Experiential learning leads UCM students to international television awards

Published 12:15 am Friday, October 23, 2026

KMOS-PBS, the PBS station licensed to the University of Central Missouri (UCM), received four Telly Awards honoring excellence in locally produced content created by its student producers.

Since 1979, the Telly Awards have showcased the best work created in television and across video for all screens. The organization reported nearly 14,000 entries this season from creators, brands and production companies spanning 55 countries.

“Taking Off: A Missile Kids Tour,” produced by Rudy Potocnik and Brady Rowland, follows emo-punk and alternative rock band The Missile Kids as they go on tour through Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. It earned a Silver People’s Telly Award in the General-Online Series, Shows & Segments category and a Bronze Telly in the General-Documentary Individual category.

“The Purpose of Pain: Body Modification in Missouri,” produced by Izayah Townley and Jadyn Romeo, is an hour-long documentary featuring an anthropology professor, a suspension artist, and a tattooed mother as they discuss the history, community and beauty of body modifications, including tattoos and piercings. It earned a Silver People’s Telly Award in the General-Online Series, Shows & Segments category and a Bronze Telly in the General-Documentary Individual category.

“We are excited to once again have the students working at KMOS recognized for the great documentary work they do,” General Manager Josh Tomlinson said. “As a real-world learning lab for students at UCM, KMOS provides a unique opportunity for our students. The success of these efforts is apparent when the students receive recognition in these professional awards.”

Release courtesy of the University of Central Missouri.