Closed - Nominations will be announced May 20!
Eligibility Period
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Entry Deadline
January 30, 2026, 5:00pm (MT)
Late Entry Period
January 30, 5:01pm - February 6, 5:00pm (MT)
Additional fees apply
Emmy® Galas in Denver and Oklahoma City
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Nominations are coming!
STAY TUNED!
Nominations will be posted right here on May 20th along with our 2026 Class of Silver Circle Inductees!
Earlybird tickets to the gala will also go on sale that day for a short time only!
Nominations are here - Please scroll down
Congratulations 2026 Silver Circle Inductees
Silver Circle Honoree
Dave Aguilera
Dave Aguilera has been forecasting the weather in Colorado for nearly four decades, and more than three of those decades have been at KCNC CBS4 in Denver where he is now the chief meteorologist. When questions arise about the forecast, the most common response is, “Well, what does Dave say?”
An optimist by nature, Dave has a deep love for sharing science, especially with students. More than a decade ago, he launched weather visits to schools, inspiring curiosity and understanding among children. He has visited hundreds of schools across Colorado in his effort to foster young minds.
Dave is always ready to help and with a great attitude. He volunteers for organizations such as the Spina Bifida Association of Colorado, the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, and Shades of Blue, a nonprofit that helps children achieve their dreams of careers in aviation and aerospace. His generosity of spirit and steadfast dedication have left an indelible mark on the community he serves.
A Pueblo native, Dave can also whip up some mean green chile, giving him the bona fides when he says it’s “hot as jalapeños” during the summertime! Dave’s professionalism, expertise, and dedication to both viewers and colleagues exemplify the very best of broadcast meteorology.
Silver Circle Honoree
Dave Delozier
What makes Dave Delozier such an incredible journalist is that he is also an exceptional human being, who truly cares about the people he meets. He is a mentor and a teacher and an innovator in the broadcast television news industry.
Dave started his long and storied career in 1974 at WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He has worked in the Heartland region for 34 years; 31 of them at KUSA-TV in Denver, Colorado where he was a video journalist and reporter. He embodies the ability to adapt in an ever-evolving industry. He was the first in the newsroom to transition into the role of solo journalist and quickly became one of the best storytellers in the news department. He has taught reporter and photojournalism seminars for various universities and the National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA) among others, and has worked to mentor and develop storytelling skills in the next generation of journalists.
Dave has a natural curiosity and volunteers with organizations such as Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center which cares for orphaned, injured and sick wildlife. He also coached for the Boulder Valley Hockey Association, embodying the best qualities of a mentor: steady leadership, compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to helping young people grow not just as athletes, but as human beings. Friends say that Dave has never sought, and would never seek, recognition such as being inducted into the Silver Circle, which is precisely why he deserves to be included. He is talented, kind, generous and humble. In short, he represents the best of us.
Silver Circle Honoree
Jeremy Hubbard
As Jeremy Hubbard marks 30 years in the television broadcast industry, he does so not only as the evening news anchor at KDVR FOX31 in Denver, but as an ambassador to the industry and as a mentor and role model with a commitment to community service.
Friends and colleagues describe Jeremy as “humble, kind, compassionate, and generous,” adding "what truly sets Jeremy apart is the way he treats the people he works with.”
Jeremy started his television career as a reporter for KWCH News 12 in Wichita, Kansas before moving to the anchor desk at KMBC in Kansas City. He joined KDVR FOX31 in 2004 and was later tapped by ABC News in New York as a national correspondent and anchor. While he relished the opportunity to tell inspiring stories to a national audience for four years, he jumped at the opportunity to return to FOX31 and to serve the community in Colorado. He has dedicated the last 15 years sharing the important and touching stories that shape our lives.
Jeremy devotes time mentoring the next generation of journalists, inspiring young reporters to write profound and moving stories that reflect the community. He instills a standard of excellence and tells them to have the courage to report the truth. In 2012, Jeremy and his wife, Taunia, started the Jeremy Hubbard and Taunia Hottman Scholarship in Communication at Wichita State University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1996.
