The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced that, for the very first time, web-based broadcasters will be eligible to enter the British Academy Television Awards and the British Academy Television Craft Awards as entry for all categories opens today, Tuesday 1 October 2013, closing on Friday 3 December 2013. BAFTA’s Chief Executive, Amanda Berry had this to say:
“We continually strive to ensure our Awards remain relevant to the industry, as well as reflecting the trends among the viewing public. We’re in a golden era for storytelling and programme-making, with top-class shows being broadcast online as well as on digital and terrestrial television; the latest update to our rules ensures we celebrate and reward the very best.”
Other changes include the expansion of the previous Comedy category, which becomes Comedy and Comedy Entertainment and encompasses programmes whose comedy is central to the editorial of the programme. The Entertainment Programme category has also been updated to include programmes such as quizzes and game shows, talent shows, music specials, and all general entertainment programmes.
BAFTA’s Television Committee chairman, Andrew Newman added:
“As a genre, comedy entertainment has grown rapidly over the past few years and the new expansion of this category recognises this, allowing for a wider range of programmes to be considered by the academy and ensuring a more lively competition in both the “Comedy & Comedy Entertainment Programme” and the “Entertainment Programme” categories.”
The British Academy Television Craft Awards will be held on Sunday 27 April 2014, and the British Academy Television Awards will be held on Sunday 18 May 2014.
The new Rule Books for both Awards are now published online, with full details on entry and eligibility, at http://awards.bafta.org/entry.
