TV Academy’s Leader

Brian Lowry’s article on the intrigues of the television academy does a grave disservice to the hard work and vision of Chairman Meryl Marshall-Daniels and many in the academy who finally brought some fresh air and purpose to this 52-year-old institution (“Toughest Decisions Are Behind the Scenes,” June 22).

Until Marshall-Daniels became president, membership languished because few of us who are actively working in the industry could see a real purpose beyond the Emmys. To outsiders it seems like an elitist, stagnant organization.

Marshall-Daniels has tried to make the academy a meaningful forum to tackle the 21st century issues of our business both within the industry and on the national and global scene. She and many in the membership have had the courage to take on the issue of diversity as a positive challenge for us behind camera and on the screen. Additionally, there has finally been recognition of the contributions of all the talented crafts necessary to create this medium.

She has been a presence of intelligence, grace and humanity, whether on the stage of the Emmy telecast, congressional forums or running seminars with professionals and lay people. That is a first in the academy’s contemporary history and will be a hard act to follow.

SUSAN WHITTAKER PITLIK

Karaka Bay Films

Los Angeles