ST. LOUIS – Southern Illinois University’s student-produced series “alt.news 26:46″ was honored Saturday night with five Mid-America Emmy Awards.

The awards recognize outstanding achievement by individuals and programs broadcast during the 2008-2009 calendar year. They were presented at a black-tie dinner at the Renai-ssance Grand Hotel in St. Louis.

“Alt.news 26:46″ is a student-produced news magazine program. In its 11-year history, it has won more professional Emmy awards than any other student-produced program in the country.

The show has a major presence at the National College Television Awards, placing first the last two years against competition including Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism.

The program is broadcast on WSIU, but also was broadcast for a short period of time on WTTW, the Chicago PBS station, a first for a student-produced series.

Its broadcasts currently span five states and reach 1.3 million households. Episodes can also be viewed on the Web site, an2646.com.

The award winners:

Jay Carey of Carterville and Tom Lareau off Watseka, Magazine Program, “alt.news 26:46 Episode 1003.”

Dylan Damian of Carbon-dale, Promotion Single Image Promo Single Spot (non-news), “alt.news 26:46.”

Scott Blair of Deerfield, On-Camera Talent Performer/Host; “alt.news 26:46.”

Jay Carey of Carterville, Human Interest; “Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping.’

Kevin Rogers of Naperville, Specialty Program; “alt.news 26:46 10th Anniversary Special.”

Also nominated were:

Carey, Ats/Entertainment; “Calypso Tumblers”

Carey, Damian and Tom Lareau of Watseka and Tim Wilkerson of Crystal Lake; Graphic Arts Graphics Program/ News; “alt.news 26:46 Graphical Elements.”

Kevin Hill, executive producer at “alt.news 26:46,” said the group was very happy with the way the awards ceremony turned out and is proud of all of its members.

Hill also extended thanks to WSIU, the SIUC College of Mass Communications and Media Arts, Dean Gary Kolb and adviser Jan Thompson for their support over the past decade.

- Information for this report courtesy of Kevin Hill and John Elder of “alt.news26:46″

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