By Joyce Mitchell, SF NATAS/Norcal Governor and Wayne Freedman two-time SF NATAS/Norcal Governor
Legends pass through our doors only so often. They rarely arrive with such status. It happens over time through hard work, good deeds, and lasting commitments to the business and community.
Those are the people that the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) inducts into our Gold & Silver Circles. Induction is one of the highest tributes a NATAS Chapter can bestow upon an individual.
The Circles are honor societies. Silver Circle recognizes 25 years or more in the business. Gold Circle honors a minimum of 50. While longevity certainly matters, it is where consideration only begins.
Gold & Silver Circle members and candidates are more than survivors. They have made significant, positive contributions to and for our industry. They’re wise. They’re humble. Most have heart and soul.
One of the greatest newsmen ever, Edward R. Murrow, said the TV set is an instrument that can illuminate and even inspire. “But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it’s nothing but wires and lights in a box.”
Technology has changed since Murrow spoke those words in 1958, but our industry’s essential goals have remained the same. We communicate and connect with viewers. We collaborate with co-workers. We’re creative and adaptive. Gold and Silver Circle members embody that spirit. They leave the business better than they found it. By example, they serve to remind us of where we’ve been and show future generations how to carry it forward.
To that end, every Gold & Silver Circle luncheon includes students and distributes scholarships. Every induction provides opportunities for young people in the business to mingle with accomplished seasoned professionals.
The Emmy SF/NorCal Silver Circle started in 1986. Currently, it has 305 members.
The Gold Circle began in 2002. It now has 29 members.
How It Works :
- Our chapter inducts a maximum of 10 new professionals per year
- The chapter community submits names for consideration
- A G&SC committee is comprised mostly of Gold & Silver Circle members who discuss and select names for nomination
- The committee nominates in regional categories for on-air talent, crafts, and management
- Only previous Gold & Silver Circle recipients vote
- Committee members look at the final totals and make selections
- The Board of Governors gives final approval for Gold Circle recipients
- Gold can include one or two inductees – or none
- New inductees are notified by the committee
- They are honored at the annual luncheon
- An emcee is selected from members of the Gold & Silver Circle
- Individuals not selected for one year may be moved forward for future consideration
- Again, ballots are confidential
“Our history will be what we make it.”
– Edward R. Murrow
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