FIRST OFF . . .

More than 1,400 members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences voted in 72 prime-time Emmy awards categories over the weekend--the largest turnout in the TV awards history. The reason? Adverse publicity surrounding this year’s presentations “really stirred up” academy members, said awards committee chairman Mel Sawelson. The TV academy’s awards procedures were criticized in a report released this summer by an influential group of TV producers. Plus, for the first time, the presentations won’t be broadcast on NBC, CBS or ABC. The fledgling Fox Broadcasting Co. will air the event Sept. 20.