PBS member station WTCI-TV announced Thursday that Rebecca Eaton will speak in Chattanooga at WTCI’s 2012 Be More Awards ceremony.

Ms. Eaton is executive producer for the PBS series Masterpiece and was named one of TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2011.

The Be More Awards celebration and luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on March 6 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Tickets go on sale in January.

Review for Rebecca Eaton:
Ms. Eaton took over the helm of the PBS series Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! in 1985, and oversaw the highly successfully relaunch of Masterpiece in 2008 with three distinct programs strands (Classic, Mystery!, and Contemporary), new hosts, and a new look. Ms. Eaton has brought American audiences such high-profile titles as Prime Suspect, Bleak House, The Lost Prince, Inspector Morse, Miss Marple, The Complete Jane Austen, Cranford, Wallander, Little Dorrit, and the recent hits Sherlock, Upstairs Downstairs, and Downton Abbey, which drew an audience of more than 13 million viewers.

Under her leadership, Masterpiece has won 34 Primetime Emmy Awards, 17 Peabody Awards, a Golden Globe, and two Academy Award nominations. Ms. Eaton’s distinguished career has earned her the official recognition of Queen Elizabeth II—with an honorary OBE (Officer, Order of the British Empire). The new season of Masterpiece premieres on WTCI at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8., with the second season of Downton Abbey.

“It is fitting to have one of the most influential people of 2011 speak at an event honoring the organizations that have such a positive impact in our community,” said Paul Grove, WTCI president and CEO. “Rebecca Eaton will undoubtedly share a dynamic, inspirational message as we come together to celebrate the champions that encourage all of us to Be More.”

WTCI honors local individuals and organizations dedicated to helping the community and all its citizens to reach their best potential with the 2012 WTCI Be More Awards. The awards, which are nationally recognized among PBS stations, recognize excellence in the local nonprofit community, bringing much deserved accolades to those who share WTCI’s commitment to offer everyone opportunities to “Be More.”

Awards will be offered in nine categories, each honoring a different aspect of making a positive difference in the lives of people within the WTCI viewing area.

Categories include:
Be More … COLLABORATIVE
Partnership Award: Strong partnerships are critical to nonprofit organizations and help all those involved leverage resources and broaden their community impact in unique ways. This award recognizes an organization that has extended its reach into the community by developing meaningful partnerships. An example would be an organization that collaborates with other organizations to recruit and diversify its volunteer base.

Be More … INNOVATIVE
Innovation Award: innovation and creativity set many nonprofits apart. This award recognizes an organization that displays the most imaginative and creative use of original ideas to achieve its mission. Examples include resourcefulness (i.e. limited budget) in creating a new project, program, or event, or developing a unique and inventive method to bring a particular initiative to fruition.

Be More … IMPACTFUL
Local Service Award: This award recognizes an organization that has responded to a community need and is making a significant difference in the community as measured by specific outcomes and by participation in its programs. An example would be an organization that demonstrates qualitative and quantitative outcomes.

Be More…KNOWLEDGEABLE
Educational Outreach Award: Many nonprofit organizations provide a variety of educational and enrichment services to the community. This award recognizes an organization that strives to educate the community through guidance, knowledge and/or a mentorship program. Examples include a program/project aimed at improving specific aspects of community life and introducing and/or conducting community enrichment programs.

Be More … ENTERTAINING
Special Events Award: Special events can achieve a multitude of goals and the organization that demonstrates the most successful special event based on measurable objectives – will take home this honor. This could be related to a series of events, or one particularly original special event or fundraiser to recognize, salute, assist, celebrate people or businesses, brand your organization and/or build/strengthen relationships with supporters.

Be More … ARTISTIC
Arts and Culture Award: Culturally-based organizations contribute to the spirit of adventure and exploration through education in the arts and bring rich and engaging experiences to audiences who might not otherwise have opportunities to witness or be an active participant. This award will recognize outstanding achievement specifically for arts, culture and performance based programs.

Be More … DEVOTED
Individual Leadership Award: Many nonprofit organizations have been profoundly and positively impacted by volunteer leaders who selflessly serve with above and beyond devotion. This award recognizes an individual who is a giving, visionary leader, often taking risks to make a difference in the community. Examples include someone who has founded a nonprofit, advocated tirelessly for societal change or led an organization through difficult times.

Be More … ENCOURAGED
Judges’ Choice Award: The Judges’ Choice Award is given to an organization demonstrating an overall appeal due to its original and extraordinary approach to its respective endeavor and/or providing an independent voice for those less heard. Not necessarily driven by an organization’s measurable results, this award is decided entirely by the WTCI Be More Award™ judges based on majority vote and consensus.

Be More … ENGAGING
People’s Choice Award: PBS and WTCI are a service by the public, for the public. That is why this prestigious award recognizes the local organization that is most connected to the community and the people it serves.

Winners will be announced at the 2012 WTCI Be More Awards ceremony at the Chattanooga Convention Center on March 6. The luncheon will be a celebration of the best in the Chattanooga area’s nonprofit community. Local business leaders and nonprofit professionals will come together with WTCI viewers to recognize the winners.