A press release issued by ATAS calls the agreement
"a milestone" as the two have had a strained association
for nearly 30 years as a result of the Settlement Agreement which
was entered into on 30 June 1977, in an effort to resolve differences
between the groups.
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| ATAS
CEO and chairman Dick Askin |
"It took almost three decades to come to an understanding
that we have much in common that can and should allow us to work
as allies, not adversaries," says Askin. "The television
industry is a dynamic one and both our organizations play vital
roles. I am very thankful that Dennis and I share a strong desire
to move forward in a way that will benefit both our organizations
and our members."
"I share Dick’s vision for the future of our two academies,"
Swanson said. "It’s been our hope to find a way to end a long
pattern of friction. With this new spirit of cooperation we will
find constructive ways to further our common goal which is recognizing
excellence in television."
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| Natas
chairman & CEO Dennis Swanson |
Both ATAS and NATAS agreed the 1977 Settlement Agreement was inconsistent
with the responsibilities of both organizations and today’s television
environment. As a result, the changes put into effect are meant
to reconfigure the structure of ATAS and NATAS in ways which are
designed to play to their respective strengths.
Under terms of the agreement, the International Academy of Television
Arts & Sciences (IATAS) will become a division of ATAS, rather
than NATAS. The change reflects the fact that both IATAS and ATAS
are involved in honoring those who have demonstrated the highest
level of excellence in prime time television programming.
The agreement also calls for a transfer of the Los Angeles Chapter
of ATAS to NATAS, subject to final ratification by the L.A. Chapter.
The L.A. Chapter would have all the rights and benefits of NATAS
membership, including the right to serve on the NATAS Board. L.A.
Chapter members could also retain membership as Associate Members
of ATAS. Previously, the L.A. Chapter was the only Chapter in the
United States not part of NATAS.
The agreement also calls for the end of all litigation relating
to existing arbitration. ATAS and NATAS are currently defining revenue
sharing benefits, which would benefit both organizations through
ongoing and new initiatives.
"This alliance represents a new beginning in the relationship
between ATAS and NATAS and is an important first step in significantly
improving our ability to work effectively together in the future,"
said Askin. "This agreement will allow us to extend the ATAS
brand on a global basis, end existing arbitration and open the door
to greater revenue opportunities."
"NATAS trustees will come together in early June for our annual
meeting to take place this year in Los Angeles," Swanson said.
"During this time we look forward to representatives from IATAS
and ATAS joining us in an historic occasion to celebrate and further
discuss the opportunities this agreement has created."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, An immediate fallout of the
agreement looks likely to be the quashing of plans for a primetime
Latin Emmy Awards. This is because the shift of IATAS from the umbrella
of East Coast-based NATAS to West Coast-based ATAS end the sparring
between the two on how best to honor Hispanic programming.
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