By By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
Even though he knew about the honor in advance, Meridian native Kevin Ivey still couldn't believe he actually won an Emmy Award.
Yet he did. Ivey and his family flew to New York on Tuesday, where he accepted his Emmy the highest honor in the television industry for his work at CNN.
Ivey was among several people honored Tuesday night at the 2001 Technological/Engineering Emmy Awards. The awards ceremony took place at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York.
Ivey received his award for his pioneering efforts in "digital asset management in television news production." In layman's terms, Ivey said, his award was mainly for his work in creating the technology behind CNN Sports Illustrated and CNN Financial Network.
Early award
Ivey's love for broadcasting began 25 years ago when the 13-year-old won a statewide award for a short animated film he made for his seventh grade art class. The award was sponsored by the Pubic Broadcasting Service.
Ivey said winning the Emmy has left him proud and happy for his co-workers at CNN.
Major achievement
Ross Kinard, an audio-video technician and broadcast instructor at Meridian Community College, said Ivey's work is on the cutting edge of technology.
Ivey graduated from Meridian High School in 1980 and decided to attend Mississippi State University. While at MSU, Ivey decided to follow his dream and enter the field of broadcasting.
Ivey graduated from MSU in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications. Shortly after graduation, Ivey snagged an entry-level position at CNN.
After working at CNN for 16 years, Ivey decided it was time to move on to something else. He returned to Meridian in September and plans to be an independent consultant.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228, or e-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.