The Edward R. Murrow Awards are known for celebrating “excellence in journalism.” The famous broadcaster was known for his eloquence in storytelling. His legacy carries on with these awards, for stories brought to life in high-quality production.

“Jeremiah,” Alabama Public Television’s (APT) original documentary, upholds the Murrow standards and is this year’s winner of the Best News Documentary in a major market.

“Jeremiah” is an epic tale of heroism and faith. It centers on U.S. fighter pilot, Jeremiah Denton, his journey through imprisonment in North Vietnam after being shot down during the Vietnam War. Denton returned to America intent on bettering his country his was after eight years of being tortured as a prisoner of war.

“Producer, Mark Fastoso, did an amazing job of not only capturing Denton’s personal battle with the physical and mental abuse inflicted on him, but the compelling story of his wife and children back home in dealing with his absence and their deep fears about him,” said Roy Clem, APT executive director.

Jeremiah Denton

Producer Mark Fastoso, left, and Roy Clem, executive director of Alabama Public Television, with the Southeast Regional Emmy Award for “Jeremiah.” (contributed)

“Jeremiah” producer Mark Fastoso accepts the Southeast Regional Emmy Award for his documentary. (contributed)

Roy Clem of Alabama Public Television at the NAB Education Foundation STA Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., on June 21 (photo by Rick Reinhard)

A screen capture from the “Jeremiah” documentary. (contributed)

A screen capture from the “Jeremiah” documentary. (contributed)

A screen capture from the “Jeremiah” documentary. (contributed)

A screen capture from the “Jeremiah” documentary. (contributed)

A screen capture from the “Jeremiah” documentary. (contributed)

Former POW and U.S. Navy CPT Jeremiah Andrew Denton (Captured July 18, 1965) stands at the microphones and talks to the crowd of well wishers and press upon his arrival on the C-141 Starlifter from Clark Air Base, Philippines. CPT Denton was in the first group of POWs released by the North Vietnamese government in Hanoi. (contributed)

Denton’s faith, strength and resilience helped him through those dark years as a POW. He was heralded as the “hero among the heroes” for providing guidance and strength to others struggling to survive in the prison camps. After his return, Denton became Alabama’s first popularly elected Republican U.S. senator.

“I’m so proud of what Mark and his team were able to accomplish, and clearly the judges for the Alabama Broadcasters Association, and the Southeast Regional Emmy Awards, and the regional and national Edward R. Murrow Awards, were all as moved by the film as we were,” said Clem.

APT wants to shine a light on Alabama stories that deserve to be told and preserved, Clem said.

“We’re proud to share stories like ‘Jeremiah’ with everyone in Alabama. There are so many amazing people in this state whose stories need to be told, so many great achievements that haven’t been talked about. We’re trying to change that. We’re going to change that,” said Clem.

“Jeremiah” can be watched in its entirety below.

JEREMIAH from Alabama Public Television on Vimeo.