I received this press release today. Let me say I'm surprised and upset about this matter. There's no logical reason for the Los Angeles Academy's demand. It's sad and offensive to see, once again, the Spanish-speaking community being discriminated. Read the transcription, and tell me what you think it's behind this ridiculous demand.
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A Statement Regarding the Recent Actions by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Los Angeles) Demanding That the New York-Based National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Stop Presenting Emmy Awards to Spanish-Language Television and Broadband Producers.

It is distressing to hear that the Academy in Los Angeles (ATAS) continues to thwart the recognition of not only Spanish language television but the whole new generation of independent producers on the Internet, based upon the irresponsible assertion that such recognition "proliferates" Emmy awards to the detriment of the Emmy brand.

As the New York Times reported, the average number of channels received by an American household has increased by 63 to 104 since 1995, while the broadband multiples that number by thousands of video streams. Spanish language television alone has grown in that same period from just a few channels to 32. The Hollywood Academy itself has ballooned their primetime categories from 59 in 1977 to 94 today, while annually awarding multiple statues to the same top talent and shows.

The real problem is not quantity of awards but quality of recipients. While the Hollywood stars (English speakers) take more bows, the new stars representing the fastest growing elements of television go unrecognized and unrewarded. Absolutely none of the Spanish language stars or programs have ever won a national Emmy award competition.

As Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Emmys en Español, I urge that the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) be supported if not applauded in its efforts over the past five years to forge such recognition for the unserved but deserving talent in our television industry.

At the same time I urge the Academy members in Los Angeles to open their eyes and ears to the huge population in their own backyard and get out of their protective caves. Yes, Spanish speakers park your cars and clear your tables, but they also run the number one television station in Los Angeles and also happen to run L.A. City Hall.

Raul Mateu
Chairman, Organizing Committee of Emmys en Español
Senior Vice President & Managing Director of Miami Operations, William Morris Agency
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Apparently, the legal fight that's going on between NATAS and ATAS, over a proposed Broadband Emmys ceremony, is the origin of the Spanish-language programming issue. Apparently, we're just "acceptable casualties".

More info: New Dust-Up Emerges Between NATAS and ATAS