Jeremy is an industry ambassador, serving as president of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Heartland Chapter. He continues to volunteer with NATAS on a national level as a member of the Board of Directors. Jeremy also volunteers for organizations like the Salvation Army and The Greatest Generations Foundation. His humanitarian efforts extend beyond our local community, and include a recent trip to dig freshwater wells in Malawi in Africa. Jeremy enjoys meeting people and has visited more than 80 countries and all 50 states, and on those journeys he manages to find Colorado connections to later share with viewers. It’s that genuine curiosity and engagement that define his storytelling and his remarkable career as a journalist.
Silver Circle Honoree
Sharon Levy Freed
For more than 40 years, Sharon Levy Freed has been a talented storyteller, photojournalist, writer, editor, producer, educator, and leader. Friends will say she is far more than that. She is kind and caring, a mentor to anybody who needs one, and a teacher whose decades of impact are immeasurable. One colleague said, “She would never expect to receive this recognition because she would never put herself first and I feel this alone makes her an outstanding candidate. She has touched the lives of many people on both sides of the camera in a very positive and honest manner.”
Sharon started her career as a full-time videotape editor in 1980 at what was then KBTV-9News in Denver while she was still in college. She got her first job as a television news photojournalist in 1983 at KAKE-TV in Wichita, Kansas, in a time when female photographers were a rarity. She was a pioneering photojournalist who broke barriers and became an accomplished news photographer. She would go on to work at KCNC-CBS4 in Denver. Sharon has also spent more than four decades teaching and leading at the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) News Video Workshop, both as an educator and as its long-time executive director.
On a personal note, Sharon is known for her home-baked M&M cookies, which she’d give to co-workers, friends and even strangers, a loving way to say “I’m here for you and ready to support you in whatever you need.” Sharon brings professionalism, expertise, and a rare kind of human warmth, leaving people better than before they met her. She has a way of making people feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they realize.
Silver Circle Honoree
Kathy Sabine
Kathy Sabine is the chief meteorologist at KUSA-TV 9News in Denver, Colorado. She has a true passion for weather which comes through in the forecasts she delivers to her viewers. She cares deeply about the Colorado community, whether sharing that it’s sunny and 60 or providing urgent weather information when time is of the essence. Kathy is there, and she is tireless. Her calm voice, explaining breaking weather news, has guided people through tornadoes, hailstorms, floods, snow, and windstorms, often getting them to shelter and saving lives.
Kathy got her start in television news at KSBY in San Luis Obispo, California in 1986. She joined KUSA-TV 9News in Denver, Colorado in 1993, and has also been featured on NBC’s Today Show.
Kathy is proud to be a foundation board member of Teen With A Dream, a youth cancer organization and as a volunteer committee member for The Skin Cancer Foundation. In 2022, she shared her own journey with skin cancer treatment and recovery to raise awareness and to destigmatize skin cancer.
Kathy is also a true animal advocate, volunteering with Humane Colorado, Zuma’s Rescue Ranch, Colorado Horse Rescue, Colorado Horsecare Foodbank, Denkai Sanctuary, and the Cat Care Society. She even helped find adoptive families for six feral barn cats to give them safe and secure homes.
Kathy’s professionalism and her years of service reflect the very best of community leadership, charitable impact, and public education.
Silver Circle Honoree
Corky Scholl
Corky Scholl was an accomplished and beloved photojournalist and storyteller. He loved sharing the stories that are so easily overlooked or forgotten about, like the vanishing signs of Denver. It became his passion project to save the signs, from the historic Oriental and Federal Theaters to the Cameron Motel on Colfax Avenue and the old Chapultepec. In an ever changing city, Corky helped the community remember its rich history by founding the Save the Signs movement.
