Excellence on a Local Scale: Why Optimum’s News 12 is the Undisputed Leader in Hyperlocal Journalism

In today’s media landscape, where national headlines often dominate the conversation, it’s often the real, impactful stories that happen right in our own neighborhoods that shape our daily lives. For residents of the New York Tri-State Area, the trusted source for this critical, authentic coverage is News 12, Optimum’s hyperlocal news network.

The network’s unique commitment to local communities was recently on display at the 68th annual New York Emmy’s, taking home a market-leading 29 Emmy Awards from a record-breaking 102 nominations, a testament to its industry-leading excellence in journalism.

This monumental success is a victory for hyperlocal news, showcasing the quality of the content available to Optimum customers and underscoring why local reporting matters now more than ever.

In addition to our local reporting, News12 offers the Emmy Award winning original series like Crime Files, which returns on 11/7 at 9:30pm, The Emmy Nominated beWell airing weekdays at 10:30am and The East End airing Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30am, as well as new fan favorite Haunted Tri-State which airs Wed at 9: 30pm.The Power of Local News: Driving Change and Accountability.

The true measure of a news organization's success is not simply the awards on its shelf, but the tangible impact it has on the communities it serves. News 12's mission is simple: to keep residents informed, connected, and empowered with news that is immediate and personal.

As Optimum’s dedicated news service, News 12 stands apart from national outlets by living where its viewers live, allowing it to tell stories with unmatched authenticity and depth.

Key Areas where News 12's journalism drives change:

• Investigative Reporting: The network's investigative teams, which include award-winners like Tara Rosenblum and Walt Kane, who each brought home 8 and 4 Emmy’s respectively and have a proven track record of exposing wrongdoing and holding local leaders accountable. Their reporting has resulted in real-world improvements for viewers, shining a light on critical issues from environmental hazards to consumer rights. The Emmy wins reflect this focus, with awards in categories like Investigative - (Single Report) and Reporter – Investigative.
• Amplifying Community Voices: News 12 provides a direct line to the decision-makers who shape the lives of residents across Long Island, New Jersey, Westchester, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, The Bronx, and Brooklyn. Through dedicated political coverage and interactive programming, the network ensures residents can engage with elected officials and get real answers on local issues.
• Original, Deep-Dive Programming: News12 produces original, localized investigative programming that resonates deeply with its audience. Hard-hitting series like Crime Files, Revealed, Haunted Tri-State, Trafficking in theTri-State, and Use of Force offer compelling, investigative storytelling that is both authentic to its local roots and holds institutions accountable.
• Lifestyle Programming: The network's lifestyle series including Road Trip, The East End, and Down the Shore—celebrate the region's unique character and culture. These shows have proven to be more than entertainment; they drive real economic impact by highlighting local businesses and destinations, with businesses reporting increased foot traffic and visibility after being featured.

A Record-Breaking Win for Optimum’s News Network

The 29 Emmy Awards received by News 12 Networks are a historic accomplishment, highlighting the collective excellence across every facet of the organization. This wide array of wins demonstrates that News 12 is not just leading in one area, but in overall journalistic superiority.

The numerous Emmy awards span an impressive range of categories, including:

These awards are a direct reflection of the dedication of the News 12 team, from our seasoned investigative team to the talented editors, photographers, and graphic artists who bring these stories to life.

For Optimum subscribers, this means access to an award-winning network that consistently delivers the highest quality news coverage right on their screens.

The Future of Award-Winning Hyperlocal Coverage

As News 12, a proud part of Optimum’s commitment to its communities, looks ahead; its vision remains focused on evolving for its viewers while staying true to its core mission of hyperlocal coverage. This includes expanding digital platforms and investing in cutting-edge technology to enhance storytelling, ensuring that the best hyperlocal news is always accessible to the Tri-State Area.

The network's success at the New York Emmy® Awards is more than just a headline; it's a profound statement on the enduring power of local news to inform, inspire, and enact positive changes in our communities. For Optimum subscribers, it is the assurance that their news is being delivered by a team recognized as the gold standard in regional journalism.

News 12 Networks 29 Emmy Awards: List of Winners