“How We Got Here,” a series of videos published by MLive in August 2019, explores some of Michigan’s most pressing issues. Funded by the Google News Initiative, the six-episode collection was a significant commitment for all involved.

“MLive had never undertaken such an ambitious video project, so winning these Emmy awards is very gratifying,” said John Hiner, vice president of content for MLive Media Group. “We are used to doing substantive reporting and writing, but translating this into longer-form, informative, and entertaining video storytelling was a challenge. I knew we had the talented staff to do it, and it’s great to see their hard work pay off.”

The series was created by producer Kyle Mattson, field producer and script supervisor Lori Chapman, director of photography Jeremy Marble, and host Emily Bingham. The core production crew was backed up by the extensive research and scriptwriting of several MLive reporters and editors.  Together, this mighty team of journalists developed this impressive body of work, and our organization could not be prouder of the result of these efforts.

Two other episodes in the series were non-award winners, but offer similarly compelling content and viewing experiences.

MLive’s Mickey Ciokajlo and Garret Ellison were also a part of another Emmy® award-winning work. The two worked with Detroit Public Television’s Great Lakes Now team on “The Forever Chemicals,” which was awarded an Emmy® in the Health/Science category.