Joni and Friends Television Honored by Telly Award

The Joni and Friends Television Series was honored earlier this month at the 34th annual Telly Award ceremony. The premiere award for TV programming, Telly Award seeks to promote creativity, acknowledging excellence in television, film and commercials. This year, Telly received more than 12,000 submissions from around the globe. Joni and Friends received a bronze Telly Award in the religious television show category for inspiring stories of hope and healing. The 30-minute weekly program hosted by Joni Eareckson Tada highlights an unusually open and honest approach to tough questions about the goodness of God in a world shattered by pain and suffering. Presenting a dramatic look into the lives of real people who have endured or are still living through heart-wrenching trials, the TV series puts Scripture to the toughest of tests, showing why God is worth believing and how to trust Him in the worst of times.

Two episodes stood out to the Telly Award committee and persuaded them to recognize Joni and Friends: Cancer: Joni’s Journey and The Jennifer Barrick Story. Cancer: Joni’s Journey features Joni Eareckson Tada’s battle with breast cancer in addition to her quadriplegia. Her quiet strength and steadfast faith inspired viewers, many of whom were also struggling with cancer. The Jennifer Barrick Story focuses on the Barrick family’s tragedy. Their lives were changed when their van was struck head-on by a drunk driver; 15-year-old Jennifer’s head trauma was life altering. The episode shows how the family grew closer through adversity and Jennifer’s new start at life.

“The Joni and Friends Television show is meant to share stories of God’s faithfulness with the world,” Tada said. “We are honored by the award and thrilled that our ministry is reaching the troubled and heartbroken. God is faithful to provide for us in our times of need.”

Millions of viewers worldwide have the opportunity to tune in and watch these inspirational stories on dozens of regional, national and international networks each week. Joni and Friends television is broadcast in more than 175 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, Germany and Mexico. Find a broadcast network near you!