Meredith Vieira and Patrika Darbo join Allen to be recognized as this year’s Gold Circle inductees.
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards are set to induct a new class of Gold and Silver Circle inductees, including Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen. Honorees are recognized for their leadership and innovation in the industry.
Variety reported that additional members of this year’s Gold Circle include host/executive producer Meredith Vieira and performer Patrika Darbo. Other 2026 Daytime inductees are listed as actor/director/executive producer Francesca James in the Gold Circle, and Fox Television Stations exec VP of programming and development Stephen Brown and announcer/warm-up host Rubin Ervin in the Silver Circle.
“This year’s Gold & Silver honorees are recognized for their continued exceptional contributions to our television industry,” detailed NATAS president and CEO Adam Sharp, in a statement per Variety. “We are proud to honor a class of honorees from diverse career paths across many daytime genres. Their impact is evident in programming every day, inspiring generations and enriching the lives of countless viewers.”
According to the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) website, to be considered for induction in the Silver Circle, a candidate’s career must span 25 years or more, with Gold Circle candidates working professionally for 50 or more years. The selection committee considers service to the television or media-related industries, service to the community involving television or allied media, and service to people working in or training for careers in television or allied media.
Star Jones, Judy Blye Wilson, Kate Linder, James Reynolds, and Greg Barna were inducted into the Silver Circle in 2025, while the Gold Circle made space for Jane Elliot.
Allen’s Gold Circle recognition comes as the entertainment industry mogul was recently named to EBONY’s Power 100 list for 2026. Joined by Latriece Watkins, President and CEO, Sam’s Club U.S., Stacy Brown-Philpot, Founder & Managing Partner of Cherryrock Capital, and Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO, Calendly, the group is recognized with the Junior Bridgeman Business Vanguard: Executives and entrepreneurs redefining what’s possible in business.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards are set to take place on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Hollywood Palladium and will stream live on the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences YouTube channel.
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