A documentary about WMPG, the University of Southern Maine’s community radio station, has earned a New England Emmy Award, recognizing the filmmaker for his work bringing the station’s story to the screen.
“An Extraordinary Place” tells the story of WMPG through the voices of volunteers, USM students, DJs, staff members, and listeners who have helped shape the station over the decades. Director and editor, Tom Bell, weaved hundreds of hours of interviews, archival footage, music, and station history into a portrait of the community institution.
Bell received the award for Outstanding Editor in Long Form Content at the 2026 New England Emmy Awards ceremony in Boston on June 6. The award recognizes his editing work on a film that aimed to capture not only WMPG’s history but the energy, creativity, and dedication that continue to define the station today.
“WMPG fosters a community of people who share a passion for music and free expression and who embrace diversity in music and cultures – seemingly all-American values now under attack.” Bell said.
Since its release, “An Extraordinary Place” has screened at film festivals and community events, winning 13 awards, including Best Short Film at the Maine International Film Festival and Best Maine Film at the Maine Outdoor Film Festival.
Annella Linton, producer of “An Extraordinary Place” and development director at WMPG, said the recognition reflects both the filmmaking and the community it portrays.
“We are incredibly proud of Tom and grateful for the care, talent, and commitment he brought to this project,” Linton said. “This Emmy recognition is a testament to Tom’s storytelling skills and to the extraordinary volunteers and community members whose stories are at the heart of the film.”
An Extraordinary Place is available to watch on YouTube