Erik Anderson, the founder/owner and Editor-in-Chief of AwardsWatch, has always been passionate about the Oscars. Since his early years, he has been captivated by the Academy Awards, creating lists, rankings, and predictions during the show. This led him to develop a deep interest in awards. Later, he pursued film school and became involved in film forums like GoldDerby. Eventually, he moved to the former Oscarwatch (now AwardsDaily) before establishing AwardsWatch in 2013.

About TPEC and Its Impact

TPEC (The Television Publicity Executives Committee), founded in 1992, is a non-profit organization that promotes collaboration among senior communications professionals in programming across all platforms and studios. It champions industry evolution, supports relationships between publicists and media, and nurtures the next generation of PR talent. The organization also publishes the annual TPEC Guide, which serves as a crucial resource for TV publicists.

Details of the Third Annual TPEC Awards

Today, the Television Publicity Executive Committee announced the launch of its Third Annual TPEC Awards. This competition aims to celebrate excellence in television publicity campaigns. Submissions will open on December 16, 2024. This year, the awards have expanded to include five new categories. These include Outstanding Campaigns for New and Returning Genre Series, Documentary Movie or Limited Series, and Live or Taped Variety Shows. Additionally, the Press Impact Award will make its debut, recognizing a journalist whose work has had a significant influence on the television industry narrative. Returning favorites such as Campaign of the Year, PR Rising Star, and The Ben Halpern Lifetime Achievement Award for Program Publicity are also part of the awards. Participants must be current members to submit a campaign.TPEC Chair Wendy Zocks stated, "TPEC Awards continue to honor the creativity and expertise driving exceptional programming publicity. The addition of new categories reflects the industry's evolving storytelling formats and our members' extraordinary talent. We look forward to celebrating the campaigns and professionals that set the gold standard in entertainment PR."

Submission and Voting Details

Submissions will close on March 31, 2025, followed by the voting period in April 2025. Winners will be revealed in June 2025, and the awards presentation will be a highlight of the summer. A committee representing networks, studios, streamers, and agencies will oversee the awards to ensure a fair and transparent process. Campaign eligibility spans from January 2024 to December 2024, and detailed submission guidelines are available on the TPEC website.

New Categories and Their Significance

The addition of new categories such as Documentary Movie/Limited Series and Live or Taped Variety Show/Special reflects the dynamic nature of the television industry. These categories recognize the diverse forms of storytelling and the efforts of professionals in these areas. For example, in the Documentary Movie/Limited Series category, it showcases the importance of non-fiction programming and the publicity efforts behind it. In the Live or Taped Variety Show/Special category, it highlights the unique challenges and achievements of these types of shows. These new categories add depth and diversity to the TPEC Awards, making them more representative of the industry.

Impact on the Television Industry

The TPEC Awards play a crucial role in the television industry. They not only recognize the outstanding work of publicity campaigns but also inspire others to strive for excellence. By honoring creativity and expertise, these awards encourage publicists to push the boundaries and come up with innovative ideas. Moreover, the addition of new categories shows the industry's willingness to adapt and embrace new forms of storytelling. This helps to drive the evolution of the television industry and keep it fresh and exciting. It also provides a platform for professionals to showcase their talent and gain recognition within the industry.