For many years, WPXI and KDKA did not submit station entries in the regional Emmy competition, leaving WQED and WTAE to earn most of the local nominations.

		See a complete list of local nominations in today's Tuned In Journal.

This year, WTAE is abstaining and KDKA is back on board, taking home 11 nominations. As usual, WQED has the most nominations among Pittsburgh outlets, garnering 20, down from 28 last year. (WPXI again sat out.)

Why the WTAE boycott? In January, Channel 4 news director Bob Longo resigned his position as a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences board of governors, saying he was ending station participation in the Emmys and encouraging individuals to abstain from submitting work for consideration as well. He said he felt the Emmys and the organization tilt in favor of Philadelphia. Stations there have historically won the most Emmy awards.

"Other markets within the region, including Pittsburgh, are given token attention and in my opinion, are ignored," Longo wrote. "The bias is palpable. When it comes time for awards, entries are encouraged openly, but once in, those awards, and the funds they generate are put to use running a Philadelphia chapter and annual party."

Then-NATAS Mid-Atlantic president Paul Gluck disputed Longo's characterization of the organization and was surprised that Channel 4's news director had not expressed his concerns with the group's leadership before quitting abruptly.

"We should not frame this issue around just the numbers of awards, nominations or events," Gluck wrote. "This organization's leadership and administrative staff have made a commitment to engage and include all of our members in Chapter initiatives, and to characterize this organization as a 'Philadelphia TV social club' insults all the volunteers who have given countless hours to supporting the Chapter."

(Full copies of the letters sent by Longo and Gluck can be found at post-gazette.com/tv/tuned in.)

The regional Emmy Awards recognize excellence in news, programming and individual achievement in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, choosing this year from 793 entries representing the work of 30 outlets.

No Pittsburgh on-air talent was nominated in the individual achievement categories. WQED received a slew of nominations for "On Q" programs; KDKA was nominated for its 5 p.m. and morning newscasts and for coverage of the funeral of Mayor Bob O'Connor. WQED and KDKA were both nominated for overall station excellence.

Other local entities that received one nomination each include WPXI, FSN Pittsburgh, Applebox Studios, Viewpoint Productions and Ya Momz House. Winners will be announced Sept. 15 in Philadelphia.