Phoenix Channel 11, the city's government access channel, has been awarded this year's Beacon Award in the training category for "The SOAR Program," about airport security for airport-based employees.

The channel also was a finalist in the talk show category for "On the Road at Arizona Falls," one of Councilman Greg Stanton's "On the Issues" shows.

More than 600 professionals, representing municipalities from across the United States, participated in this year's competition. Only one winner and two finalists were chosen in each category, so a Beacon Award win places PHX 11 among the very best access television operations in the country.

"This award is reflective of the city's commitment to providing quality programs for employees and Phoenix residents," said acting station manager Ken Lynch. "This is a very proud accomplishment for the city of Phoenix and PHX 11."

The Beacon Award Program is the only source of national recognition directly focused on government, educational and community access television and related communication efforts.

For more information about PHX 11, call 602-261-8937 or visit phoenix.gov/11. Visit beaconaward.com to learn more about the awards.