It has been a year of reversals for the Emmy Awards. First, the ceremony was moved from September 20, only to return to that date due to a conflict two weeks later.
Now, the Academy and CBS have backtracked over a plan to air taped presentations and acceptance speeches for eight of the categories so they could be edited for a better broadcast. This after members of the Writers Guild blasted the academy for the plan.
Most of the eight categories that would have been denied live presentations involved TV miniseries and TV movie crew, including supporting actor and actress, direction, writing, awards for best features in those categories, alongwith drama series writing, and variety directing.
Many blamed CBS for favoritism since it only had nomination in those categories, but the network said the changes would make for a more entertaining experience for the viewer and "more relevant to mainstream viewers." HBO, which dominated those categories, was especially upset.
In fact, both the Writers Guild and Directors Guild threatened to revoke the Emmys access to clips they could use during the telecast. And so TV academy Chairman John Shaffner and CBS have relented.
"This decision was made to mend relationships within the television community and to allow executive producer Don Mischer to focus his full attention on producing the creative elements in the telecast," Shaffner says in a statement.
"Our goal is to celebrate the year in television and honor excellence and this year's great achievements with the support of our industry colleagues and our telecast partner."
Executive producer of the broadcast, Don Mischer, says the about-face decision "was made because ultimately it is in the best interest of the show."
He adds they did what they believed was "in the best interest of the entertainment industry" and "make room in the show for more live performances. However, our community did not embrace the plan."
The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will air on September 20 on CBS.
It has been a year of reversals for the Emmy Awards. First, the ceremony was moved from September 20, only to 
