Just weeks after announcing an overhaul of categories in an attempt to bestow the awards greater legitimacy, the annual Logies, which celebrate the best in Australian television, are now reshaping their judging process.

In a significant departure from previous years, the Logies will allow current employees of major broadcasters, including free-to-air networks Nine*, Seven and Ten, as well as streaming platforms like Netflix, Stan, Binge or Prime Video, to apply to be members of the judging panel. Until now, employees of major networks or streaming platforms were not eligible to be judges.

The judges submitted by each broadcaster will join a panel composed of members of the media and other industry experts and professionals. All judges will have to vote in the four major acting categories, as well as voting on best drama program, best miniseries or telemovie and best entertainment program.

Based on area of expertise and interest, judges can then vote for remaining categories including comedy, news and current affairs, reality and sport. Information around the exact make-up the panel and how it is selected will not be shared publicly.

According to Australian television commentator Andrew Mercado, the latest changes only add to long-standing confusion surrounding Logies judging.

“I’ve always defended the Logies, but these changes are a case of new but not improved,” says Mercado. “How do we know who is on the panel and how each network will be represented?”

In response to concerns around the changes, TV Week’s editorial director Amber Giles said processes were in place to ensure the judging pool was evenly balanced.

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“We are currently talking with all broadcasters and have requested 20 representatives from each,” says Giles. “An even number of judges per broadcaster will make up the final panel across the board.”