‘Reality’ shows get Emmy category

Further establishing the growing credibility of the genre of so-called reality shows, unscripted series will have their own Emmy category at this year’s ceremony.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ board of directors on Thursday approved several changes to Emmy rules and regulations, including giving reality/competitive shows their own category.

Reality/competitive entries last year were grouped into a category with other shows under a “special class” division. In that ceremony, “The Amazing Race,” “Survivor” and “American Idol” competed against a Bob Hope tribute and “AFI’s 100 Years ... 100 Passions: America’s Greatest Love Stories.” “The Amazing Race” won the award.

-- Greg Braxton