BEK TV Chosen Best of Best for Third Consecutive Year
Since its inception in 2006, BEK TV has paved the way as the region's premier broadcaster, notably covering hundreds of live high school and collegiate athletic events each year. Then in late 2020, BEK began producing a series of news and opinion shows. To date, BEK TV continues to be the top producer in the region of both sports and news programming, and it only continues to grow.
Last year, the network made a significant stride in expanding its reach by acquiring KNGF, a station based in Eastern North Dakota. BEK TV now broadcasts its diverse programming 24/7, reaching eager viewers not just in North Dakota but also in Western Minnesota. Notably, this makes BEK TV the sole North Dakota-owned station boasting comprehensive statewide coverage.
The past year also saw BEK TV double down on its news programming. To begin with, the network produced two extensive series. The first was called "China Conquest: Inside Job" and consisted of more than 30 special reports. This series delved deep into the grassroots movement opposing the potential establishment of a Chinese-owned plant near the Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Then in May, the station began a series called "Capturing America's Heartland: CO2 Pipeline". It illuminates the issues surrounding a proposed CO2 pipeline near Bismarck. Through its rigorous coverage, BEK TV ensured that community members had a platform to voice their concerns and were well-informed about the developments of both projects.
The network also brought viewers a new program called "Legislature Today". The show provided daily recaps from the 68th North Dakota Legislative Session, including bill drafts, voting results, and policies set into action. Then, BEK TV unveiled "BEK News Now", hourly news, weather, and sports reports designed to keep viewers updated on recent events.
BEK TV continues to add new content to its growing list of programs and sports events during the week. “Dakota Cowboy” added a segment to the show that features a weekly Student Rodeo Athlete of the Week. Likewise, a promising partnership with the North Dakota Rodeo Association allowed BEK TV to telecast professional rodeos across the state for the first time. And the Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks professional baseball games further enrich BEK TV's sports roster. BEK’s weekly lineup continues to offer more locally produced content than any other television station in the region, with multiple new programs and sports coming this Fall.
The station's excellence hasn't gone unnoticed. BEK TV recently added three more Eric Sevareid Awards to its trophy cabinet.
There are many reasons why BEK TV is set apart from the rest of local television. For one, BEK is a member-owned Cooperative, always cognizant of what the people require and want. That’s why BEK TV is committed to delivering unfiltered, community-centric content; it’s what the people have asked for. Also, BEK TV is its own network, so it doesn’t operate within the constraints of a corporate-focused company.
BEK’s focus on reflecting the culture and values of North Dakota resonates with viewers, evident from its growing ratings. At a time when many corporate-owned stations are seeing a dip in viewership, BEK TV is not only holding its ground, it’s soaring high.
Background, Eric Sevareid Awards:
The Eric Sevareid Awards are named after Eric Sevareid, a North Dakota-born and University of Minnesota-educated journalist renowned for his work as a correspondent for CBS Radio and Television. These awards are organized by the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association (MBJA) and are distributed each spring to commend outstanding journalism work. The awards cover a six-state region including Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, recognizing both students and professional journalists for their achievements in the field. Through the Eric Sevareid Awards, the MBJA aims to uphold and encourage high standards of journalism, showcasing the significant work carried out by individuals in the broadcasting realm within the Midwest region.
