their basic needs,” said Councilmember Floreen. “Some of those living in poverty lost their jobs in the recession while others find themselves trapped in low-wage jobs that don’t pay enough to cover the rent. These families live right here, and they need help—but they are not always easy to identify. That’s why I am so grateful to Susan Kenedy and her outstanding team for looking past the affluence and giving us a chance to see a growing part of life right here in Montgomery County. The Unseen Montgomery tells a very important story in a way that’s meaningful and thought-provoking. The team at CCM definitely deserves this award.”

The 3CMA independent judging panel said of the show: “A great way to focus on the issue. The video helped to cast a light on the new poor in our country. An interesting topic that kept the judging team engaged.”

In addition to airing on CCM, the show has been viewed more than a thousand times on various Internet outlets. It can be viewed on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xsFpQSPOg

The show County Report This Week, which is a collaboration of all members in the PEG organization, won the 3CMA Award of Excellence (third place nationally) in the category of TV and Video—Interview/Talk Show/News Programming. The weekly half-hour show highlights County news each week, particularly news not necessarily featured on commercial media.

Jurisdictions were allowed to enter one episode of a regular series for judging. The episode entered was hosted and produced by Ms. Kenedy. Joelle Modderman was the editor. Tracy O’Connor was the coordinating producer. Donna Keating was the executive producer. Ms. Kenedy hosted about half of the episodes over the past year and Lorna Virgili hosted the other half.

The 3CMA judging panel said of the show: “Effective collaborative effort. On-air talent, images and graphics very professional. Strong, newsworthy items make this production one to watch.”

The City of Rockville won a Silver Circle Award (second place nationally) in the category of Special Events/Recurring Event for jurisdictions with populations up to 76,000. The city’s entry was its campaign to promote Hometown Holidays, the city’s annual Memorial Day celebration.

The 3CMA judging panel said of the entry: “Solid event through and through . . . Teamwork and talent shine. Way to go with stretching dollars.”