Our TV’s “On The Record” Wins International Award for High Impact Media

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – Our TV’s widely acclaimed show On the Record has earned international recognition for its impactful role in spotlighting a critical health issue, garnering praise from a leading global institution.

The American College of Gastroenterology has bestowed the Scopy Award for Best
High Impact Media Initiative to the episode entitled “In the Shadow of Risk: A Live
Colonoscopy”, which chronicled the process of an actual colonoscopy – from consultation to recovery – as experienced by the show’s Executive Producer & host Jerome Sawyer.

The entire experience was carefully administered by one of the country’s top Gastroenterologist Dr. Gemma Rolle, owner of Bahamas Digestive Health and Wellness
Center, and President of the Medical Association of The Bahamas.

“I am proud, honored, and validated for my efforts made in this important area of healthcare, said Dr. Rolle upon news of the award. “This recognition motivates me to continue to make a positive impact in the fight against colon cancer and inspire others to follow in kind in their various specialties. The ultimate goal here is to affect a paradigm shift in colorectal cancer screening within our country, as it is the third most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer death in The Bahamas.”

The winning episode was shot in March 2024 as part of the Colon Cancer Awareness Month initiative undertaken by Sawyer and Our News to highlight preventative health care in men.

“My father passed away in September of 2023. He was a colon and prostate cancer survivor. I felt compelled to do something to honor his life and his fight,” said Sawyer of the show, which for him, had special meaning.

“It started with a men’s health series with Doctor’s Hospital. At the same time Dr. Rolle
reached out inquiring what we could do to bring more attention to the need for colonoscopies to help early detection. I don’t remember who first suggested filming my colonoscopy for On the Record, but we knew from the start it could be life changing.”

Sawyer further explained that his father’s illness heightened his awareness of preventative care, inspiring him to show that if a 52-year-old man with a family history of cancer could undergo this critical procedure, anyone could. The hour-long episode covered every aspect of a routine colonoscopy— from the consultation to assess risk factors, to the procedure performed by Dr. Rolle, to Sawyer’s recovery. The episode highlighted how painless, simple, and effective a colonoscopy can be in detecting early signs of colorectal cancer.

After the episode aired, Dr. Rolle shared it with her fellowship colleagues, including Dr.
Aysa Aytaman, her former program director at the Brooklyn VA Hospital. Dr. Aytaman praised its potential to educate the public and boost screening compliance, even among her diverse New York City patients. Inspired, Dr. Rolle submitted the episode for the ACG Scopy Awards, believing it could spark meaningful conversations and save lives.

“We’re an award-winning show, with an Icon and two Elevation Awards,” said Sawyer.
“Our success stems from an outstanding production team and a deep commitment to driving change. When she submitted the episode, I knew it would make an impact, but I didn’t expect it to win. It proves that our medical and broadcast professionals deserve international recognition.”

The Scopy Award for “Best High Impact Media” will be presented at the annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology on October 28th in Philadelphia PA.