CBS moves up the 2009 Emmy telecast

An NFL double-header causes CBS to move the Emmys to Sept. 13

By HitFix Staff Monday, Jun 1, 2009 4:23 PM

The Emmys

CBS will broadcast the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 13, one week earlier than previously released.

The original Sept. 20 date for the annual TV kudosfest was set before the NFL announced its 2009 television schedule, a bit of a glitch given CBS' NFL commitments.

"The new date moves the Emmys away from a weekend where CBS has an NFL doubleheader, which can delay the start of prime time on Sunday." says Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS, in a network statement. "This is better for the live event, the broadcast and our audience at home."

Airing the Emmys on September 13 will allow CBS to maintain the show's 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. timeslot, with the reliable "60 Minutes" presumably sticking in the 7 p.m. hour that night.

Don Mischer is returning to produce this year's Emmy telecast.

The nominations for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced at 5:40 a.m. PT -- UGH -- on July 16.

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