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Wednesday, Jun 9, 2010 9:12 PM UTC

TBS pushes Conan O’Brien for Emmy

The network wants to see its new late-night host win, even if it's a statue for his old employer

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Topics: Conan O'Brien, Television,

TBS pushes Conan O'Brien for EmmyTBS Emmy campaign for Conan O'Brien

You don’t usually see networks waging Emmy campaigns for the opposition. But then again, nothing to do with Conan O’Brien has been within the realm of the ordinary this year. So perhaps it stands to reason that his imminent new home, TBS, has launched a “for your consideration” campaign for the man who was oh so briefly the host of “The Tonight Show.”

Suggesting the Academy “give this man one more thing to tweet about” for displaying “outstanding achievement in the use of SPF 150,” Conan’s “friends at TBS,” where, his new show launches in November, are running two new ads in the run-up to Emmy nomination season.

Leno’s 17-year stint as “Tonight Show” host garnered the show just one Emmy for outstanding comedy variety show — and that was 15 years ago. So for O’Brien (who also has a single win) to strut into his new digs as the Emmy award winner that NBC tossed aside would be roughly the equivalent of having your ex see you on the arm of a supermodel the same day your former boss learns you just got the corner office somewhere else. In other words, sweeeeet.

Though the likelihood of a win is slim, it’ll nonetheless be interesting to see how the Emmys dole out their accolades for comedy and variety after months of what can only be described as drama. The nominees will be announced July 8. And in a pleasingly poetic turn, the August 29 broadcast will be hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Conan’s NBC late-night successor.

Mary Elizabeth Williams

Mary Elizabeth Williams is a staff writer for Salon and the author of "Gimme Shelter: My Three Years Searching for the American Dream." Follow her on Twitter: @embeedub. More Mary Elizabeth Williams.

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Gripping photos: The people of the Turkey protests (slideshow)

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  • The protests take on a festive element as police forces move out of the park and square. Wearing a gas mask, this young man dances to traditional Turkish music in front of Taksim Square’s Ataturk Monument.

  • In Gezi Park since March 31st, this protester, originally caught off-guard by the Government’s teargas and water cannons, went out and bought a Russian army mask from WWII, preparing for what was to come.

  • This rambunctious boy seems to be enjoying the chaos. After taking this picture he threw a stone at the already destroyed building in the background.

  • Forming a line, the police face off directly with protesters in Taksim Square. After a while, they retreated and there was a general cheer – a back-and-forth dance that has been common since the beginning of this protest.

  • An elderly woman in Gezi Park reads the news. The tent community occupying the park was violently destroyed on June 16th.

  • Many different groups had set up booths to promote their cause in Taksim Square and Gezi Park. Standing in front of one, this man waves his flag while posing with conviction.

  • Many home-remedies are used to minimize the effects of tear gas. This woman has put a milky solution on her face, removing her mask after the tear gas dissipated. Before sunrise, the police came again for another round of teargasing.

  • People capitalize on the uprising -- selling flags, beer, gas masks, sky lanterns and spray paint to name just a few of the popular items.

  • On Monday morning, June 11, the police execute a strong offensive. Many plain-clothed police officers, like the ones seen here, clash with protesters in the side streets away from the main stand-off in Taksim.

  • The authorities seem to be most aggressive in the night, pushing protesters away from the square and park. After being teargassed this young woman catches her breath with other protesters on Siraselviler Street.

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