‘Is there a definitive, credible, all encompassing television awards recognized by everyone in the television industry?’
(First of two parts)
The Philippines has long been a hub for vibrant television programming, with a loyal audience base that eagerly devours local dramas, variety shows, news programs and more. For decades, television awards have been a staple in recognizing and celebrating the best in Philippine television. However, with the rise of online streaming and alternative content creation, some might question the relevance of TV awards. Are they still necessary in today’s rapidly changing media landscape?
TV awards in the Philippines serve several purposes. Firstly, they provide a platform for recognition and validation of the hard work and creativity that goes into producing high-quality television content. For many industry professionals, receiving an award or nomination is an honor that acknowledges their dedication and expertise.
Secondly, TV awards help promote Philippine television globally. By showcasing the best of local productions, these awards provide an opportunity for Filipino talent to gain international recognition and exposure. This, in turn, can lead to collaborations and partnerships with foreign companies.
Thirdly, TV awards play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the industry. By recognizing and rewarding excellence in specific genres or categories, awards can influence the types of content that get produced. For instance, if a particular genre, such as drama or comedy, receives critical acclaim and wins awards, producers may be more likely to invest in similar projects.
The first awards for meritorious works in broadcasting were the Citizen’s Awards for Television (CAT), initiated in 1964 by the Citizen’s Council for Mass Media (CCMM) formerly called the Citizen’s Council for Better Motion Pictures Television Committee. The first CAT Awards were given in 1965 at the PhilAm Life Auditorium, with the UP President Carlos P. Romulo as its guest speaker. The first year of the CAT was assisted by the Asia Foundation (The Manila Chronicle Entertainment Guide 1965). CAT ended in 1972, when Martial Law was declared.
The Pambansang Akademya ng Telebisyon sa Agham at Sining (PATAS), also called the Philippine Academy for Television Arts and Sciences gave the Sinag Awards from 1975-1978. PATAS was composed of members from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Broadcast Media Council (BMC), both headed by presidential spokesperson Teodoro Valencia. The KBP and BMC were composed of some members of the academe. The aim of PATAS was to boost excellence in the art and craft of television. It formed guilds of television artists like camera persons and technicians, but the project didn’t progress. Internal disputes contributed to its demise in 1978 with the KBP and the BMC pulling out of PATAS.
The Archdiocese of Manila through Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin created in 1978 the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) to instill values that include love for and service to God, respect for the environment, positive Filipino values and love for life. Outstanding men and women and their works in mass media are chosen by a body of more than 50 jurors appointed by the archbishop of Manila. The jurors include academicians, civic and religious leaders, and the clergy. Winners are awarded a trophy called The Rock, one kilogram stone held on a wooden base with the staff of St. Peter inscribed on it.
A unique award for radio was the Lira Awards in 1982. It was the brainchild of RPN 9 General Manager Felipe Medina Jr. and chair of the Awards Committee Rey Pedroche. Its objective was to encourage excellence in the work of DWWW people on a network-wide basis and who themselves voted for their peers. The first and last of the awards were handed out on Dec. 29, 1982.
The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) has been handing out the Star Awards for Television since 1987. The PMPC is composed of entertainment scribes coming mainly from the print medium, but has grown through the years to include writers from the broadcast industry. Its categories are based on Emmy Awards, but more personality based. Ading Fernando Memorial Award & Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Award plus Darling Of The Press and Best Station with Balanced Programming are also given out. The group will be giving out their 37th Star Awards for TV this coming Sunday.
The PMPC break away group, Entertainment Press Society — now called Multi Media Press Society — gave their Golden Screen TV Awards from 2004 to 2011. It was similar to that of the Golden Globes’ as it had separate awards for drama and comedy categories.
A significant award beginning in 1987 until 1999 came from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The Gawad CCP Para sa Radyo at Telebisyon, or simply the Gawad, took the focus away from the individual celebrities and programs; instead, it evaluated the integrity of the programs in their entirety. It paid tribute to broadcast production companies and artists whose works reflect Filipino values, ways of life, arts and culture. Every year, it honored 10 outstanding television works, and gave awards to outstanding radio documentaries, drama, cultural programs and musicals; with trophies done by different artists every year.
And then the KBP began honoring its member organizations with an award called the Golden Dove Awards beginning in 1991. It aimed to set high professional standards in the broadcast media and to promote more responsible broadcasting. GMA has been ineligible for the awards since it withdrew its membership from KBP in 2003. (Aside from the program awards, the grand award is the Ka Doroy Valencia Broadcaster of the Year.)
In 1996, the Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and Television, which became popularly known as the Anak TV Seal (like a seal of approval), was established with Gina Lopez as the first president. It is an advocacy organization that promotes TV literacy and pushes for child-sensitive and family-friendly television programs in the Philippines. Programs are judged based on moral slant, artistic merit, educational content and cultural relevance.
With the Star and Golden Screen Awards hounded by questions of conflict of interest (since most scribes act as PR for TV networks and talents), CMMA being sectarian with a Catholic slant, and GMA7 not being a member of KBP while CCP has long stopped giving out their television awards, it seems there is a need for an alternative to the existing TV awards.
Then came the academe-based awards started by the Galian ng Sining at Kultura of the Ateneo de Manila University in the early 2000s, followed by the USTv Students’ Choice Awards. This was followed by a slew of other school awards that, sadly, have become a fans’ day of sorts for some.
This brings us to the question, is there a definitive, credible, all encompassing television awards recognized by everyone in the television industry?
(To be continued.)
