By Nicole Lyons,
October 20, 2026

From left, KMOS student producers Izayah Townley, Jadyn Romeo and Rudy Potocnik show
off their Telly Awards.
KMOS-PBS, the PBS station licensed to the University of Central Missouri (UCM), received
four Telly Awards honoring excellence in locally produced content created by its student
producers.
Since 1979, the Telly Awards have showcased the best work created in television and
across video for all screens. The organization reported nearly 14,000 entries this
season from creators, brands and production companies spanning 55 countries.
“Taking Off: A Missile Kids Tour,” produced by Rudy Potocnik and Brady Rowland, follows
emo-punk and alternative rock band The Missile Kids as they go on tour through Missouri,
Oklahoma and Texas. It earned a Silver People's Telly Award in the General-Online
Series, Shows & Segments category and a Bronze Telly in the General-Documentary Individual
category.
“The Purpose of Pain: Body Modification in Missouri,” produced by Izayah Townley and
Jadyn Romeo, is an hour-long documentary featuring an anthropology professor, a suspension
artist, and a tattooed mother as they discuss the history, community and beauty of
body modifications, including tattoos and piercings. It earned a Silver People's Telly
Award in the General-Online Series, Shows & Segments category and a Bronze Telly in
the General-Documentary Individual category.
“We are excited to once again have the students working at KMOS recognized for the
great documentary work they do,” General Manager Josh Tomlinson said. "As a real-world
learning lab for students at UCM, KMOS provides a unique opportunity for our students.
The success of these efforts is apparent when the students receive recognition in
these professional awards."
About KMOS PBS: KMOS-TV is a PBS member television station licensed to the University of Central Missouri.
Since 1979, KMOS has broadcast high-quality, engaging, educational and entertaining
programs to central Missouri. KMOS broadcasts content on four channels 24/7 and provides
access to thousands of hours of streaming content for all ages through the PBS app.
The station is supported in the community through individual memberships, corporate
support and UCM, with underlying support from viewers.