September 16, 2009

CableFAX 2009 Program Awards: Best Host Educational/Instructional

WINNER: PAUL LISNEK, POLITICAL UPDATE WITH PAUL LISNEK, COMCAST CN100, CHICAGO

If you could create the prototypical host for an educational television program, you might come up with Paul Lisnek, the veteran talent of CN100’s weekly Political Update. Paul’s not only a lawyer and an author, he also holds a PhD in communications and is an expert on ethics, which makes him particularly useful when discussing Chicago politics. But while Lisnek is steeped in academia and his knowledge is extensive, his style is direct. He speaks in a way that anyone can understand and he tackles issues important to a wide range of citizens. That’s why viewers last year were as likely to see him interviewing then-Sen. Barack Obama and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a bevy of state and local politicians.

Honorable Mentions:

Lisa Aprati, Inside Comcast, Comcast CN100 Chicago: Nothing illustrates the adage that "all cable is local" better than anchor/producer Lisa Aprati and the team at Inside Comcast, the magazine show that highlights new Comcast products and also touts Comcast-supported events in the community.

Lynn Doyle, It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle, Comcast CN8, Philadelphia: It’s a tribute to Lynn Doyle and her CN8 team that her weekly call-in show can run the gamut of topics, from quarterback Brett Favre’s (first) un-retirement and a couple that dared to have sex for 101 consecutive days to breast cancer and polygamy.

Pat and Linda Parelli, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, RFD-TV: Never heard of natural horsemanship? That’s OK. After just a few minutes watching Pat and Linda Parelli, you realize the term, which Pat coined, revolves around the couple’s respect and love for these graceful animals.

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