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.