When it comes to cable shows, ratings are everything. The longevity, direction, and marketing of a show depends entirely on how well it performs, leading most showrunners to compete against each other for time slots to keep up with the viewership. Actors, crews, and studios are acknowledged for their hard work and dedication through awards ceremonies. However, reality television is often overlooked despite its tremendously consistent ratings. Looking to start “a league of their own,” The American Reality Television Awards (ARTAS) was created.
The American Reality Awards was birthed in 2012 by Executive Producers Kristen Moss and Andrew Ward, who wanted to support, examine, and redefine the art of reality in media. Understanding the importance of recognition, the award show holds an annual ceremony to reward excellence, encourage experimentation, and recognize how essential the public is, as they are the heart of the industry. The American Reality Television Awards celebrates the festive spirits and camaraderies that help make this industry flourish.
A year after its creation, The American Reality Television Awards awarded people in front of and behind the cameras, in the United States and throughout the world. Moss and Ward values the diversity of programming and puts reality on the leading edge of entertainment, assuring that network, cable, and streaming shows and their stars are eligible yearly in many categories.
Since its inception, the ARTAS has continued to adapt to technological advancements and expansion. The academy started a Humanitarian Award that eventually paved the way for the Reality TV Hall of Fame. Among its inductees are television personalities Heidi & Spencer Pratt in 2015 and iconic supermodel Janice Dickinson in 2016. The Hall of Fame recipient in 2021 will be announced soon.
On average, the American Reality Television Awards receives a total of over two million votes. With the Spring (or Summer) 2021 premiere around the corner, Kristen Moss and Andrew Ward have started to grow busy once again and have opened the worldwide vote on March 1st, encouraging the public to text their votes. International voters can also visit their website to cast their votes, too. Voters can eventually watch the event on their social media later this year.
Almost approaching their decade anniversary, Kristen Moss and Andrew Ward are excited about the direction the ARTAS will take. “According to The Hollywood Reporter, in 2019, more than 75% of cable TV’s twenty-five highest-rated original series were non-fiction shows,” they shared enthusiastically, “We’re excited to give our industry something to celebrate during these uncertain times.”
Moss and Ward foresee The American Reality Television Awards becoming the premier awards show for reality television. The duo envisions their ceremonies to come with an annual live event broadcast, a star-studded red carpet, energy-filled performances, and collaborations with current reality talent and shows. The ARTAS hopes to become a place for the industry to come together to learn, grow, and foster the reality tv community.
Learn more about the American Reality Television Awards by visiting their official website. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
