MUMBAI: Beslan produced by Associated Press Television News (APTN) in the U.K. has won the 2005 International Emmy for breaking news. Return to Beslan produced by NCRV from the Netherlands has won the 2005 International Emmy for continuing news coverage. The International Emmy was presented to the winners by United Nations Undersecretary General of Communications and Public Information Shashi Tharoor in New York City a few days ago.

This is the first time that the Netherlands has won an International Emmy in a news category. International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences president and CEO Bruce Paisner said, “Television news is a tough, demanding and important part of our industry. We had an outstanding group of nominees this year, and the winners truly demonstrate the excellence in television for which the Emmys stand”.

Nominees for nine other International Emmy Awards categories will be announced on 17 October at the television market event Mipcom in Cannes, France. Winners will receive their awards at the 33rd International Emmy Awards Gala on 21 November in New York City.

Founded in 1969, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is the largest organisation of global broadcasters, with over 500 members from nearly 70 countries and over 350 companies. The Academy was chartered with a mission to recognize excellence in television programming produced outside of the US and it presents the International Emmy Award to programs in eleven categories: Arts Programming; Best Performance by an Actress; Best Performance by an Actor; Breaking News; Children & Young People; Comedy; Continuing News Coverage; Documentary; Drama Series; Interactive Television Program; Interactive Channel; Interactive Television Service; Non-Scripted Entertainment and TV Movie/Mini-Series.