TV Academy Changes Rules

On February 14, 2023, the TV Academy announced changes that will be made to the Emmy Awards. These alterations involve a new Emmy category, a jury prize for Emerging Media Programming, and revising the rules surrounding the submission of documentary programming.

The Emerging Media Programming Peer Group was reorganized, which led to the creation of a new category and juried prize. Both represent professionals from various sectors of the industry who produce or have an influence on emerging media content, including multi-platform and/or metaverse storytelling, interactive storytelling in virtual, alternate, mixed, or extended reality, and viewer-driven narratives, storylines, and sequences of content consumption.

The new category is the Outstanding Emerging Media Program which will be given to the producer(s), business(es), and/or person(s) in charge of developing emerging media content that is either original or tied to an already-running linear television program or series. The award honors creative brilliance and content essential to the work itself and elevates the audience's viewing experience above conventional linear programming.

The new juried award will recognize Outstanding Innovation in Programming for Emerging Media. It will be given to the producer(s), company(s), and/or individual(s) who created ground-breaking new media content that exhibits technological or narrative innovation, greatly enhancing the viewing experience of the audience above that of conventional linear TV programming.

As for documentary programming submissions, those appearing on the AMPAS viewing platform but not receiving an Oscar nomination may still qualify for Emmy consideration. Experts predict this change will increase the number of documentary submissions, which has been low in the past.