Utah State University showcased its storytelling prowess at the 47th Annual Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy Awards, with two of its faculty members winning in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion News category. Professor Brian Champagne and Assistant Professor Erin Cox were recognized for their poignant exploration of Utah's low-rider communities and their impact on local teens.
Their winning piece began with a conversation about tacos, lowrider cars, and community needs, which evolved into an investigative journey into an often misunderstood culture. Cox and Champagne extensively researched and connected with individuals from the lowrider community, including Connie Medina, who attributed lowriding as life-saving. "Connie told us that lowriding saved her life and I knew we had to share her story in hopes of helping others," Cox said, as per USU Today.
Champagne's mastery behind the lens and Cox's reportorial acumen culminated in a televised feature by KSL 5 News that went through an intensive drafting process before it was finally aired. The duo's collaboration extended beyond their project as it reflected a broader mentorship narrative, with Cox being a former student of Champagne, underscoring a relationship transitioned from professor-student to professional colleague. "It always feels good to win, but to take home an award with my former professor and now colleague is as good as it gets," Cox reflected, as obtained by USU Today.
Apart from the faculty victories, USU's reach at the Emmys was further highlighted by the nominations and wins obtained by former students guided by the dedicated tutelage of Champagne. Among these were recognitions for Kelton Wells as a producer, and Nathaniel Gillis as a photographer, and nominations for Sarah Murphy and Jill Hodson in various news categories. These successes underscore Champagne's sentiment, "It just shows the quality and drive that Aggies bring to USU and the business." Cox's dual role as a reporter and producer also earned her a second nomination for her coverage of "Utah Voices: Diné Nation."
The awards speak not just to individual achievements but to USU's commitment to fostering talents that generate compelling and consequential journalism. Champagne, with over 20 years as a photographer in the field, along with Cox's six sturdy years as a multimedia journalist and reporter, both boast multiple Emmy awards and nominations, which underscore their combined expertise and dedication to their craft.
