Emmy Awards are a NATAS money grab with ridiculous entry fees and far too many cateories in hopes of generating additional entrants, including those from parts unknown in the media world. Not to mention, the more nominees, the more tickets will be bought to the awards dinner, where far too many trophies are handed out.
KING (and more recetly KGW Portland) has always been award hungry as the legacy station in Seattle and the money budgeted to enter and win is huge. I've seen those budgets when I was under the KING umbrella at NWCN. I have also judged Emmys and there is no question some judges are affected by reputation of the entrants and, generally, the judges watch as little as possible or is required to score the entries. I stand convicted, but it was what it was and NATAS officials were fine with it. Often there is also a sense of award by acclamation. KING does the same binge with Murrows. The 4th floor wall on the old Dexter HQ was littered with Murrow after Murrow after Murrow to prove the newsroom's worth. Conspicuous consumption. By the way, top Emmy totals: KING Seattle 19 (updated), KGW Portland 13.
Full disclosure: I have an Emmy, won in 1998 in DC for a story that I co-wrote as part of a year-long documentary series. I prized it because back then and now because it was very difficult to win one. There were fewer categories and you were up against top peers in your market, not sports franchises and production companies and obscure media outlets that no one ever watches.
In short, it's a racket. As one blogger wrote, "They give them away like candy." Keeping this inside for a long time, so forgive the outburst.
I am glad winners are happy, but you are not alone in possessing one. They are ubiquitous. Grain of salt.
They do provide scholarships, so let's see the numbers. Never have
I appreciate your candor by calling this out. An informed public is so critical to our democracy. Rewarding mediocrity instead of raising standards is disappointing but not surprising. It’s all about the the Benjamin’s
ReplyDeleteRich
Totally agree. They are now “pay to play” and have lost their shine. The actual “best” in their categories, especially anchors and reporters that know this is a money-making racket, rarely even enter now, so you’re often just seeing awards handed out to whomever paid to receive the honor.
ReplyDeleteYou should submit this posting for some kind of award!
ReplyDeleteShow me the Benjamin’s !
ReplyDeleteRich
Speaking of money and overreach, you should probably look into the DHS “immigrants deport yourselves now and Trump is protecting you” ads tv and radio stations are being forced to run. Seattle audiences are going ape, and the stations that refuse to run the spots are being threatened with FCC investigations and an inference they could lose their license.
ReplyDeleteI saw one with Noem om KOMO SInclair. Have not seen it elsewhere, but it is very concerning. You know when a plane crashes, they kill the airline travel spots. They should do the same while the protests are escalating, but it is a different time and place. Let's see what TEGNA does, especially, at KING
ReplyDeleteI have seen it on KIRO, can't confirm KING. Note, however, it is exceedingly rare for a broadcaster to turn down a spot - opening themselves up to censorship claims. No doubt the current administration wants the spots to run - especially now. And as a side note, whatever backbone broadcasters once had is now gone due to M&A aspirations. No way any of the Seattle owners -Tegna, Cox, Sinclair, CBS, Fox - are going to dig hole over a TV spot and potentially run afoul of the administration and Carr's FCC.
ReplyDeleteIn the long run, yes, air it and let viewers watch it or mute it. Too volatile right now. Thanks for your comments. Very much appreciated that you read and are motivated to weigh in.
ReplyDeleteIt’s all coming back to an informed public. Question what you read and see .
ReplyDeleteRich