June 15, 2026 — Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) has received top honors from the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) in a national awards competition recognizing the best work done by local public media outlets, including First Place in the Documentary category.

“Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience,” part of OPB’s “Oregon Experience” historical documentary series, received two 2026 PMJA Awards: First Place, Documentary and Second Place, Cross-Platform Storytelling. Produced by OPB’s Kami Horton and released online in November 2025, the film follows Klamath Tribes member Gabriann “Abby” Hall as she uncovers her family’s experiences at Native American boarding schools in Oregon. The award-winning production team included Bruce Barrow, Jenn Chávez, Jessie Sears and Arya Surowidjojo.

OPB visual journalist Eli Imadali received First Place, Video Storytelling for “Cellist Andrea Gonzalez Plays at Portland’s ICE Building.”

An April 2025 newscast by Lisa Wood, an announcer, producer and programming coordinator at OPB, received Second Place, Newscast. It featured reporting on the impact of federal funding cuts on local museums and nonprofits. Wood is the first person at OPB to receive an award in this category.

Steven Tonthat, a multimedia arts and culture producer who produces stories for OPB’s flagship arts program “Oregon Art Beat,” received Second Place, Arts Feature for “Beaverton Baker Blends Vietnamese and American Cultures to Create Artistic Cakes.”

“The PMJA Awards seek to highlight the essential role that public media plays in holding powerful institutions accountable, giving voice to marginalized communities and sparking important conversations,” said Jason Potts, OPB senior vice president and chief content officer. “To receive national recognition from our public media peers is a special honor, and we are thrilled to see OPB journalists being celebrated in this way.”

About the PMJA Awards

Every year, PMJA celebrates the outstanding work of journalists who inform, engage, and empower communities through their dedication and skill. At the heart of this recognition are four prestigious awards programs: the Annual Awards competition, the Leo C. Lee Award, the Editor of the Year and the Public Media New Voices Award. For more information about the PMJA Awards, visit pmja.org/awards.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/pressroom/opb-is-honored-with-five-national-awards-from-public-media-journalists-association/