Al Roker, Filmmaker John Else to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honors at 46th News & Documentary Emmys

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Television personality Al Roker from NBC’s “Today” show has been selected to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards in the coming month. Similarly, documentary filmmaker, cameraman, producer, and director Jon Else will also be honored with this award.

On Thursday, it was announced by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the body responsible for the News & Documentary Emmy Awards, that they had some news to share.

The Emmy Awards for News & Documentaries are divided into two events: the first event, happening on Wednesday, June 25, will recognize news programs, whereas the second event, scheduled for Thursday, June 26, will celebrate documentaries. Roker is set to receive his award at the news event, while Else will be recognized during the documentary event.

Adam Sharp, president of NATAS, praised Al Roker and Jon Else by stating that their Lifetime Achievement awards are well-deserved for their longstanding impacts on the television industry. We recognize not just their exceptional work both on and off camera, but also the significant influence they’ve had on viewers, professionals, and future storytellers. NATAS is proud to acknowledge their dedication to quality and their instrumental roles in defining the television world.

Al Roker initially joined “Today” back in January 1996, where he now shares hosting duties for the third hour of this popular morning show. His diverse portfolio extends to other projects as well, such as co-hosting Sirius XM’s “Off the Rails” alongside Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones, delivering weather updates on The Weather Channel’s “Wake Up with Al,” and providing forecasts for WNBC-TV. Over the years, Roker has been honored with three Daytime Emmys, which were awarded to “Today” for best morning newscast in 2007, 2009, and 2010. In addition to his work on “Today,” Roker continues to co-host Sirius XM’s “Off the Rails” alongside Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones.

Roker considered the award as a “remarkable recognition.” He noted that it could be seen as a recognition for the end of his career or life, but in any case, he’s deeply grateful to receive the Lifetime Achievement Emmy. He expresses his heartfelt thanks to everyone he’s worked with who supported and helped him attain this significant achievement.

Known for works such as “The Day After Trinity: J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb,” “Cadillac Desert,” and serving as series producer and cinematographer for Henry Hampton’s “Eyes On The Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years.” Additionally, he has contributed to projects like “Sing Faster: The Stagehands’ ‘Ring Cycle,'” “Wonders Are Many: The Making of “Doctor Atomic,” “Yosemite: The Fate of Heaven,” “Palace of Delights: the Exploratorium” and “Open Outcry.”

He is recognized for his works including “The Day After Trinity: J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb,” “Cadillac Desert,” serving as a series producer and cinematographer for Henry Hampton’s “Eyes On The Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years.” Other credits include “Sing Faster: The Stagehands’ ‘Ring Cycle,'” “Wonders Are Many: The Making of “Doctor Atomic,” “Yosemite: The Fate of Heaven,” “Palace of Delights: the Exploratorium” and “Open Outcry.

Else shared, “I was utterly astonished – What?!? – and deeply moved, feeling immense pride. Winning Emmys was something I never thought would happen while filming small documentaries half a century ago. Reflecting on my career in television, I must acknowledge that the unwavering support from dedicated professionals in public broadcasting has been crucial to everything I’ve achieved. To them, I owe an eternal debt of gratitude. Moreover, throughout my journey, I’ve consistently found success by collaborating with brilliant and talented individuals.

At this year’s 46th Annual Emmy Awards for News & Documentaries, trophies will be given out in 66 different categories covering news and documentary programming. Notably, Disney’s National Geographic has secured a leading position with a total of 46 nominations. A significant part of this success is due to the program “Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller,” which has garnered an impressive 29 nominations in various categories, including Outstanding Recorded News Program and Outstanding Investigative News Coverage – Long Form.

This year’s Emmy Awards for News & Documentaries will be held at the Palladium Times Square in New York City. You can catch it live on our official viewing platform at watch.theemmys.tv, or stream it using our apps on iOS, tvOS, Android, FireTV, and Roku devices.

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2025-05-29 16:17