Phoenix Channel 11, the city's news and information station, recently was recognized with five finalist awards at the 26^th annual Telly Awards.

The Telly Awards, one of the most sought-after awards by industry leaders, honor outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions.

The award-winning entries include a segment on the Lost Boys and Girls Conference; an interview with Susan Taylor, editorial assistant of ESSENCE magazine; the history of Matthew Henson Homes; and a public service announcement on the city's tsunami relief efforts; all produced by Phoenix 11 and WATERways, produced by the Water Services Department.

The Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan Conference was a family reunion of sorts bringing together youth who are survivors of the long civil war in Sudan, having walked thousands of miles to escape the violence. After living for up to 10 years in refugee camps, more than 3,800 have resettled in the U.S.

address at a city function, shared her inspirational views and commitment to family, faith, self-esteem and health. She is an author of two best-selling books and executive producer of the annual Essence Awards and Essence Musical Festival.

The tsunami-relief PSA announced the city's plan to adopt Meulaboh, an Indonesian city that had been devastated by the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami, through a partnership with a local redevelopment relief agency, Food for the Hungry.

Another award-winning video was produced on the history of the first Phoenix public housing units available to African-Americans built in 1941, the Matthew Henson homes, currently under renovation with federal HOPE VI funding. The program was hosted by former Matthew Henson resident and former Arizona Legislator Art Hamilton.

WATERways, a public awareness video, informs the public about leak repair and customer assistance, avoiding burglars who pose as city or utility workers and proper pool draining techniques in an informative and entertaining manner.

For more information about PHX 11 or to obtain a programming schedule, call

602-261-8937 or visit phoenix.gov/11.