WGCU has received two 2025 Suncoast Emmy Awards for television work that lifts local voices and examines issues that shape life in Southwest Florida, even as the station manages budget cuts and rising costs.
WGCU was honored in the Public Affairs Program Single Program category for “Southwest Florida In Focus.” The award recognizes host Sandra Viktorova and producer Edward Byrne for reporting that helps viewers better understand the people, places and decisions that affect the region.
The station also received a Suncoast Emmy in the Diversity Equity Inclusion Short Form Content Up to 10 Minutes category for “Reflections of a Colored Girl.” The short film, produced by David Oquendo and Tara Wyrofsky, features Dr. Martha Bireda as she reflects on media labels placed on Black women and on the women in her life who helped her reject stereotypes and shape her own belief system. Now in her 80s, Bireda often marks “other” when asked to choose a race category and describes herself as part of the global majority.
“WGCU Emmy wins were great affirmation of the work we do in service to this community and the expansion plans we have for 'In Focus' as a daily program coming in the winter and our new slate of documentaries catapulted by the impact of 'Reflections of a Colored Girl,'” said Corey S. Lewis, general manager of WGCU.
Station leaders note that these honors come at a time when WGCU has reduced spending while working to protect local journalism and storytelling. The station has focused its resources on work that gives context to local issues, reflects the diversity of Southwest Florida and documents stories that might otherwise go untold.
As public funding and other revenue sources tighten, WGCU relies more on local support to continue this work. Listeners and viewers who wish to help sustain in depth reporting and local storytelling may make a gift at wgcu.org/donatenow or click on the red "donate" button on this page.
WGCU continues to expand reporting and storytelling on television, radio and digital platforms, with a focus on accuracy, civility and service to the public. The station plans to build on the success of these Emmy-recognized projects by developing more local programs that reflect the full range of communities in Southwest Florida.
For more information about WGCU programming or to view the award-winning work, visit wgcu.org.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
