Int’l Emmys adds non-English category

A new category for the best non-English-language series created for US primetime television will be introduced at next year’s International Emmy Awards.

The category, introduced by the International Academy of Television & Sciences, is open to any primetime show produced by an American company or first broadcast in the US that is 50 per cent or more in a language other than English.

Entries can come from scripted drama, comedy, telenovela, reality, variety and gameshow genres, but must have aired in the primetime (18.00-02.00) slot.

International Academy President and Bruce L Paisner said: “Recent demographic trends and electoral events have made clear that the United States is becoming a multilingual country, and these developments are increasingly reflected in the country’s television programmes.

“The International Academy is looking forward to expanding its jurisdiction in a way that enables US primetime programmes primarily not in English to compete for Emmys against each other.”

The change follows a rule adopted by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences earlier this year which extended jurisdiction in this area to the International Academy.

It is the latest introduction of a new category to a major TV awards ceremony.

Last month the British Academy of Film and Television Arts changed its rules to allow online shows to be considered for its TV awards next year.

The new International Emmy Awards rules and regulations will be posted on the organisation’s website on December 12.