Harlem Globetrotters Accessible TV Show Scores Emmy Nomination, Highlighting the Power of Teamwork

Bridge Multimedia is proud to produce bilingual audio description and captioning for the Emmy-nominated program Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward, through the Office of Special Education Program’s Television Access grant and collaboration with our network and distribution partners, Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG).

Play it Forward, broadcast on NBC and Telemundo, was nominated in the Emmy category of Educational/Informational (E/I) Program, which honors quality programming that is both entertaining and educational. Play it Forward features the iconic Harlem Globetrotters, who explore ways to bring about positive social change through volunteerism, fund raising, and general community engagement.

Although only in its second year, Play it Forward has already won numerous accolades including two Cynopsis Awards and 11 national Telly Awards.

According to Bridge CEO, Matt Kaplowitz, “Play it Forward is an inspiring program. It celebrates diversity, optimism, inclusion, athletics…and fun. It’s exactly what TV needs right now! I’m delighted that the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognized its value with an Emmy nomination. We congratulate the show’s producers, Hearst Media Production Group, an important friend to the disability community through their commitment to accessible Educational/Informational programming.”

Frank Biancuzzo, President of Hearst Media Production Group said, “HMPG is committed to quality programming and we are proud to participate in providing high quality, human voiced audio description for all of our educational and informational shows.”

Dr. Wendy Sapp, Bridge Multimedia’s Senior Project Director said, “Throughout the years Bridge has cultivated a dynamic synergy with OSEP, accessibility organizations, and television corporations like Hearst Media Production Group. It’s exciting to see the benefits and strengths of partnerships advance our shared accessibility goals — both on and off the basketball court.”

Matt Kaplowitz, Wendy Sapp, and the Bridge Team