BAFTA Opens Up Awards to Digital Series

LONDON: For the very first time, web-based broadcasters are eligible to enter the British Academy Television Awards and the British Academy Television Craft Awards.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) makes online shows eligible for consideration for both awards categories. This is one of several important updates to eligibility for the 2014 awards.

Other changes include the expansion of the previous comedy category, which becomes comedy and comedy entertainment. This encompasses programs whose comedy is central to the editorial part of the program, including panel-led shows, chat shows where comedic content plays a significant role, stand-up comedy shows and comedy clip shows.

The entertainment program category has been updated to include content such as quizzes and game shows, talent shows, music specials and all general-entertainment programs.

Amanda Berry, BAFTA’s chief executive, said: “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 program-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.”

Andrew Newman, BAFTA’s television committee chairman, added: “As a genre, comedy entertainment has grown rapidly over the past few years and the new expansion of this category recognizes this, allowing for a wider range of programs to be considered by the academy and ensuring a more lively competition in both the Comedy & Comedy Entertainment Programme and the Entertainment Programme categories.”