Los Angeles - The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS, or "Television Academy") announced on Tuesday that it has prevailed in an arbitration with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), which will now no longer be able to hold a Broadband Emmys event with partner MySpace.

Under a 1977 agreement, neither organization can launch new awards without the other's permission, Variety reports, adding that the two were in talks earlier this year on creating a joint Broadband Emmys event before the matter went into arbitration.

The ruling also prohibits both organizations from awarding new Emmys based on distribution platform, or for non-television devices like cell phones or iPods.

NATAS is further prohibited from awarding any new Emmys based on traditional ATAS categories, which include "drama," "comedy," "variety shows," "reality shows" and "made-for-television movies." NATAS has traditionally awarded Daytime, News and Sports Emmys.

"The ruling is a confirmation that NATAS was in violation of our existing agreement and must cease and desist on any future violations of any unauthorized usage of the prestigious Emmy Award and brand without our approval," ATAS chairman and CEO Dick Askin told Variety.

Related Links:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117977538.html

http://www.emmys.tv/news/2007/dec/victoryovernatas.php

http://www.emmyonline.tv (NATAS)

http://www.emmys.tv (ATAS)