In a grand celebration of excellence in television publicity, the Television Publicity Executive Committee (TPEC) unveiled the winners of its annual 2025 TPEC Awards. The prestigious event, held in Los Angeles, recognized exceptional campaigns across various genres and platforms. Among the honorees were Chris Ender, who received the Ben Halpern Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership at CBS, and Michael Schneider, awarded the inaugural Press Impact Award for his journalistic contributions to the television industry. These accolades highlight not only individual achievements but also the innovative strategies employed by publicity teams worldwide.
Television publicity reached new heights this year, as evidenced by the impressive number of submissions showcasing creativity and strategic thinking. According to Wendy Zocks, chair of TPEC and founder of Wendy Zocks PR, each campaign demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and adaptability. Alongside celebrating seasoned professionals like Ender and Schneider, the ceremony also spotlighted emerging talent through the Rising Star program, which honored Lauren Dundee from MGM+, Charlotte McManus from Amazon MGM Studios, and Leah Palacios from Disney Branded Television and Freeform.
This year's Campaign of the Year went to "The Pitt," exemplifying the high standards set by the committee. Other notable categories included returning and new drama series, comedy series, unscripted series, animated series, television movies, limited or anthology series, talk shows, documentaries, and variety specials. Winners represented a diverse array of networks and streaming services such as ABC, CBS Studios, Comedy Central, Crunchyroll, Disney Channel, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video, and Showtime.
Each category featured collaborative efforts between network executives and publicity teams. For instance, "Lioness" Season 2 was recognized under Returning Drama Series, with contributions from Paramount Media Networks, MTV Entertainment Studios, and others. Similarly, "The Pitt" Season 1 took home the New Drama Series award, acknowledging the work of Warner Bros. Television Group alongside HBO Max staff. Such partnerships underscore the importance of teamwork in crafting successful publicity campaigns.
Beyond recognizing specific projects, the awards emphasized broader themes within the industry. Diversity and inclusion were key considerations during the selection process, ensuring that all voices were heard and celebrated. Moreover, the ability to navigate unforeseen challenges became another criterion for evaluation, reflecting the resilience required in today’s dynamic media landscape.
The future of television publicity looks promising thanks to initiatives like the Rising Star program and continued support from organizations such as TPEC. By honoring both established leaders and up-and-coming talents, the awards inspire innovation while maintaining respect for tradition. As the industry evolves, so too will the strategies employed by these dedicated professionals, ensuring that compelling stories continue to captivate audiences worldwide.