The TPEC Awards, organized by the Tv Publicity Government Committee, proudly unveiled the distinguished recipients for the annual 2025 TPEC Awards. This prestigious event celebrates exceptional publicity campaigns across various television platforms, recognizing the artistry and strategy behind each campaign.
Taking place in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the TPEC Awards ceremony acknowledged remarkable individual achievements. This year, the coveted Ben Halpern Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Chris Ender, the Executive Vice President and Head of Communications at CBS. Additionally, the inaugural Press Influence Award went to Michael Schneider, the Executive Editor for Variety, honoring his contributions to television journalism.
The TPEC Awards not only recognize individual excellence but also highlight the diverse landscape of programming campaigns and publicity efforts across all genres and platforms. Submissions were received from a multitude of publicity teams worldwide, representing major broadcast networks, cable channels, streaming services, and Studios. Notable participants included industry giants such as ABC, CBS Studios, Comedy Central, Crunchyroll, Disney Channel, Disney Jr., Disney+, FOX, FX, Hallmark, Hulu, Lifetime, Max, MTV, National Geographic, NBC, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video, and Showtime.
Wendy Zocks, the TPEC chair and founder of Wendy Zocks PR, expressed enthusiasm about the record number of submissions this year, stating, “Every campaign submitted showcased an incredible array of creativity, innovation, and strategy from all platforms.” She further highlighted the inspiring work of talented peers, alongside the well-deserved recognition of industry icons like Chris Ender and journalist Michael Schneider, who have both significantly elevated the quality of narratives within the industry, as well as the Rising Star recipients who continue to support the growth and success of TPEC.
In addition to honoring individual accomplishments, the TPEC Awards aim to spotlight emerging publicists early in their careers, encouraging their development and inspiring future generations. This year’s Rising Star Recipients include Lauren Dundee from MGM+, Charlotte McManus from Amazon MGM Studios, and Leah Palacios from Disney Branded Television and Freeform, showcasing the bright future of public relations in the television industry.
Below is the comprehensive list of winners celebrated at the TPEC Awards.
Campaign of the Year – “The Pitt”
Returning Drama Series – “Lioness” – Season 2
Contributors: Kelly Andersen (Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios), Jamie Kekejian (Showtime / MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks), Kate Mann (Paramount+), Patrick Santiago (Paramount International), Charli Wooden (Showtime / MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks).
New Drama Series – “The Pitt” – Season 1
Contributors: Sarah Alcala (WBTV), Joslyn Martinez (WBTV), Kristi Strupinsky (WBTV), Allyson Weissman (WBTV), Courtney Brown (HBO Max), Ashley Mokma (HBO Max), Yari Romero (HBO Max), Lily Walker (HBO Max).
Returning Comedy Series – “Only Murders in the Building” – Season 4
Contributors: Yasamin Azarakhsh (Hulu), Emily Leitz (Hulu), Lydia McMahon (Hulu), Maura Wong (Hulu), Chris Kaspers (20th Television), Lilit Zakaryan (20th Television).
New Comedy Series – “Nobody Wants This” – Season 1
Contributors: Meg Masters (Netflix), Jennifer Tehrani (Netflix), Tiffany Zarabi (Disney).
Returning Unscripted Series – “Secrets of the Octopus” – Season 3
Contributors: Nadia Aziz (Nat Geo), Kate Squier (Nat Geo), Jennifer DeGuzman (Nat Geo).
New Unscripted Series – “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” – Season 1
Contributors: Lauren Burnett (Hulu), Lydia McMahon (Hulu), Maura Wong (Hulu).
Returning Genre Series – “The Boys” – Season 4
Contributors: Tamara Golihew (Prime Video), Akiva Griffith (Prime Video), Charlotte McManus (Prime Video), Alex Polansky (Prime Video), Summerlynn Powell (Prime Video), Lauren Grossman (Sony Pictures Television), Beth Haiken (Sony Pictures Television), Pilar Wafer (Sony Pictures Television).
Animated Series (Adult & Kids) – “Star Trek: Lower Decks” – Season 5
Contributors: Nikki Kozel (CBS Studios), Cornelia Thomson (CBS Studios), Jennifer Verti (CBS Studios), Rachael Wesolowski (CBS Studios).
Television Movie – “Holiday Landing: A Chief’s Love Story”
Contributors: Maria Fischer (Hallmark Media), Alice Rao (Hallmark Media), Emily Robinson (Hallmark Media), Joanne Schioppi (Hallmark), Reid Spencer (Hallmark).
Limited Series or Anthology – “Feud: Capote vs The Swans”
Contributors: Haley Baker (FX), Bill Brennan (FX), Susan Kesser (FX), Justin Sutton (FX), Chris Kaspers (20th Television).
Talk Show (Late Night/Daytime/Syndicated) – “The Daily Show”
Contributors: Ronnie Brumant (Comedy Central), Parker Moreno (Comedy Central), Nicole Platt (Comedy Central), Imani Punch (Comedy Central), Natalie Lee (Minassian Media), Craig Minassian (Minassian Media).
Documentary Film / Limited Series – “Jim Henson: Concept Man”
Contributors: Katherine Nelson (Disney Branded Television), Amber Brockman (Freeform), Cara Freitas (Disney Branded Television), Syd Jean (Freeform), Amanda Kell (Freeform), Nick Rodea (Freeform).
Live or Taped Variety Show / Special – “SNL” 50th Anniversary
Contributors: Nikaila Dube (NBCUniversal), Kennedy Jirard (NBCUniversal), Lauren Manasevit (NBC Universal), Lauren Roseman (NBCUniversal), Sydona Roberts (NBCUniversal), Julianne Tarullo (NBCUniversal).
The esteemed Ben Halpern Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Chris Ender, the Executive Vice President and Head of Communications at CBS.
Chris Ender has been a vital part of CBS since 1996, where he currently oversees both external and internal communications, as well as media relations across all divisions of CBS, including Entertainment, News, Stations, Sports, and Studios. He has held this influential role since 2020 and began his career in public relations with Bender, Goldman & Helper before advancing to serve as Vice President of Media Relations for Sony Pictures Television.
Meanwhile, Michael Schneider has been a prominent figure in television journalism for 30 years, the majority of which he has spent at Variety, where he currently serves as Executive Editor of TV. His impressive career includes past roles as Executive Editor at IndieWire, Chief Content Officer for TV Guide Magazine, and TV Editor at both Variety and Daily Variety, cementing his status as an authority in the field.
The TPEC Award committee emphasized that winners were selected based on the execution of fully-realized, innovative, and creative campaigns that made a significant cultural impact. The committee also considered submissions that thoughtfully embraced diversity and inclusion, overcame unexpected challenges, and ultimately achieved press hits that aligned with the strategic goals of the campaigns.
Committee members consisted of esteemed industry professionals, including freelancers Ryan Milling and Gabriella Alaimo; Brian Eley from Crunchyroll; Kristen J. Hall of CBS Studios; Ryan McCormick from NBCUniversal; Lindsay Miller of Amazon MGM Studios; Amy Prenner from The Prenner Group; Shari Rosenblum of Disney Television Studios; Dustin Smith from Smithhouse; Lakeitcha Thomas of Disney Television Studios; Lynn Weiss from Smithhouse; and Wendy Zocks of Wendy Zocks PR.
