South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is proud to announce the IMPACT South Carolina episode titled “A Touch of Sugar” has been named a finalist for the 2025 National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation Television and Audio Journalism Award. The NIHCM Foundation’s prestigious journalism awards recognize outstanding contributions that illuminate the health care system and improve health outcomes for Americans.
“A Touch of Sugar” is the pilot episode of SCETV’s recently launched investigative series IMPACT South Carolina, which addresses critical health and social issues facing the state. This episode highlights South Carolina’s diabetes crisis. The disease ranks as the state’s seventh leading cause of death and affects an estimated 13 percent of the adult population. Through powerful personal stories, including those of two individuals who have undergone diabetes-related amputations, “A Touch of Sugar” humanizes the statistics and explores the causes, treatments and challenges of living with the disease in communities across South Carolina.
This episode was produced by Beryl Dakers, produced and directed by Betsy Newman, and edited by Lynn Cornfoot—all longtime SCETV employees whose collective storytelling expertise and commitment to public service journalism have helped bring essential health issues to the forefront.
The 2025 NIHCM Awards finalists were selected by independent panels of judges from a competitive field of entries. The awards recognize excellence in journalism and research that bring new evidence to light and advance the nation’s understanding of health care costs, access, quality and outcomes. Winners will be announced in early June.
The NIHCM Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to transforming health care through evidence and collaboration.
QUOTES
“We are honored that IMPACT South Carolina “A Touch of Sugar” has been recognized by the NIHCM Foundation as a finalist for this prestigious journalism award. This recognition affirms our commitment to producing meaningful, community-centered content that not only informs but also sparks dialogue and action around the critical health issues affecting South Carolinians. We are proud of the team behind this powerful storytelling and grateful for the opportunity to elevate voices that too often go unheard.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
FAST FACTS
- IMPACT South Carolina “A Touch of Sugar” has been named a finalist for the 2025 NIHCM Foundation Television and Audio Journalism Award.
- “A Touch of Sugar” is the pilot episode of SCETV’s investigative series IMPACT South Carolina, which addresses critical health and social issues facing South Carolinians.
- Winners will be announced in early June.
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, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
