Sam Nilsson, director general of Swedish Television, will receive the Directorate Award at the International Emmy Awards gala on Nov. 23.
As head of the Swedish pubcaster since 1981, Nilsson has overseen the doubling of production output and the winning of numerous programming awards despite an extensive reduction of staff.
SVT is in the forefront of digitalization with new digital channels due to launch early next year, including a 24-hour news channel. The pubcaster under Nilsson has managed to keep an impressive audience share of 60%, despite competition from new national and commercial channels.
Nilsson started his career as a journalist and in 1959 worked for the information service of the Swedish Conservative Party. The Directorate Award, presented by the Intl. Council of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, honors individuals or organizations for their outstanding contribution to international television.
