News and Documentary Emmys move to an earlier date, Daytime Emmys pushed back to the fall

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced major changes in the timing of its News and Documentary Awards and its Daytime Emmy Awards. The two ceremonies are, more or less, switching places on the calendar, with news and documentaries honored earlier in the year and daytime fare like soap operas, talk shows, and lifestyle programs receiving kudos at a later date.

The new key dates for the News and Documentary Emmys are as follows:

Entries open: Jan. 9
Regular deadline: Jan. 24
Final entry deadline: Feb. 7
Judging window: March 3 to April 14 (two rounds)
Nominations announced: Week of April 28/first week of May
46th News and Documentary Emmy Awards: June 2025

The eligibility period stays unchanged, with the 2025 News and Documentary Emmys recognizing works from the 2024 calendar year. The earlier date allows the Emmys to honor relevant material closer to its premiere, reflecting the significance of breaking news and documentary topics. Consequently, the Daytime Emmys will shift to October, with further details to be shared later.

NATAS President and CEO Adam Sharp said, “For nearly half a century, the News and Documentary Emmys have honored the best in broadcast journalism and documentary programming. Moving the ceremony earlier in the Emmy schedule highlights the timely nature of the incredible content being recognized.”

Last year’s News and Documentary Emmys were presented in a two-night event on Sept. 25-26. Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Emmy-winning journalist Jane Pauley and Oscar-winning documentarian Alex Gibney. Meanwhile, the 2024 Daytime Emmys went out on June 7-8, with General Hospital and The Kelly Clarkson Show among the big winners.