NATAS Shakes Up Daytime Emmys Leadership

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) — the East Coast counterpart to the Los Angeles-based Television Academy — is shuffling its leadership, which includes switching who oversees production of its most visible event, the Daytime Emmy Awards.

Under the reorganization, one executive will now oversee the production of all of NATAS' key awards shows, including the Daytime Emmys, which will be separate from the administration of those awards. Steve Ulrich has now been elevated senior vice president, production and events, a newly-created position in which he will handle the planning and production of the Daytime, Sports, News & Documentary, and Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards ceremonies, plus the National Student Production Awards and other events.

For the Daytime Emmys, that means David Michaels, who has served as senior vice president of the Daytime Emmys and Events, as well as executive producer of the Daytime Emmys, is departing. Michaels had been in that role for the last five years. Michaels was in the front row at this year's Indie Series Awards when an "argument" between hosts Patrika Darbo, Eric Martsolf and Kevin Spirtas was interrupted by the announcer, who mocked, "Stop! Will you guys grow up? We are a fair awards show – civil and transparent. What do you think this is? The Daytime Emmys?" Watch below.

Sheryl Underwood & Mario Lopez to Host 46th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

Mario Lopez and Sheryl Underwood have been named hosts for the 46th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on May 5 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

“The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is happy to announce that two of daytime television’s brightest stars, Mario Lopez and Sheryl Underwood, will lead the magnificent celebration planned for this year’s 46th Daytime Emmy Awards,” said NATAS President Adam Sharp.

Added David Michaels, senior VP of Daytime for NATAS: “I am thrilled to have one of the most entertaining combinations in daytime television hosting our grand gala at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. With their combined wit and charm, plus America’s favorite arbiter, Judge Judy, receiving this year’s lifetime achievement award as well as the best of Daytime nominated in all genres and a stellar list of presenters yet to be announced, it promises to be a memorable night for the daytime community.”

Today’s announcement from NATAS also notes: “In addition, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is thrilled to announce that David Osmond (Jonah and the Great Fish, Green Flake and Emmy Award-nominated Producer of Wonderama) will host the Creative Arts Celebration on Friday, May 3rd, with the extraordinary talents of Emmy Award winner Carolyn Hennessy (GH, True Blood and Revenge) … returning as host of the Daytime Emmy Awards LIVE STREAM from the Red Carpet and Backstage Post Show interviews with the winners on May 5th.”

David Michaels Appointed Senior Executive Director of the Daytime Emmy Awards

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) today announced that David Michaels, Actor, Producer and Founder of TV Cares has been appointed Senior Executive Director of the Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards.

"David's experiences in all genres of daytime television make him the perfect candidate to head up our Daytime Emmy® Awards operations,” said Malachy Wienges, Chairman NATAS. “His long time association with The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) will be a valuable asset as the two Academies work closer together sharing the same goal of awarding excellence in television."

“The Daytime Emmy® Awards remains the favorite annual event for so very many fans throughout the country,” said Mr. Michaels. “In a world where the face of television and especially Daytime is constantly transitioning and changing, we strive to keep the Daytime Emmy® Awards a vital and exciting event.  I am very excited and honored to be working with NATAS as Senior Executive Director and about the upcoming awards year.”