Emmy Awards Re-Upping Broadcast Network Deal For Another 8 Years

With the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards just around the corner, the Television Academy announced today it was renewing its rotating broadcast deal with the four major networks.  The eight-year deal will run until 2026 and begin in 2019 on FOX.  Viewers will then find the telecast on ABC, CBS and NBC respectively.

In a release from the Television Academy, Chairman and CEO Hayma Washington remarked, “We thank Ken Ziffren, and all those involved from both the Television Academy and the broadcast networks in reaching this new agreement. We are excited to continue our collaboration with the four networks in celebrating excellence in television each
year, honoring the great programs, performances and content that captivate millions of fans.”

Terms for the deal were not announced, but both sides began negotiating a year ago in an attempt to reach an agreement before the current pact ended following this year’s honors.  Currently, the Television Academy earns $8.25 million a year and its believed the organization asked for an increase despite the fact ratings for the Emmys have fallen to under 12 million viewers the past three years.  Never as significant a ratings grab as the Oscars, Grammys or Golden Globes, the Emmys would often hit 18-20 million viewers just two decades ago.  Therefore, it’s no secret that as part of a new deal networks want changes to decrease the number of awards handed out during the live telecast.

Currently, the Television Academy already has two additional nights, the Creative Arts Ceremonies, where a majority of the Emmys are handed out. This year the Creative Arts Ceremonies are slated for Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 9.  The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast on Monday, Sept. 17th on NBC.  There is no word yet if there will be a change in how the 26 categories slated for the Emmy telecast are handed out this year or what changes might be contractual beginning in 2019.

Final voting for the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards begins on Monday, August 13 and ends Monday, August. 27.

Outstanding Drama Series
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Limited Series
Outstanding Reality-Competition Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie