TV academy promises 'unprecedented' security at Emmy Awards

<br>LOS ANGELES (AP) _ In the wake of last month's terrorist attacks, the upcoming Emmy Awards ceremony will be like no other. Show organizers have said the event will include unprecedented security

Tuesday, October 2nd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ In the wake of last month's terrorist attacks, the upcoming Emmy Awards ceremony will be like no other. Show organizers have said the event will include unprecedented security measures.

Sunday's ceremony, which was delayed three weeks following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, will be held at the Shrine Auditorium and air on CBS. Ellen DeGeneres is the host.

``A secure environment at the Shrine is the primary commitment we make to you,'' said an open letter from Bryce Zabel, chairman of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and Jim Chabin, its president.

The ceremony's ``unprecedented'' and ``greatly stepped-up plans'' have been coordinated with police and the FBI and Federal Aviation Administration, according to the letter published Monday in Daily Variety.

The letter advised those attending the ceremony to arrive at least an hour earlier than they normally would.

Security details will not be disclosed, academy spokeswoman Jennifer Price said.

In the letter, the academy reminded the industry of its intention to create a respectful show.

``Together, we all hope to give the industry and America an Emmy Sunday we feel proud of _ one with both laughter and tears that will help lift the country's spirits,'' Zabel and Chabin wrote.

A special dress attire was even suggested with those attending the event asked to deviate from the usual formal gowns and tuxedoes. That could mean cocktail dresses or pantsuits for women and suits for men, Price said.

Also different from shows past will be the absence of bleachers that are usually crowded with cheering fans, a modified red carpet arrival area and the traditional post-ceremony Governors Ball being renamed a ``Unity Dinner.''