The media conglomerate will be felicitated for its widespread public service campaigns. The announcement was made by the Television Academy chairman Dick Aski. The campaigns that are being recognised include Nickelodeon’s Let’s Just Play, MTV’s Choose Or Lose and the Viacom-wide Know HIV/Aids.

The award will be presented at the 2004 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. James Anderson, who is the chairman of the Governors Award nominating committee, oversaw the selection process.

He added, "Through these three well-executed and multi-faceted campaigns, along with others that have been initiated by the company, Viacom has gone above and beyond the normal course of business to further the commonwealth of the public it serves and has established a deep dedication to public responsibility. This exemplifies everything the Governors Award represents."

Nick's Let’s Just Play encourages kids to develop positive and healthy lifestyles. MTV's Choose or Lose stresses the importance of voting to young people.