CBS changes Emmy Awards show date

LOS ANGELES, June 17 (UPI) -- The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards presentation in Los Angeles has been pushed back a week until Sept. 20, CBS announced Wednesday.

"After we announced plans for Sept. 13, MTV informed us they were locked into the same day for the Video Music Awards, with venue and sponsorship agreements in place. We had the flexibility to move; they didn't," Jack Sussman, executive vice president of specials, music and live events for CBS Entertainment, said in a statement.

"It's best for the industry and the audience that these events not compete against each other," Sussman said. "Huge thanks to the Television Academy and Don Mischer for quickly moving mountains to make this happen. If the Emmy broadcast has as much excitement as the scheduling of the date, viewers are in for an unforgettable event."

"We appreciate CBS and the Television Academy taking on the mammoth task of moving such a huge event as the Emmys to accommodate the Video Music Awards. Now audiences will get to experience two phenomenal nights of entertainment," added Stephen Friedman, MTV's general manager.

Nominations for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards are to be announced July 16.