South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is proud to announce that The Only Doctor, a feature-length documentary from the series Reel South, has received a prestigious Peabody Award in the Public Service category. This marks the first Peabody Award for both Reel South and the film’s director, Matthew Hashiguchi.
Premiering nationally in 2024 during the series’ ninth season, The Only Doctor tells the compelling story of Dr. Karen Kinsell, the sole practicing physician in rural Clay County, Georgia. For more than two decades, Dr. Kinsell has served her community without drawing a salary, navigating complex healthcare challenges while advocating for accessible and affordable care for the most vulnerable. The documentary brings to light the human toll of rural healthcare disparities and paints an intimate portrait of one woman’s determination to make a difference.
Established in 1941, The Peabody Awards recognize excellence in storytelling across broadcast and digital media. The Public Service category honors programs that make meaningful contributions to the public good. Past winners have included leading journalism outlets, impactful documentaries and groundbreaking PBS programming. The Only Doctor joins this distinguished group through unanimous selection by the Peabody Board of Jurors.
Filmmaker Matthew Hashiguchi, an Associate Professor at Georgia Southern University, brings a distinct and empathetic lens to his work. The Only Doctor marks his first film to receive a Peabody Award. The film was made possible in part through support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Final Peabody Award winners were announced on May 1, and will be celebrated at a ceremony this June in Los Angeles, California.
Reel South is co-produced by SCETV, PBS North Carolina and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama Public Television, Arkansas PBS, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council, VPM and WABE.
Learn more about Reel South and view films from prior seasons at reelsouth.org.
QUOTES
“This Peabody award is a powerful affirmation of the work Reel South is doing to elevate meaningful, character-driven stories from the South. The Only Doctor is a deeply human film that brings urgent attention to rural healthcare—an issue that touches so many communities. We’re honored to help bring this story to a national platform and proud to amplify storytellers like Matthew Hashiguchi who are making an impact through public media.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Reel South is incredibly honored by this recognition for The Only Doctor. As we embark on our next decade of storytelling in the South, we are encouraged to see that opportunities for filmmakers like Matt and public servants like Dr. Kinsell receive their due recognition from within and outside of the region. This film fulfills the mission of our series and our larger public broadcasting service.” –Reel South Series Producer Nick Price
"Making this film with Dr. Kinsell was a personal journey. I aimed not to depict strangers from an unfamiliar place in south Georgia, but to encourage audiences to relate to them through things that bind us all together: mortality, fragility, perseverance and care. This win honors that work and is the greatest acknowledgement I’ve received in my career.” –The Only Doctor Director Matthew Hashiguchi
FAST FACTS
- The Only Doctor, directed by Matthew Hashiguchi, received a 2025 Peabody Award in the Public Service category.
- This is the first Peabody Award for both the filmmaker and Reel South.
- The film premiered as part of Season 9 of Reel South in 2024.
- The Peabody Awards ceremony will be held in June 2025 in Los Angeles.
- Reel South is co-produced by SCETV, PBS North Carolina and Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About Reel South
Reel South is a PBS documentary series that showcases authentic and inspiring stories that unearth the spirit of the South today. With every film, the series explores the multifaceted layers of Southern life across themes of social justice, cultural experience, environmental challenges, and more. Reel South aims to leverage our region’s rich storytelling tradition as a catalyst for positive change and deeper understanding — in the American South and beyond. Reel South is co-produced by PBS North Carolina, South Carolina ETV, and Louisiana Public Broadcasting and produced in association with Alabama Public Television, Arkansas PBS, South Florida PBS, Tennessee Public Television Council, VPM, and WABE.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
