Springtime is here, yet it doesn’t feel the same.

The recent strike has dramatically altered the development of pilots, casting and many other events related to television production. But there’s good news: with the resolution of the strike, many shows have resumed production, with others to follow.

We hope that the AMPTP negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild will result in a speedy settlement and that studio and union activities can move forward.

At the Television Academy, we have a host of important events that will take place either before or after this letter is read.

This includes the College Television Awards, the Television Academy Honors and, of course, the Primetime Emmys.

This year we will mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Primetime Emmys, an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation is in high gear with good works. The College Television Awards continues to be an enormous success.

This annual event brings students from schools across the country to Los Angeles, where we recognize the amazing work of this next generation of content creators.

At the same time, applications are coming in for the foundation’s internship program, considered one of the finest of its kind.

Thanks to all of the industry professionals who host and mentor these talented and ambitious newcomers.

This year we have launched the Television Academy Honors, adding an exciting and worthwhile new program to our agenda.

At the May 1 gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel, we will recognize what we like to call “programming with a conscience.” At this writing, we have received more than 125 submissions, which our Television Cares committee has been carefully vetting.The Gurin Company, headed by Phil Gurin, will produce this important evening, our salute to programs that make a difference.

Our flagship event, the Primetime Emmy Awards, is in the initial planning stages.

This very special celebration will pay tribute to the finest that television has to offer and honor excellence in a wide spectrum of crafts. Please look for details in the months ahead in the pages of emmy and here at www.emmys.tv.

Happy spring!

John Shaffner
Chairman & CEO
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

About the Chairman