Academy Of Digital Television Pioneers Will Recognize Leadership In HDTV Programming

13-Apr-00

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced the creation of an ""Academy Of Digital Television Pioneers,"" a group designed to recognize leadership in the programming and delivery of digital television through an annual awards program.The Academy will honor excellence in all aspects of digital content development and delivery through a variety of awards categories. Selection of Academy members will begin this spring. A working group of CEA members will accept nominations and determine members based on specific criteria. CEA expects the first annual awards to be announced in the fourth quarter of this year.""The Academy will recognize the best in digital and high-definition broadcasting,"" said Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA. ""Superior HDTV content is the key to attracting consumers to digital television. It is only fitting that the people who are producing and delivering the best content be recognized for their contribution to the transition.""The Academy of Digital Television Pioneers will consist of a select group of individuals who have been influential in the nation's transition from analog to digital television broadcasting. CEA will invite individuals to become Academy members based on a set of guidelines, including significant time spent in creating, promoting, developing or reporting on digital television. Potential members of the Academy include individuals from the broadcasting, programming development and consumer electronics manufacturing and retail industries, present and former government officials, as well as members of the media. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 76-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing and connecting the industries that define the digital age. CEA represents more than 600 US companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales.CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.