Central Washington University has won two Emmy Awards last summer from the Northwest Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences for the popular geological sciences program Nick on the Rocks. The show—which aired on PBS through last year and is still available on YouTube—was recognized for the “Teanaway Tropics” episode in the category Environment/Science, and for the episode “Saddle Mountains Buried in Ash” in the category Informational/Instructional. The awards went to Chris Smart, Producer/Photographer/Editor; Linda Schactler, Executive Producer; and Nick Zentner, Host/Writer in recognition of excellence in broadcast for programs that aired in 2020.
Nick on the Rocks highlights the geological history of the Pacific Northwest and presents it in accessible, evocative five-minute videos, hosted by Zentner with Smart providing videography and editing. Zentner has produced scores of short YouTube videos that showcase all aspects of Pacific Northwest geology. His vivid and funny story telling has brought the excitement of massive landslides, cataclysmic floods, and giant lava flows to live audiences throughout the West Coast.
Schactler created the series concept at a time when public television stations were searching for short-form video for broadcast as well as online content. Zentner’s extensive experience with the short form, Smart’s video expertise, and the stunning geological formations of Washington created the formula for the popular series. “We wanted a way to reach more people about the wonder of our natural history and the rich quality of CWU’s teaching and learning,” said Schactler.
Said Smart, “We’ve worked hard to create a focused concept for each show and to bring enhanced production approaches when needed,” who also noted that working with Nick while capturing video of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest has been an exhilarating experience. “Nick is an excellent educator. In just the quick five-minute episodes, he transports viewers millions of years to dramatic geological events that happened right here in our backyard,” he added.
More information on the awards is available at www.natasnw.org. For more information or to donate to support Nick on the Rocks, visit cwu.edu/nick. See all episodes of Nick on the Rocks at https://www.kcts9.org/show/nick-rocks/episodes.