What Is 43rd News & Documentary Emmy Awards

Overview

The 43rd Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards recognized outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism, investigative reporting, and nonfiction storytelling. These awards are presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and highlight the most impactful news coverage and documentary films from the 2021–2022 eligibility period.

Unlike the primetime Emmys, the News & Documentary Emmys focus exclusively on factual content, honoring programs that demonstrate journalistic integrity, innovation, and public service. The ceremony took place on September 28, 2022, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, celebrating content from networks such as ABC, HBO, CNN, PBS, and streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

• Eligibility period: Programs aired between June 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022, were considered for nomination and awards.
• Number of awards: A total of 57 Emmys were awarded across 17 news and 40 documentary categories.
• Host network: The event was streamed live on the NATAS website and YouTube channel due to ongoing pandemic considerations.
• Top winners: ABC News and HBO each secured 7 wins, making them the most awarded organizations of the night.
• Special honors: The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour for her decades of international reporting.

How It Works

The News & Documentary Emmy Awards follow a rigorous peer-review process to select winners in journalism and nonfiction filmmaking. Entries are evaluated by panels of industry professionals across technical, editorial, and ethical criteria.

• Eligibility: Programs must be originally produced for U.S. audiences and aired on American networks or platforms between June 1 and May 31 of the eligibility year.
• Submission process: Producers and networks submit entries online, including full episodes, supporting materials, and compliance forms by early April.
• Judging panels: Over 700 industry experts, including journalists, editors, and producers, review submissions in specialized categories.
• Voting rounds: Initial voting determines nominees; a second round selects the final winner in each category.
• Categories: Awards are divided into News (e.g., Breaking News, Investigative Journalism) and Documentary (e.g., Historical, Social Issues) divisions.
• Transparency: NATAS enforces strict conflict-of-interest rules, requiring judges to recuse themselves from categories involving their employers.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how major networks and platforms compared in terms of wins at the 43rd News & Documentary Emmy Awards:

The table shows a competitive field with traditional broadcasters like ABC and cable networks like HBO dominating. However, streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu are gaining ground, reflecting the industry’s shift toward digital-first content. Public media, represented by PBS, continued to earn recognition for long-form investigative documentaries.

Why It Matters

These awards underscore the enduring value of factual storytelling in an era of misinformation and fragmented media. By honoring excellence in reporting and documentary filmmaking, the Emmys encourage high standards in journalism and public accountability.

• Prestige: Winning an Emmy elevates a journalist’s or producer’s reputation and can boost viewership and funding.
• Industry benchmark: The awards set a standard for quality in news and documentary production across all platforms.
• Public trust: Recognized programs often become reference points for accurate, in-depth reporting on critical issues.
• Global impact: Award-winning documentaries like those on climate change or human rights often influence policy and public opinion.
• Support for journalists: The recognition helps secure continued investment in investigative and international reporting.
• Encourages innovation: Categories like Digital Journalism and Immersive Storytelling reward new formats and technologies.

As media evolves, the News & Documentary Emmys remain a vital institution, promoting truth, depth, and excellence in nonfiction storytelling.