Years after reality TV was first recognized at the Emmy Awards, the genre's hosts are now getting some respect from organizers of the prominant U.S. TV honours.

The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday the introduction of a new category: outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program. The inaugural trophy will be awarded at the ceremony in September.

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is eligible for the new Emmy category, but the TV singing competition's judges aren't.
(Matt Sayles/Associated Press)

"Reality television has become such an integral part of television and our culture, so it only made sense for us to create this new highly competitive category," academy chair and CEO John Shaffner said in a statement.

Potential nominees could include American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, Deal or No Deal's Howie Mandel, Ty Pennington of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Tyra Banks of America's Next Top Model.

However, the category will be restricted to proactive, "master of ceremony" hosts.

"Reactive participants or judges" — for instance American Idol's Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson — are not eligible.

The academy's first Emmy celebrating the genre — for outstanding reality program — was awarded in 2001. Past winners have included Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and The Osbournes.

In 2003, organizers began handing out the Emmy for best reality competition, with The Amazing Race winning the category since its inception.

Nominees for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced July 17, with the awards gala to be broadcast live Sept. 21.