MUMBAI: The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Iatas) in the US has announced the 2008 International Emmy Awards winners for its News and Current Affairs categories.

The Pro-TV News report Any Idea of What Your Kid is Doing Right Now?” about abandoned children made history by winning the first News Emmy ever for Romania and for Eastern Europe.

Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries’ undercover camera report on the Natalee Holloway case, produced by SBS Broadcasting BV/Endemol Entertainment won the Current Affairs category. De Vries investigated the disappearance and possible murder of a young American in Aruba.

The International Emmys were presented to the winners by Iatas president Bruce L. Paisner in New York City. He says, “We continue to marvel at the spread of news capabilities and excellence in television reporting in an increasing number of countries. The winners will cause even more organisations around the world to aspire to win International Emmys in future years.”

Nominees for 10 other International Emmy Awards categories will be announced on 13 October at the television trade event Mipcom in Cannes, France. Winners will receive their awards at the 36th International Emmy Awards Gala on 24 November, in New York City.