Television Hall of Fame

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The Television Academy Hall of Fame was founded by a former president of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the late John H. Mitchell, to honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to television.

In the words of the selection committee, the Hall of Fame is for "persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television, based upon either cumulative contributions and achievements or a singular contribution or achievement." Mitchell remained the chair of the Hall of Fame until his death in January 1988. He was succeeded by Edgar J. Scherick, who in turn passed the reins to Norman Lear.

The Television Hall of Fame does not have a museum open to the public like the Country Music Hall of Fame or Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame or other such "halls of fame" and does not appear to have plans for one in the near future.

The first ceremony in 1984 celebrated the careers of Lucille Ball, Milton Berle, Paddy Chayefsky, Norman Lear, Edward R. Murrow, William S. Paley and David Sarnoff. The honorees received glass statuettes in the form of two ballet dancers that were created by sculptor and painter Pascal to reflect the self-discipline required in all facets of the arts. Since 1988, inductees have brought home an award in the form of a crystal television screen atop a cast-bronze base. The new awards were designed by the late art director Romain Johnston.

New inductees are announced on an irregular basis, approximately every other year, although the new inductions were annual in the early years. No less than five new members are announced each period. All of the inductees have been individuals with the exception of the series I Love Lucy during the seventh year of inductees.

The Hall of Fame has been criticized for seemingly giving preference to individuals still highly active within the industry, albeit persons of long careers and usually well into middle age at the least.[citation needed] Recent round of inductions have included Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric while several other major newcasters with many years more experience, including Hugh Downs, Peter Jennings, David Hartman, and Jane Pauley have yet to be inducted.

[edit] Hall of Fame Inductees

1st induction

2nd induction

3rd induction

4th induction

5th induction

6th induction

7th induction

8th induction

9th induction

10th induction

11th induction

12th induction

13th induction

14th induction

15th induction

16th induction

17th induction

[edit] See also

List of Logie Hall of Fame

[edit] Links