Corky believed in people. He believed that stories mattered even when they weren’t trending or convenient. Corky was a man with earnestness, integrity, calm, and kindness in every interaction. He had a rare ability to make people feel comfortable, seen, and worthy of being heard. He never rushed the story and he never treated it as disposable content.
Corky got his start in broadcast television at Cable 12 News in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota in 1999. He worked for more than two decades at KUSA-TV in Denver, Colorado. Corky’s work as a storyteller has left a lasting imprint not only on the industry, but on the lives of countless people; people whose stories mattered because Corky cared enough to tell them.
When Corky passed away last year, it left a void in our broadcast television community, a legacy of television work that is among the best in video journalism. More than anything, Corky was a good person. He was nice, kind, caring and humble. He exemplified the very ideals of the Silver Circle: excellence in craft, integrity in journalism, and a lifelong commitment to serving the public with humanity and respect.
Silver Circle Honoree
Shawn Wittrock
Shawn Wittrock is the assistant news director at KJRH in Tulsa, Oklahoma. But far beyond the job title, he is a mentor, a steady presence, and someone who helps define the culture of the newsroom, treating every individual with respect and kindness, regardless of their role or rank. He is a modest man; his is the work of a life well-lived, a career to be emulated and celebrated. He is the lynchpin any newsroom would fall apart without, and yet he would be the first to pivot all attention away from himself. He is the consummate team player, celebrating the contributions of all and lifting up those who are growing in their skills. He is a natural leader who is not reluctant to take on a new challenge and is committed to providing high-quality, informative news reporting to the Tulsa community.
Shawn got his start in broadcast news as a video editor at KOTV in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1994. He has worked as a content manager, newscast producer and executive producer, before taking on his current position as assistant news director. He has produced and/or planned coverage of almost every major news event in Tulsa over more than two decades. He has been in the control room for coverage of tornadoes, wildfires, elections, presidential visits, and more. He is well-known for his professional, measured demeanor, no matter the situation.
As one colleague put it, it’s hard to explain Shawn’s combination of playful good spirits (there was lots of singing!), deep intelligence and fierce integrity. Shawn is a truth teller and working with him raised the level of professionalism of our entire newsroom. Countless careers have been shaped by his dedication and example. Shawn’s leadership, service, mentorship, and humanity reflect the very best of our industry.
Congratulations to all our Nominees!
All publicity, advertising or any written reference undertaken by Emmy® recipients must clearly state that the nomination was given for a Regional or Heartland Emmy® Award.
The word “Regional” or "Heartland" must appear in these instances.
Categories with no nominations
ALL entries were sent out for judging and were judged by at least seven (7) judges in a minimum of four (4) different regions. The conclusion of the judges at the end of this process was that none of the entries in the following categories rose to the level of Emmy® worthiness, and therefore there are no nominations.
English Categories:
103-Sports Excellence
203-Daytime Newscast - (11am-5pm) - Markets 1-45
204-Daytime Newscast - (11am-5pm) - Markets 46+
222-Crime/Justice - News (single shift)
224-Diversity/Equity/Inclusion - News (single shift)
226-Education/Schools - News (single shift)
236-Societal Concerns - News (single shift)
421-Politics/Government - Short Form/Long Form Content
506-Promotion – Non-News - Program Promotion (Single Spot)
Spanish* Categories
203 Daytime Newscast - (11am-5pm) - Markets 1-45
204 Daytime Newscast - (11am-5pm) - Markets 46+
206-Evening Newscast - Markets 46+
207-News Special
208-Daily News Report (single shift)
211-Spot News
216-News Feature - Light Feature (Single Report)
224-Diversity/Equity/Inclusion - News (single shift)
226-Education/Schools - News (single shift)
227-Education/Schools - News (no production time limit)
228-Environment/Science - News (no production time limit)
230-Health/Medical - News (no production time limit)
236-Societal Concerns - News (single shift)
237-Societal Concerns - News (no production time limit)
238-Weather - News (single shift)
306-Sports - One Time Special
404-Magazine Program - Single Program or Series
405-Public Affairs Program - Single Program or Series
406-Special Event Coverage - Live
407-Entertainment
408-Lifestyle/Informational/Instructional
409-Interview/Discussion
410-Arts/Entertainment - Short Form Content
501-Public Service Announcement - Single Spot
504-Commercial - Single Spot
505-News Promotion - Campaign
506-Non-News Promotion - Single Spot
507-Sports Promotion - Single Spot
601-News Anchor
604-Daily News Reporter
606-Live Reporter
609-Program Host/Moderator/Correspondent
610-Live News Producer
619-Multimedia Journalist
*Spanish entries are judged separately from English entries by Spanish-speaking judges and therefore the scores are not merged, creating essentially and English and a Spanish contest.
