The Early Show with Alax, supported by UNM-based research teams at the Family Development Program (FDP) and the Cradle to Career Policy Institute (CCPI), received a prestigious regional Emmy from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Academy) this month.
The award was presented at the 47th Annual Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy Awards ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. The show received recognition in the Education / Schools Content category.
The show, produced by MediaDesk and Film Nest Studios for the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), is backed by research and family engagement by two University-based programs. The show delivers resources to New Mexico families, emphasizing creativity and surprise. Alax, an intergalactic ambassador of care, interviews experts, learning alongside parents and caregivers without judgment while incorporating humor and showing it’s okay for adults not to have all the answers.
The show has covered various topics relevant to adults raising young children, including safe sleep, the importance of play for early skill building, language development and literacy, milestones, fatherhood, pregnancy, and Pre-K.
“The idea for this show emerged from years of our collaborative work and research for the Early Childhood Education and Care Department,” said Janelle Garica Cole (UNM ’22 MA), training & developmental educational manager at the UNM Family Development Program. “We’re so proud of our team’s involvement, maintaining the show’s connection to families’ concerns and needs, ensuring that the content it shares is vetted by early childhood professionals and families alike.”
The Early Show with Alax started in 2023, conceived by MediaDesk, a New Mexico-based creative agency, and backed by a team that includes the UNM Family Development Program, the UNM Cradle to Career Policy Institute, New Mexico PBS, and the United Way of Central New Mexico. It is now in pre-production for a third season, anticipated to be released in spring 2025.
“This Emmy is an exciting affirmation of the show’s quality and creativity,” said Hailey Heinz, deputy director and senior research scientist at UNM’s Cradle to Career Policy Institute, who also serves as one of the writers on the show. “New Mexico has become a strong national leader when it comes to early childhood support for families, but we know from our research that families and communities still don’t always know about the available programs. We’re so pleased to be part of this innovative show that bridges entertainment and information in a way that families connect with.”
To date, Alax’s content has garnered over 11 million views and more than 26,000 subscribers on YouTube.
“From the start, we knew research was going to be a critical part of the show’s success,” said José Viramontes, CEO of MediaDesk. “Having University partners like the Family Development Program and the Cradle to Career Policy Institute supporting the work ensures that we reach families with content that is both engaging and backed by quality research.”
Alax is performed in both English and Spanish by Santa Fe-based puppeteer Devon Hawkes Ludlow.
All episodes of “The Early Show with Alax”, including a series of “Ask Alax” shorts, are available on YouTube: youtube.com/@EarlyShowAlax.
For more information visit: TheEarlyShow.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Chase Barnes, MediaDesk - chase@mediadesknm.com, (575) 430-5092
