Family Theater Productions
News - Article
Classic Radio drama receives Gabriel Award
Ken Burns gets Personal Achievement honor in memory of Father Peyton
June 30, 2010
Family Theater Productions received its 15th Gabriel Award at the 45th annual Gabriel Awards ceremony held June 3 at the Catholic Media Convention in New Orleans. The award was for Substitute Santa, a re-mastered, digitized and re-released Classic Radio drama, in the Radio, Religious, National Release category.;)
The awards are presented by the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals, and are sought after by TV and radio networks and independent and studio producers. NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation were among winners this year.
Substitute Santa, which was first aired on December 11, 1947 on the Mutual Broadcasting System, is hosted by Ray Milland and stars Frank McHugh and James Burk. It’s the story of a department store manager who faces a hectic Christmas and finds a way to make it a happy occasion in spite of several major obstacles.
More than 150 Classic Radio programs are being broadcast by stations across the country. A new set of 52 programs are being offered to radio stations every other year.
;)
Also at the ceremony, the Gabriel Award for Personal Achievement was presented “in memory of Servant of God Father Patrick Peyton, CSC” to acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns. Unable to attend, Mr. Burns accepted the award via a recorded video message.
Mr. Burns' films have been featured on public television (PBS-affiliates) stations over the years. They include The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, Mark Twain, Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue of Liberty and The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.
“Ken Burns is to the American documentary what Abraham Lincoln is to the American presidency – simply the best,” said Father Willy Raymond, CSC, National Director of Family Theater Productions, as he co-presented the award.
The award recipient is selected by the Catholic Academy’s Board of Directors and presented to a distinguished individual whose body of work nourishes and uplifts the human spirit. Family Theater Productions has sponsored the award for the last 15 years in honor of Father Peyton.
Behind the Scenes
08/12/10 - Father Willy Raymond, CSC, National Director of Family Theater Productions, is shown with the new Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles, Archbishop José Gomez, after a recent Mass for Legatus. Father Raymond is the founding chaplain of the Hollywood Chapter of Legatus, an organization for Catholic presidents and CEOs. Archbishop Gomez will succeed Cardinal Roger Mahony when he retires next year. »