WASHINGTON,
DC -- Four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe-winning actor Kelsey Grammer
will receive the Television Chairman's Award, April 20 in Las Vegas at
the NAB Show Television Luncheon, sponsored by VCI Solutions.
Grammer has excelled at the highest level in theater, television and film as an actor, producer, executive producer and director. Best known for his two-decade portrayal of psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane in the classic NBC sitcoms "Cheers" (1984-1993) and its spin off "Frasier" (1993-2004), Grammer was nominated four Emmys for playing his character on three different sitcoms with the third being a guest appearance on "Wings." Grammer is also an accomplished voice-over artist providing the voices for popular animated characters such as Sideshow Bob from "The Simpsons" and Stinky Pete the Prospector in "Toy Story 2" among others.
The new Television Chairman Award was established to recognize individuals for a significant breakthrough in one or more specific art disciplines in television.
"Not only has Mr. Grammer earned his place in television history as an exceptional actor, but he has also excelled in producing, directing and writing," said K. James Yager, CEO of Barrington Broadcast Group and NAB Television Board chairman. "His multifaceted talent makes him the perfect first-time honoree of this award."
Grammer is currently executive producer of the primetime television shows "Medium" on NBC and "The Game" on The CW Network. Other recent works include "Girlfriends" on CW and "The Sketch Show" on FOX. In addition, Grammer will serve as executive producer and star of the ABC comedy pilot "Pryors."
Also at
the Television Luncheon, Diane Sutter, president and CEO of ShootingStar
Broadcasting in Boston and founder of the NAB Education Foundation's Broadcasting
Leadership Training (BLT) program, will receive the NAB Leadership Award.
The BLT program was created in 2000 to help increase the number of women and minorities in broadcast ownership. Participants learn the specific skills relevant to owning and operating radio and TV stations and group management. Sutter continues to lead the program and even teaches some of the sessions herself.
Award-winning television actress and director Tracee Ellis Ross will emcee the Television Luncheon. Ross plays a main character in the show "Girlfriends," which was produced by Grammer, and ran for eight seasons first on UPN and then The CW. She is also the daughter of legendary entertainer Diana Ross.
The Television Luncheon will also include the induction of Bob
Newhart into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
About
the 2009 NAB Show
The NAB Show will take place April 18 - 23, 2009 in Las Vegas (exhibits
open April 20). It is the world's largest electronic media show covering
filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content
across all mediums. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.
Online
registration is
now available for news media reporters interested in covering the
NAB Show.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association
for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and
television stations, NAB advances their interests in legislative, regulatory
and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables
broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses
and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
