Patty receives NATAS's Silver Circle honor!

Patty Spitler, the host/reporter/producer of Great Day TV and Pet Pals TV, has had a lot of honors and awards during her almost 50 years in broadcasting. A new one came her way in August!

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Central Great Lakes chapter – the ones who hand out the regional Emmys – inducted Patty into its Silver Circle as one of six recipients for this year's honor.

"The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to television for 25 years or more. The broadcast pioneers who become part of this distinguished group have had significant careers in many different aspects of the industry – engineering, management, on-air, technical, production, administration and talent," according to a press release.

She was nominated by friends and colleagues who wrote letters and sent photos of her career to the Academy.

Here's how Patty's accomplishments are listed in the news release:

"With nearly 50 years of service Patty Spitler has served as an exemplar within the field of radio and TV broadcasting. Originally

from Dayton, Ohio, Patty served as a news anchor and

Patty and former WISH-TV News Director Lee Giles, who introduced her at the ceremony.

entertainment reporter for WISH-TV in Indianapolis until her retirement in 2004. Since then she has become known as an author, the host and executive producer of 'Great Day TV' and 'Pet Pals TV' and as a visiting co-host on the station’s weekday life-style show, and much more. Patty was one of the first female 'morning drive' radio disc jockeys in the country. Known for her spirit and professionalism, Patty also is a selfless, and dedicated volunteer."

Jim Shella, one of Patty's colleagues at WISH-TV, also was honored. He covered Indiana politics longer than any other television reporter in the state during his 30-plus years at the station.

Patty was nominated for an Emmy 17 times at WISH-TV and won the golden award in 1995 for a prime time special on popular TV game shows.

Congrats to Patty! We know how hard she works to bring audiences positive stories about animals and people. Well-deserved!