The Television Academy (ATAS) and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) have revealed that they are realigning their TV awards categories so that, moving forward, series will compete based on their genre, not their time slot.
The organizations issued a joint press release that explains that the shift to realign the categories is in response to the changing ways in which people consume television. "NATAS and ATAS have recognized that, as consumer viewing habits have evolved, having two award competitions that cover awards based on when they air as opposed to the content does not make sense."
Scripted dramas and comedies will now enter the national race regardless of a show's airtime, though there are two exceptions: shows intended for audiences 15 and under will be in the Children's and Family race, while Daytime Drama categories will remain in the Daytime competition and be redefined to include any "multi-camera, weekday daily serial, spin-off, or reboot." Meanwhile, shows that were previously awarded in the Limited Drama categories of the Daytime competition will transition to the Primetime competition.
Most categories will be realigned for the 2022 awards race, though the Game Show and Instructional & DIY categories will still be divided by airtime next year with the hope they're realigned by 2023. Further info by category will be revealed early next year, and the call for submissions will open in January.
"NATAS and the Television Academy each pride ourselves on celebrating and honoring the best television has to offer, and with the evolution of our industry, it was critical to update our competitions to meet current trends in both content and viewing habits," says Adam Sharp, President and CEO, NATAS. "These changes will allow each Academy to honor an undivided scope of achievement in our respective fields of television excellence."
Despite the change from time-based competition to genre-based competition, the organizations said there are currently no discussions for the two entities to re-merge as one single Academy.
"With an ever-growing field of amazing content worthy of recognition, there's more than enough to keep both Academies very busy and thriving independently," says the release. "This realignment allows for that to work more sustainably."
For more information, read ATAS and NATAS' full joint press release here.
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