New International Emmy category created for non-English shows

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has created a new International Emmy category and will award the best Non-English Language US Primetime Programme.

To qualify, a project must be a primetime programme produced by a US company or aired first in the US, in a language 50% or more other than English.

Realistically, the award is expected to honour the best Spanish-language show on US TV, with the main US Hispanic networks, Telemundo and Univision, increasingly influential.

The Academy said that scripted dramas, comedies and telenovelas, as well as unscripted reality, variety and game shows are all eligible.

“Recent demographic trends and electoral events have made clear that the United States is becoming a multilingual country, and these developments are increasingly reflected in the country’s television programs.” said International Academy president & CEO, Bruce L. Paisner.