NASHVILLE, Tenn.— CU Spotlight, an independent video and podcast platform dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and work happening inside the credit union and nonprofit sector, has been named a three-time winner at the 32nd Annual Communicator Awards, which honor excellence in marketing, communications, and creative work.
The awards are sanctioned by the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA).
CU Spotlight received the following honors:
- Award of Excellence — CU Reforestation | General Feature Article
- Award of Distinction — Life Over Debt: A Financial Journey for Cancer Survivors | Individual Podcast Episodes – Finance
- Award of Distinction — Life Over Debt: Bringing Awareness to Cancer Debt | Individual Podcast Episodes – Causes and Awareness
“Honestly, this means everything to us,” Shirley Senn, co-founder of CU Spotlight, said in a statement. “The credit union space is full of stories that never get told — and that’s exactly why we built this platform. To see CU Reforestation recognized at this level just confirms we’re on the right track.”
What Was Honored
The Life Over Debt podcast series, co-hosted by Jonathan Taylor, spotlighted the Life Over Debt Initiative, founded by Andy Janning, which addresses the financial burden carried by cancer survivors. Recorded live at the Governmental Affairs Conference 1934 Reception and sponsored by Empathy, Tennessee and Mississippi Credit Union Association, Enbright Credit Union, and BankSocial, the series was honored in both the Finance and Causes & Awareness categories.
“When Andy Janning told us about the Life Over Debt Initiative, it was a no-brainer — we had to tell this story,” said Taylor, co-founder and co-host of CU Spotlight. “Cancer debt is real, it’s heavy, and it follows people long after treatment ends. We’re just grateful Andy and these survivors trusted us with something so personal.”
A Lot Involved
Added Phil Senn, co-founder of CU Spotlight, in a statement, “People see the finished product, but there’s a whole lot that has to come together before anyone hits record,” said Phil Senn, co-founder of CU Spotlight. “I love that part of it — the setup, the connections, making sure everything’s in place so the team can do what they do best. Seeing it all pay off like this is pretty special.”
