SALT LAKE CITY, UT, Sept. 9, 2025 — PBS Utah is proud that one of our own, Lee Ollerton, was honored last night as the 2025 Gold Circle Inductee from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the first recipient ever from the Beehive State. To qualify for this award, members are required to have worked in television for at least 50 years and inductions are only granted to those who have given significant service to their communities, as well as the television industry as a whole.
To watch Lee's portion of the awards ceremony, please visit this link.
Ollerton began his career in news in 1972 and went on to produce the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon for over 18 years, helping raise vital funds for children’s hospitals — an achievement that makes him a standout recipient of this award. Over the years, he has worked with various production companies, served as an independent contractor, and held key roles at PBS Utah, including Post Production Editor, Studio Director, and Technical Director. His extensive experience has opened doors to meaningful opportunities, allowing him to contribute to high-quality content that educates, inspires, and uplifts the community.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award and to be associated with all those who precede me in this honor," Ollerton said. "I am also grateful for all of my colleagues and collaborators who have helped shape this journey for me — it's thrilling to be able to use my craft to make a positive impact on my community."
Seeking every opportunity to deepen his knowledge of video production, he took on valuable freelance work that broadened his experience. This opened up doors for him to engage in a wide range of projects — from commercials and corporate training videos, to long-form storytelling — constantly adapting to new formats and client needs.
Lee has also recieved the honor of numerous Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards over the years and across categories including historical documentaries, arts programming, and environmental reporting.
“I am thrilled that others have recognized the immense talents of Lee Ollerton,” said Director of Content Lisa Olken. “I always knew he was stellar — now others do too! Lee’s dedication to excellence and his unmatched creativity have made our local programs both entertaining and beautiful to watch. We are so grateful for his contributions.”
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