Walsh to receive Emmy's Governors Award

John Walsh, creator of "America's Most Wanted," will receive the Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The award will be presented during the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony Sept. 10. "John Walsh has dedicated his life to the betterment of society, and while doing so has used television in an inventive and extraordinary way," Acad chairman-CEO John Shaffner said. "His contribution to society goes far beyond just hosting a hit TV show, but sets a prime example of how television can be used to convey an important message." Walsh spearheaded the launch of "Wanted" in 1988, seven years after his son Adam was abducted and subsequently found murdered. The program ran for 23 years, with Fox airing its final episode in June, though the possibility of special editions of the show remains. "Wanted" reportedly led to the capture of 1,500 fugitives and the safe return of 50 missing children. Contact Jon Weisman at jon.weisman@variety.com