Emmy host Harris says changes will improve show

[August 04, 2009]  PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- Emmy host Neil Patrick Harris says he hopes industry resistance to streamlining next month's awards will ease when the plan is made clear.

Members of the Writers Guild of America signed a petition criticizing the TV academy's decision to pre-tape two writing awards and air edited clips during the live show. Six other awards, for acting, directing and producing, also are to be "time-shifted" for the Sept. 20 telecast on CBS.

Harris told the Television Critics Association on Monday that he thinks there is a misunderstanding about the new approach and that writers won't be slighted. Cable network HBO also has opposed the change.

The ceremony's executive producer, Don Mischer, said the goal is a livelier, more viewer-friendly ceremony.

[Associated Press; By LYNN ELBER]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.