Kelsey Grammar To Receive First NAB Television Chairman's Award

Four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe-winning actor Kelsey Grammar will receive the Television Chairman's Award at the NAB Show Television Luncheon, sponsored by VCI Solutions, in Las Vegas on April 20.
Grammar has excelled at the highest level in theatre, television and film as an actor, producer, executive producer and director. Best known for his two-decade portrayal of psychiatrist Dr Frasier Crane in the classic NBC sitcoms Cheers (1984-1993) and its spin-off Frasier (1993-2004), Grammar was nominated for four for playing his character on three different sitcoms with the third being a guest appearance on Wings.
Grammar is also an accomplished voice-over artist providing the voices for popular animated characters such as Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons and Stinky Pete the Prospector in Toy Story 2 among others.
The new Television Chairman Award was established to recognise individuals for a significant breakthrough in one or more specific art disciplines in television.
K. James Yager, CEO of Barrington Broadcast Group and NAB Television Board chairman, said: "Not only has Mr Grammar earned his place in television history as an exceptional actor, but he has also excelled in producing, directing and writing. His multifaceted talent makes him the perfect first-time honoree of this award."
Grammer is currently executive producer of the primetime television shows Medium on NBC and The Game on The CW Network. Other recent works include Girlfriends on CW and The Sketch Show on FOX. In addition, Grammer will serve as executive producer and star of the ABC comedy pilot Pryors.
Also at the Television Luncheon, Diane Sutter, President and CEO of ShootingStar Broadcasting in Boston and founder of the NAB Education Foundation's Broadcasting Leadership Training (BLT) program, will receive the NAB Leadership Award.
The BLT program was created in 2000 to help increase the number of women and miniorities in broadcast ownership. Participants learn the specific skills relevant to owning and operating radio and TV stations and group management. Sutter continues to lead the program and even teaches some of the sessions herself.
Award-winning television actress and director Tracee Ellis Ross will emcee the Television Luncheon. Ross plays a main character in the show Girlfriends which was produced by Grammer and ran for eight seasons first on UPN and then The CW. She is also the daughter of legendary entertainer Diana Ross.
The Television Luncheon will also include the induction of Bob Newhart into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
The NAB Show will take place in Las Vegas between April 18-23, 2009 (exhibits open April 20). Further information is available at: www.nabshow.com.
(KMcA/BMcC)