Recognition of eligible individuals who have made a significant contribution to television well above and beyond that required by their job. That contribution can be in service to the industry, to NATAS, to the community, or to people training for a career in the field. Nominees answer to the highest standards of integrity and honor in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Nominations are accepted from the performing, creative, technical or administrative roles within the industry or in peripheral areas directly related to television such as commercial production, journalism or education. Neither nominators nor nominees need to be members of NATAS

The Silver Circle is a society of honor. Television professionals from within the Chapter’s region are inducted in recognition of significant contributions made to our industry for twenty-five years or more. Award to consist of a Plaque and a gold and silver lapel pin. Nominations are solicited and then reviewed by the committee. In making their recommendation to the Board of Governors, the committee will consider.

An individual’s entire career need not have been spent in a single market; but must have significant contributions within the Chapter’s region. It is recommended, but not required, that candidates be nominated by the National Academy members and/or by previously selected members of the Silver Circle. Nominated individuals may or may not be National Academy members. Nominations may be considered in future years if they are not selected. There should be no circulation of ballots or lists of names being considered, since any publication of that information could be interpreted as revealing “losers.” Only the names of those to be inducted should be announced. The selection should be made by the Board of Governors, or by a Special Committee appointed for this purpose. Discussions should be confidential. The selection should be conducted in a way that avoids embarrassment to those not selected.

The Gold Circle honors individuals who meet all criteria for Silver Circle and have spent fifty or more years working in television. Like the Silver Circle, it is a regional chapter option. The National Awards Committee may also award individuals whose work is national or which has been spread over a number of markets and has not been recognized by a local chapter. Award to consist of a Medallion and a gold pin. Requires fifty years service in television, not necessarily in a single market. For individuals only. Groups, businesses and organizations are not eligible. National Academy membership is not required. Award may be presented as part of the Silver Circle ceremony, as part of the chapter’s Emmy Awards, or as a separate ceremony authorized by the National Awards Committee. The Chapter’s Board of Governors should make the selections. Announcements should be limited to those who are to be honored. No advance announcement should be made of the names of those under consideration to avoid embarrassing those who are not selected. Chapters may bestow a lifetime membership on inductees if they wish. Normally not to be awarded posthumously, but may be when special circumstances warrant, as determined by the Board of Governors. Silver Circle membership is not required for the Gold Circle, though it is anticipated that would be the case in most situations.