Emmy adds reality TV host to award categories

They’ll be handing out a new Emmy in September – for outstanding host of a reality or reality-competition program.

Among those who will be eligible are Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”); Jeff Probst (“Survivor”); Phil Keoghan (“The Amazing Race”); Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal”); Tyra Banks (“America’s Next Top Model”); Ty Pennington (“Extreme Makeover Home Edition”); Jeff Foxworthy (“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”); and Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris (“Dancing With the Stars”).

“Reality television has become such an integral part of television and our culture (that) it only made sense for us to create this new, highly competitive category,” said John Shaffner, chairman of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The 60th annual Emmys are scheduled for Sept. 21 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.