Homework Express on their way to the Emmys

Youngstown State University’s Homework Express has been nominated for the 2013 Emmy Award in the “Children/ Youth Program/ Special” category.

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has presented the award for the last 44 years.

Homework Express is a live, call-in homework-help television show aired from YSU’s Bliss Hall Studios. YSU students produce the show that is viewed by more than a million households throughout northeast Ohio.

Jeff Hogan, a junior telecommunications major, produced the nominated show on Dec. 6.

“It was the same routine as any other show,” Hogan said. “The crew came prepared and ready to work hard until 5 o’clock when we went off the air.”

Hogan said the airing of the show went smooth because the show contained a lot of content. The show consisted of a live interview with students of the master’s program at YSU that are specializing in counseling about bullying and a segment on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor on top of numerous calls received for homework help.

“The show felt so right since the early stages of producing. After we faded to black, everyone clapped,” Hogan said. “It truly was a flawless show.”

This is the third time Homework Express has been nominated twice for a NATAS Emmy award.

Fred Owens, project director of Homework Express, explained how the crew achieves such success.

“See, it is simple for us because Homework Express is not a one-time show. The show is aired twice a week, so we always have to create the best show,” Owens said. “And we are used to doing that.”

Owens compared their preparation to a race.

“You drive around a racetrack over and over. Someone pulls up and says, ‘Let’s race. You will win.’ That is like our show, we are used to it,” Owens said.

The Emmy Nomination banquet is this Saturday at Windows on the River in downtown Cleveland.

“It would be an honor to leave the banquet with an Emmy,” Hogan said.