Tickets
Tickets for the Heartland Emmy® Galas are now on sale on your member dashboard.
Early bird prices are in effect May 20 - May 26, 2026 and are $190/person in Denver and $170/person in OKC.
Regular prices begin on May 27 and last through July 4.
Denver prices are $200/member and $250/non-member. A VIP table of 10 is $2,750 (Denver only).
OKC prices are $180/member and $210/non-member.
***If you are a nominee and want your statue at the show if you win, you must purchase your ticket by June 6!***
Emmy® Awards Gala Sponsorship
$3,500 — Student Scholarship Program Sponsors
Heartland Emmy® Sponsorship Opportunities
$500 — Digital Program Ad Opportunities
- Full Page digital Ad
$5,000 — Silver Level Sponsorship
- Reserved table for ten at Emmy® Gala.
- One full page ad in Gala Program.
- Logo identification: logo and promotional items displayed during Gala party.
- Opportunity for 1 min video commercial play back before Gala.
- Online exposure or link on NATAS website. Pre and post Gala social media mentions.
$10,000 — Gold Level Sponsorship
- Reserved table for ten at Emmy® Gala.
- One full page ad in Gala Program.
- Naming Opportunity "sponsored in part by" mention in voice overs, gala program, and on-screen during show.
- Logo identification: logo and promotional items displayed during Gala party.
- Opportunity for 1 min video commercial play back before Gala.
- Opportunity for product placement distribution at Gala (No food or alcohol).
- Online exposure or link on NATAS website. Pre and post Gala social media mentions.
$25,000 — Platinum Level Sponsorship
- Sponsor Naming Rights: The 38th Annual Heartland Emmy® Awards Gala Presented by your Company.
- Opportunity for 1 minute video commercial play back before and after show.
- Full Page Digital Ad in Gala program.
- Ads on tables along with QR code to program and link to your website.
- Your Logo on Step and Repeat.
- Thank you Announced from podium during awards Gala.
- Table of 10 at Emmy® Gala.
- After party toast.
- Special Sponsor Named drink served at bar.
- 1 minute interview on Red Carpet.
- Social media ads from (May, June, July) at least 3. Brought to you by... etc.
- Opportunity for product placement distribution at Gala (No food or alcohol).
- Sponsor Link on NATAS website.
- Pre and post Gala social media mentions.
Nominations for Gold and Silver Circle Inductees for this year are closed, but think about who you'd like to nominate for next year!
Questions?
Contact the Office
We're here to help anytime!
· Call us at 303-722-0916. Make sure to leave a message if we don't answer. We return calls as soon as possible!
· Email us at office@emmyawards.tv
Watch the 2025 Heartland EMMY® Show via the EMMYS® app:
Statues not received at the show will be delivered directly from the manufacturer to the address that was submitted with the entry by Thursday, July 31.
How to Promote Your Emmy® Award
All publicity, advertising or any written reference undertaken by Emmy® recipients must clearly state that the statue was given for a Regional or Heartland Emmy® Award.
The word “Regional” or "Heartland" must appear in these instances.
Please use this graphic when promoting your accomplishment and use #HeartlandEmmy to tag us on social media!