"Amarillo College alumnus Dusty Green, who went from editor of AC’s student newspaper to news director for an ABC affiliate – and then became co-host with wife Nikki of their own travel show – may soon add Emmy-winner to the résumé.
The Greens, whose show “Two for the Road” premiered on Panhandle PBS in September of 2016, just learned that their program has been nominated for three Lone Star Regional Emmy awards.
The nominations were announced by the Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and are for Outstanding Program, Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Photography.
“Two for the Road” follows the real-life adventures of the Greens, both products of the Texas Panhandle, who in 2007 decided to quit their jobs, sell their possessions, and follow their dreams of a life of travel.
Dusty and Nikki host, produce, edit and market the show, which soon after it first aired on Panhandle PBS in 2016 was accepted for national distribution throughout the public television system by the National Educational Telecommunications Association.
And in August of this year, the show was picked up by the Create TV channel, a national subchannel of PBS, making “Two for the Road” available to more than 90 percent of American households.
“This amazing journey really began when I was a journalism student at Amarillo College, and I’m forever grateful to the College and the people there who’ve made such a tremendous impact on my life,” Dusty Green said. “I‘m very thankful and very proud to be an ambassador for AC, and Nikki and I are both so proud to have Panhandle PBS as our flagship station for the show.”
Before breaking into television, the Greens’ travel adventures were featured as a web series, and the duo has already won numerous awards in the travel industry. They have been featured in USA Today and on the Travel Channel.
“Panhandle PBS was the first station to air ‘Two for the Road,’ and it’s been awesome to see the program launch onto the national scene,” said Kyle Arrant, director of station operations for Panhandle PBS and one the show’s original technical advisors. “We love working with Nikki and Dusty and are really honored to be part of the history of the exciting series they continue to develop.”
Dusty Green studied journalism at AC from 1991-93. A native of Borger, Texas, he wrote for and eventually became editor of the student newspaper, The Ranger. Soon thereafter, he joined the workforce at KVII TV, Amarillo’s ABC affiliate, as an assistant producer. He rose quickly within the ranks, eventually to news anchor and, ultimately, to news director.
During his tenure at KVII, Dusty was named Best Reporter by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters, which also deemed his work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 worthy of a Best Documentary award.
Despite his love for broadcasting, he ended his 14-year relationship with KVII in 2007, when he and Nikki decided to quit their jobs, sell all their possessions and launch their own production company. Today their captivating adventure programs introduce viewers to everything from the giant tortoises and marine iguanas on the Galapagos Islands to the majestic elephants and fearsome lions of the Serengeti Plain.
“We’re proud to be partners with Dusty and Nikki Green,” Kevin Ball, CEO of Panhandle PBS, said. “Their chemistry and adventurist personalities are exactly what public television media audiences want to experience. We are so pleased to be part of the energy they create as they bring their experiences to all throughout the country.”
The Lone Star Emmy awards will be presented at the 15th Annual Lone Star Emmy Awards ceremony Nov. 11 in San Antonio."
-Amarillo College
