Emmys added for unscripted shows

The booming stream of unscripted series has prompted the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to rewrite its awards rules and add two new Emmy categories to honor writers and directors of nonfiction programming.

For the past several years, nonfiction writers and directors shared eligibility within the categories of nonfiction informational specials and series. But the academy voted Wednesday that there should be stand-alone categories for outstanding nonfiction writing and outstanding nonfiction direction.

“There is a great proliferation of activity in the reality TV genre, and we wanted to make sure that was reflected with our awards,” said academy President Todd Leavitt.

-- Greg Braxton