South Carolina ETV’s Renee Layson wins Gracie Award for Director of “SCETV Safe Space”

Press Release

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) has announced the winners of the 48th Annual Gracie Awards, including the recognition of South Carolina ETV ad Public Radio’s (SCETV) Renee Layson as winner of the Local Television Director category for SCETV Safe Space.

The Gracies recognize outstanding programming and individual achievement created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media in news and entertainment. This year’s theme, “Storytelling,” highlights and celebrates the narratives shared by the winners, which not only inform, inspire and captivate audiences, but also enrich the collective comprehension of the world. The AWMF is committed to shining a spotlight on women directors and the crucial role that women play in molding the stories seen on screen.

SCETV’s Renee Layson was named as the winner of the of the Local Television Director category for her role in directing SCETV Safe Space. SCETV Safe Space aired in Fall 2022 to highlight mental health and suicide prevention strategies. With additional efforts from Producer Aimee Crouch, the conversational style program brought together teens and professionals to discuss issues facing South Carolina’s youth during a live broadcast on ETV. Guest host Whitney Sullivan of WLTX News 19 facilitated a conversation with teens and professionals, including a representative from NAMI Mid-Carolina, NAMI Piedmont, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and a local school psychologist.

SCETV Safe Space is part of a larger agency-led initiative to increase conversations around difficult topics for teenage audiences. SCETV Social Media Manager Raven Favor and Brand Development Manager Desiree Cheeks were both integral members of the initiative, leading the effort to bring SCETV Safe Space to audiences on-air and online. The initiative included the live broadcast, community town halls and a social media campaign aimed at highlighting resources for teens around mental health and suicide prevention strategies. For more information on the SCETV Safe Space Initiative, visit scetv.org/safespace.

Layson has worked in television production for 37 years, beginning her career in public media as an intern for SCETV. She received her BA in Journalism from the University of South Carolina and continues to support her alma mater through work with Gamecock Live productions to present college sports for SEC+, the SEC Network, ESPN+ and ESPN. Layson has received numerous award nominations and wins including: seven Southeast Regional EMMY nominations and four Southeast Regional EMMY wins, an award from the National Educational Telecommunications Association for Instructional Media, numerous Telly awards and an honor from the Palmetto Center for Women.

National Gracie Awards winners will be honored at a gala event on May 23 at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in LA. The local and student award-winners will be recognized at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 20 at Cipriani in NYC.

The Gracies are named after the late Gracie Allen. Gracie Allen was an important figure for women in media as she challenged the gender norms of her time by being a successful comedian and businesswoman. Her humor and wit paved the way for other women in the entertainment industry and she remains an inspiration to this day. For more information on a complete list of award recipients and honorable mentions, visit allwomeninmedia.org.

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