Arizona PBS receives two Public Media Awards from the National Educational Telecommunications Association

Digital series ‘What Happened in AZ?’ and ‘Super Why!’ Summer Reading Camps honored with Community Engagement awards

Arizona PBS, a community service of Arizona State University, has received two Public Media Awards from the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). The awards program, which is now in its 58th year, typically takes place in conjunction with NETA’s annual conference, which is taking place this week in New Orleans, LA.

Both of Arizona PBS’ accolades came in Community Engagement categories. The station’s digital series, “What Happened in AZ?” won in the National Project category as it was aligned with Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” documentary film, which premiered in November 2025. Additionally, Arizona PBS’ “Super Why!” Summer Reading Camps won in the Kids and Family category. 
 
“Although accolades are much appreciated, we do what we do at Arizona PBS to serve the people of Arizona,” said General Manager Scott Woelfel. “That said, I’m thrilled to see our talented team earn some recognition for their work and commitment.”
 
Exploring what was taking place in the Southwest while the American Revolution was happening in the original 13 colonies, “What Happened in AZ?” premiered in mid-November 2025 across Arizona PBS’ social media channels and other digital platforms. Across 35 segments, “What Happened in AZ?” examines the history of Arizona’s Indigenous peoples, the increasing Spanish influence felt throughout the Southwest during the late 18th century, and the geography and culture of the time. Watch “What Happened in AZ?” and learn more about this award-winning series.
 
Community partnerships played a critical role in the creation of “What Happened in AZ?” Among the partners that supported the project were Gila River Broadcasting Corporation, Heard Museum, Huhugam Heritage Center, Arizona Daughters of the American Revolution, Arizona Sons of American Revolution, KNAU Public Radio, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University and its Tribal Relations Office and the Office of Arizona Secretary of State and its America Arizona250 Commission.
 
Arizona PBS’ other award-winner at the 58th Annual Public Media Awards was its “Super Why!” Summer Reading Camps. A collaboration with local school districts and tribal communities located across the state, these camps are designed to equip incoming kindergarteners with important literacy skills.

The goal of these camps is to give children who reside in some of Arizona’s underserved communities with access to learning resources, ensuring they start kindergarten with the same foundational reading skills as their classmates. In 2025, more than 225 children attended 12 “Super Why!” camps at 10 different locations across the state.
 
These camps were made possible with support from Searle Wadley and Sue Hart-Wadley, Ann and Richard Carr, Mary Jo Helmick, Carol Schilling, First Things First Cocopah Tribal Council, Renee and Charles Levy, Jim and Barbara Ratcliff, Mark and Tricia Davis, Arizona Community Foundation and the Steele Foundation. Learn more about Arizona PBS’ “Super Why!” camps.
 
Visit NETA’s Annual Conference website to see a complete list of all 58th Annual Public Media Award winners.