HBO’s “The Newsroom” and NBC’s “Parenthood” are the two drama series among eight programs that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will recognize at the sixth-annual Television Academy Honors.
The kudos — not to be confused with this month’s TV Academy Hall of Fame induction ceremony — recognize programs that use the medium of television to promote positive social change.
Dana Delany will return as host the event, scheduled for May 9 at the Beverly Hills Hotel, while Phil Gurin will once again produce.
“I look forward to hosting The Academy Honors every year because each honoree is so deserving,” Delany said. “For the past five years I have learned something new and remarkable about the human race with each program. These people have used their intelligence and talent to not only entertain, but enlighten. That is television that should be rewarded.”
In addition to “Newsroom” and “Parenthood,” honorees include:
— ABC’s Hallmark Hall of Fame film “A Smile as Big as the Moon,” about a high school football coach who helps special education students toward their goal of attending a highly competitive space camp.
— Comedy Central’s “D.L. Hughley: The Endangered List,” a satirical documentary in which Hughley sets out to add “the black man” to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangered Species list.
— PBS’ “Half The Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” a two-part doc about girls and women trying to overcome the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
— Food Network’s “Hunger Hits Home,” examining the causes, complications and misconceptions about childhood hunger in the U.S. while looking for solutions.
— Nickelodeon’s “Nick News with Linda Ellerbee/Forgotten But Not Gone: Kids, HIV and AIDS,” addressing life for children with AIDS today.
— HBO’s “One Nation Under Dog: Stories of Fear, Loss & Betrayal,” a documentary looking at the sobering realities behind America’s obsession with dogs.
Programs had to air during the 2012 calendar year to be eligible. Last year’s honorees included “Rescue Me”: the syndicated “Dr. Oz,” documentaries “Hot Coffee” of HBO and “Women, War and Peace” on PBS, Lifetime movie “Five,” and dramas “Harry’s Law” of NBC and “Men of a Certain Age” of TNT.
