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OsiyoTV Wins A Top Honor At Public Media Awards

Cherokee Nation’s popular docuseries recognized as Best Independent Production

TULSA, Okla. — The National Educational Telecommunications Association recently honored Cherokee Nation’s popular docuseries, “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People,” during the 55th Annual Public Media Awards.

The tribe’s cultural series, which is often referred to as OsiyoTV, earned a top honor in the Independent Production category. Though the show ranks among the most awarded Indigenous-run series in the industry, this marks its first Public Media Award.

“We are incredibly honored to see OsiyoTV and its impactful stories of the Cherokee people be recognized on a national scale among the many high-quality productions that find distribution on public television,” said Jennifer Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film. “We’re thankful to continue finding partners, such as NETA, that share our enthusiasm to add diversity and increase Native representation across film, TV and all media.”

The Public Media Awards, presented by NETA, honor the highest caliber of community engagement, content, education, and marketing and communications in public media programming. Awards are judged by a group of expert panelists from within the public media system, as well as industry professionals working outside of public media.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and award winners,” said NETA President Eric Hyyppa. “This year the entries were exemplary, showcasing the best of the best from across the public media system.”

Since premiering in 2015, “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People” has vibrantly featured hundreds of Cherokees from both past and present. The first-of-its-kind series, hosted and executive produced by Cherokee Nation citizen, filmmaker and Emmy-winning journalist Jennifer Loren, is breaking barriers and helping change how Native Americans are represented by bringing the rich traditions and compelling modern stories of the Cherokee people to viewers across the globe.

OsiyoTV is available on PBS in Oklahoma and Arkansas and regionally in Tulsa on RSU-TV, as well as on FNX, an all-Native programming network in 25 national markets. The show, which is funded and produced by Cherokee Nation Businesses, is formatted for multiple platforms, including osiyo.tv, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitterand more.

Editor’s Note: All media assets, including video from the 55th Annual Public Media Awards, are available for download HERE.

Photo Cutline: Cherokee Nation’s popular docuseries, OsiyoTV, was recently honored as Best Independent Producer during the 55th Annual Public Media Awards Gala held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

(L to R): Cherokee Film’s Tim Rogers, postproduction manager; Maggie Cunningham, senior manager of film and video production; Jennifer Loren, senior director; and Colby Luper, production specialist.

About Cherokee Film

The mission of Cherokee Film is to reclaim Cherokee and Native narratives by increasing representation across film and media while creating an ecosystem that supports production and drives economic activity in the Cherokee Nation.

Cherokee Film is owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses, the board-governed holding company of the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. One-hundred percent of the company’s profits support future business investments and the well-being of the tribe’s citizens through health care, education and job creation, ensuring better lives for Cherokees today and tomorrow.

For more information, please visit Cherokee.film or follow Cherokee Film on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.

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Media Contact

Whitney Dittman

Whitney.Dittman@cnbglobal.com

918.729.4495

Michael Musante

Film & TV Finance and Development Executive

Michael is the executive in charge of film and TV finance and development at Cherokee Film. Prior to that, he was vice president of film production and acquisitions at American Zoetrope for more than seven years and a co-founder, along with Roman Coppola, of The Decentralized Pictures Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting independent filmmaking and filmmakers from underserved and underrepresented communities. He continues to serve on its board. He is an attorney, admitted to practice in New York and North Carolina, and received his Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2001. He practiced law for 10 years before becoming a full-time creative film producer. He has worked closely with such accomplished filmmakers as Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola, Gia Coppola, Ted Kotcheff, Martha Coolidge, Fred Roos and Richard Chew before and during his time at American Zoetrope. During his tenure at American Zoetrope, he oversaw the development and production of several feature films: Gia Coppola’s “Mainstream,” starring Andrew Garfield, Maya Hawke, Nat Wolff and Jason Schwartzman; “Fairyland,” starring Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy; as well as the production of “The Outsiders” musical, which debuted on Broadway at the Bernard Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024.

Todd Roberts

Soundstage Manager

Todd Roberts serves Cherokee Film as soundstage manager. He has more than 35 years of experience as a photographer and filmmaker. He is multi-passionate in skills and subject matter. He’s created more than 400 episodes of documentary-style television shows (“Doomsday Preppers,” “Man vs. Food Nation,” “Safari Hunter’s Journal,” “House Hunters International” and more) produced in 22 countries and airing nationally. Todd’s commercial films have served his clients well (American Express, Audi, Freightliner Trucks, Volkswagen, United Way, Walmart and many more). Todd’s productions have received numerous accolades (Addy Awards, Communicator Awards, Flame Awards, ITVA Awards, Summit Awards, Telly Awards, as well as awards from film festivals). While his skills and interests are broad, Todd’s overarching theme is the art of storytelling.

Maggie Cunningham

Pawnee Nation

Film Commissioner

Maggie Cunningham (Pawnee Nation) is a Regional Emmy-winning producer and the Cherokee Film Commissioner. Before joining the OsiyoTV team, Maggie worked in the museum and cultural heritage field. Her previous roles included positions as an archivist and tribal NAGPRA coordinator. She also spent time as a project manager for several Native-owned consultation and media production firms. She saw firsthand the impact an Indigenous narrative can have on a community during her time researching at Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of Aotearoa (New Zealand). She continued to cultivate this focus in her years of cultural heritage work and storytelling. Her experience working within Native communities here in Oklahoma has only solidified her drive to tell authentic Native-led stories with the power and impact of film. Maggie holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in studio art and Native American studies. She earned her Master of Arts from New York University. Maggie resides in Tulsa with her family.

Hannah Roark

Cherokee Nation

Film & TV Development Specialist

Hannah Roark holds a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts and graduated with highest distinction from the University of Kansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in English. She joined the Cherokee Film team in July 2022. Her prior film production experience includes work as an office production assistant, director’s assistant, production coordinator and associate producer. When she’s not at work, Hannah is writing screenplays, TV pilots, or collaborating in writers’ groups. She believes that every good story can be a great one.

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