Emmys' tribute to Monteith seen as appealing to young audience

Jane Lynch will honor Cory Monteith’s memory at the Primetime Emmys Sunday

In the wake of the Primetime Emmys’ producers announcement Sunday’s awards show will not only feature the usual “In Memoriam” segment of recently-deceased key players in the TV world, but also feature five special tributes — there’s been a lot of criticism in Hollywood and over the internet.

Most of the unhappiness has centered on late “Glee” star Cory Monteith — who died of a drug and alcohol overdose this summer — as being included along with James Gandolfini, Jonathan Winters, Jean Stapleton and producer Gary David Goldberg. Among those some felt should have been similarly honored were veteran actors Jack Klugman or Larry Hagman.

In a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Emmy show executive producer Ken Ehrlich, stood behind the choice and explained, “Cory’s appeal was to maybe a little different generation than some of the others, and we felt they needed to be represented.”

On strict background, because he wasn’t authorized to speak for the TV Academy, a key Emmy insider was even more blunt. “Cory’s selection was obviously made as part of an overall need to make the show appealing to a younger audience. I know it seems weird to do it via an ‘In Memoriam’ segment, but it’s something younger viewers will clearly relate to. … Besides I think Jane Lynch [Montheith’s friend and “Glee” co-star who will speak about him] will do a great job of honoring his memory, but also reflect on how his disease — his addiction — led to him leaving us too soon.

“It will be a cautionary tale.”