Sesame Street episode nets Chelsea, Que., writer her 1st Emmy award

Children’s television writer Katherine Sandford from Chelsea, Quebec, recently flew to Los Angeles to receive a special honor at the Children’s and Family Emmys. Sandford, along with fellow writers Andrew Moriarty and Ken Scarborough, won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Live Action Preschool or Children’s Program for their work on a Sesame Street episode titled “Can They Be Friends?”

This was not Sandford’s first Emmy nomination, but it was her first time attending the award show. She expressed pride in representing a Canadian contribution to Sesame Street and was thrilled to be part of the prestigious event.

In the award-winning episode segment, the muppet Elmo and his friends encounter a monarch butterfly in the yard. They learn the importance of observing and not disturbing nature, emphasizing the message that friendship should be on the butterfly’s terms.

Sandford highlighted the significance of Canadian children’s programming, especially amidst the ongoing trade war and the need to preserve Canadian cultural values. She stressed the importance of exposing children to Canadian content that reflects their values, rather than solely relying on American programming.

While acknowledging Sesame Street’s progressive nature since the 60s, Sandford emphasized the need for children to consume media that aligns with Canadian values. She urged parents to be mindful of the programs their children watch to ensure they are exposed to content that promotes Canadian values.

During her trip to the U.S., Sandford engaged in conversations about current events and received support from Americans who expressed solidarity with Canadians. She emphasized the importance of being aware of the media consumed daily, drawing parallels between conscious media consumption and a balanced diet for children.

Sandford’s recognition at the Children’s and Family Emmys serves as a testament to the impact of Canadian talent in the global entertainment industry. Her work on Sesame Street showcases the value of promoting friendship, environmental awareness, and cultural values through children’s programming.