From the Chairman
John Shaffner
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
As we bid farewell to 2009 and welcome 2010, it is time to reflect on the big picture — and I don’t just mean those giant flat screens found in so many homes today.
By big picture, I mean — first and foremost — our Television Academy community. This organization could not continue to thrive without you — our loyal members — and on behalf of the Academy staff and volunteers, I thank you for your support.
I hope that at our events and meetings throughout the year you have enjoyed opportunities to catch up with friends and make new ones. Sharing our experiences reminds us we are in this business together.
Which brings me back to the big picture and the efforts of our entire television community to bring content to those screens, be they supersized or hand-held. Seemingly every day we ponder new developments in technology, but still a truism remains: Content is king.
We’ve been hearing this statement commonly since the 1980s, when the cable industry took off and narrowcasting was the latest thing. But today, as programming streams from the internet to our flat screens and iPhones, content has never been more crucial.
Why? Because formats and delivery systems do not ultimately command the attention of the audience — what matters is what they find onscreen. And as this television season has unfolded, a myriad of content has been drawing viewers. Consider that…
• The multi-camera format is succeeding wildly, as seen with the sitcoms Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory.
• The CSI and NCIS franchises are flourishing, proving that the smartly scripted, compelling procedural is alive and well.
• Pure entertainment is winning big, as shown by the continued success of Dancing with the Stars.
• And the power of sports can never be underestimated: the recent World Series was one of the most successful in years.
But it is not just the shows with big ratings that make for successful content — niche programming can also prosper. And fortunately, the creative and business communities keep finding ways to finance and produce engaging programs for audiences of all sizes.
What is more challenging is getting the word out. Connecting the viewer to the content is an enormous challenge. But once the match is made, viewer loyalty can be remarkable.
As you will see in the following pages, this issue of emmy speaks to that magical relationship between content and audience.
For twenty years The Simpsons has offered a critique of our culture and, with gifted satire, prompted us to examine our everyday lives. Turn to the cover story for more on this landmark series, including reminiscences from twenty of its writers.
And check out Gina Piccalo’s report on Universal Cable Productions, a relatively new division of NBC Universal Cable Entertainment that has rapidly established a strategy for success with its programming on USA and Syfy channels.
So as we ring in the new year, let us consider the content of our lives and what we hope to create in 2010 — not just in our work, but also in our relationships.
The Television Academy is working for you and with you, recognizing excellence in our arts and sciences and representing the community of television.
From our house to yours, best wishes for a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
John Shaffner
