The Molly Awards

Investigative news outlet The Texas Observer is a nonprofit newsroom with deep roots in progressive Texas journalism. Legendary columnist Molly Ivins served as co-editor of the magazine in the 1970s, and the publication now honors her memory with an eponymously named awards show. The annual event is central to the organization's fundraising strategy, so it was critical that in the absence of a live event, they offer prospective donors a rich virtual experience.

We anchored the show with a series of pre-taped roundtable discussions with writers and editors from the Observer. Shouting out donations in real-timeĀ and presenting awards to honorees who joined remotely, Becky Bullard and Ashley Cheng co-hosted the show live from our South Congress studio in Austin.

Excerpts & Promos

Promo Reel/Invite
A half hour live DJ set culminated in this countdown sequence, in which Texas Democratic luminaries welcome guests to the fundraiser.
Excerpt: EmCees | About the Observer
Editor-in-Chief Tristan Ahtone: The Fourth Estate
Nominee reel and acceptance speech from Kyle Whitmire, winner of the 2021 MOLLY Award for Political Commentary.
Nominee Reel: Investigative Journalism MOLLY Award