(First published on Blogcritics.org)
John Cryer, of Two and a Half Men, served as Television Luncheon Master of Ceremonies for this year’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, April 18 in Las Vegas. Cryer joked his way through the ceremony, which honored Producer Chuck Lorre (Cryer’s former boss from Two and a Half Men) and actress/singer Keke Palmer.
Before the awards, NAB officers spoke about the organization’s efforts to influence Federal Communications Commission efforts to reorganize the broadcast spectrum and establish new standards in the age of the Internet. Brian Lawlor, Senior Vice President, Television for E.W. Scripps, said that NAB was fighting to protect the rights of local broadcasters.
Lawlor argued that communities needed local broadcasters for emergency news and to understand civic issues. He said, “NAB is engaged in the development of a next generation standard for spectacular images, immersive sound, interactivity and personalization. Also, we must continue to stand strong to protect our industry, not just for the benefit of our industry, but for those we serve.”
After all the serious stuff, Cryer got back to the jokes and awards.
Keke Palmer (Akeelah and the Bee , Scream Queens) received the TV Chairman’s Award which recognizes achievements in one or more specific disciplines in television. Chuck Lorre, creator/writer of some of TV’s most memorable sitcoms since the 1980s, was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Palmer, only 22, has recently expanded her career from film and television into new areas. Last year she appeared on Broadway in the title role of Cinderella and has just debuted her first music single and video, “Enemiez”. She also spends time working with the Boys and Girls Clubs, the YWCA and the Urban Farming program.
In her acceptance speech, Palmer spoke about the success her generation was achieving and how so many young people were benefiting from the opportunity to participate in theater and film. She thanked her family for believing in her.
Palmer said, “I’m just one face of many beautiful black, white, Latin and all kinds of boys and girls that have magic to share with the world. I’m thankful to have had a mother who reminded me every day that what I was doing was not only for me, but for all of those who I represent.”
She thanked the NAB for the award and for giving her a platform to share the truth. She began to tear up as she continued, “I’m not anymore special than anyone else out there. We are all special. We are all gifted. We were born to manifest our gifts. We are all from the divine and when we follow our dreams, we also create a world that allows others to follow theirs.”
Chuck Lorre created some of the most popular sitcoms in TV history, including Grace Under Fire, Dharma & Greg, Roseanne, Cybill, Two and a Half Men, Mike and Molly, Mom, and The Big Bang Theory.
Speaking about his Hall of Fame induction, Lorre thanked the National Association of Broadcasters and said that television had allowed him to do what he loved – make people laugh. He recalled, “Like many of you, I grew up enthralled by the stories I saw on a small black and white TV, never realizing that I would someday have a chance to tell a few stories myself. I came to realize that every second of every show was precious and from the opening song to the titles, I wanted to use every second to entertain.”
Lorre joked that receiving this honor seemed to mark the end of his career. “But, I think,” he said, “I’m just starting to get the hang of it.”
I hope he’s right. The world can always use more laughter.
