MUMBAI: The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced that American television icon Regis Philbin, who started his on-air career as a talk-show host in the sixties, will host the 40th International Emmy Awards Gala, on 19 November 2012, in New York City.

Philbin joins the 40th anniversary celebration which includes the presentation of special Founders Awards to two global television legends, actor/director Alan Alda and writer/producer Norman Lear. Both Alda ?M*A*S*H? and Lear ?All in The Family? had programmes in distribution in 1972, the year of the first International Emmy Awards Gala.

Academy president, CEO Bruce L Paisner said, "Regis Philbin brings great credibility to the role of our 40th anniversary Gala host. After all, he was part of the television landscape when we started the Gala in 1972. He was and continues to be, one of the most successful talk show impresarios in the history of television. "

During the Gala, the International Academy will present Emmys in nine program categories as well as two special awards. Glee Creator Ryan Murphy, will receive the 2012 International Emmy Founders Award while Korean Broadcasting System president, CEO Dr Kim In-Kyu will receive the 2012 International Emmy Directorate Award.

MUMBAI: Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) president, CEO Dr. Kim In-Kyu, who is now also Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) president, will receive the 2012 International Emmy Directorate Award.

KBS reaches a global audience of 50 million households in 73 countries via its flagship international channel KBS World.

Dr. Kim, will accept the award at The 40th International Emmy Awards, on Monday, 19 November in New York City.

The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences president, CEO Bruce L Paisner said, "KBS is one of the great television services in the world and Dr. Kim, one of the leading media figures in Asia. We are looking forward to presenting him with the Directorate Award as he embarks on celebrating his 40th anniversary at the service of KBS."

Dr.Kim said, "KBS, as the key public service broadcaster of Korea, has been striving to achieve the goal of fair and distinctive broadcasting for the benefit of the public. On behalf of KBS, I humbly accept this honour."