Documentary Programming

Requirements for Membership

Please note that requirements (as outlined below) must be met within the four (4) years preceding one's application for membership or membership review; also, such requirements apply in each instance to the production and/or distribution of nationally exhibited audio visual works. All episodes should be a minimum of thirty (30) minutes in length unless defined otherwise specifically for short form programming. Credits from self-published programs alone do not qualify for membership in the Television Academy. Individuals who have received a Primetime, Daytime, or Children's & Family Emmy Nomination, specific to this peer group, within the past four (4) years are eligible for Active membership.

Active Status:

Employment and on-air credits in the area of nationally exhibited television documentary, informational or other nonfiction content for a minimum of two (2) years within the last four (4) years and have at least two (2) credits.  Primary professional function must have creative input in one or more of the following categories, including but not limited to: 

  • ARCHIVAL PRODUCER 
  • CINEMATOGRAPHER 
  • COORDINATING PRODUCER 
  • CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER 
  • CO-PRODUCER 
  • DIRECTOR 
  • DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY 
  • EXECUTIVE PRODUCER 
  • FIELD PRODUCER 
  • HOST/PERFORMER 
  • LINE PRODUCER 
  • PICTURE EDITOR 
  • PRODUCER 
  • SENIOR PRODUCER 
  • SERIES PRODUCER 
  • STORY PRODUCER 
  • SUPERVISING PRODUCER 
  • TELEVISION EXECUTIVES  
  • WRITER 
 
Or a qualified body of work relevant to the peer group that warrants a waiver of the above requirements. Body of Work designation has all benefits of Active membership with the exception of running for Peer Group Governor.

Associate Status: 

Primary professional employment and on-air credits in the areas named above for a minimum of (1) one year, for nationally exhibited content.  

Additional titles eligible for Associate Status include but are not limited to: 

  • Assistant Editor  
  • Associate Producer  
  • Production Assistant 
  • Production Coordinator 
  • Researcher 

updated 7.22.24

Board of Governors Representatives

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Applications are accepted year-round. Application processing time is 4-6 weeks.  2024 Emmy Nominee applications will be expedited!

Click here for the Membership Emmy Awards Calendar. New applications are subject to a one-time nonrefundable processing fee of $50. Fees are payable by Visa, MasterCard or American Express.