Three shows produced by Free State Studios, which has operations in Lawrence and Topeka, received honors as part of the 2007 Telly Awards:

¢ “The Drive,” with Nick Griffith and Jeff McCarragher as producers, won a Silver Telly. The interactive sports talk program, which recently finished its first season, features Griffith, Kevin Romary, Tom Keegan and Tim Fitzgerald as hosts offering “30 minutes of spirited opinions from local sports experts : and you.” “The Drive” is shown on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6, KTKA 49ABC and, through syndication, Fox College Sports, channel 145 on Sunflower Broadband. The program returns with new episodes beginning in late August.

¢ “River City Weekly: Photographer Bob Gress,” with Brian Powell as producer, won a Bronze Telly.

¢ “The Turnpike: Volunteers,” with Kevin Dobson as producer, won a Bronze Telly.

The awards program honors outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials and programs, as well as video and film productions. The program presents Silver and Bronze awards, with Silver being the highest honor.

The 28th annual competition already has received more than 11,000 entries, with entries still being accepted through April 20. Last year’s contest drew more than 13,000 entries from ad agencies, production companies, TV stations, cable operators and corporations worldwide.

Free State Studios is a division of Free State Communications LLC.