Singapore – The finalists for this year’s Asian Television Awards 2012 (ATA) have been announced by organising publication Television Asia Plus. A total of 248 entries spanning 13 countries have been short-listed for the 17th annual presentation of one of the region’s most prestigious industry honours.

This year’s entries surpassed those in 2011, with more than 1,300 submissions received across various television genres and performance categories.

Adding to the excitement this year, three new award categories have been introduced, namely: Best 2D Animated Programme, Best 3D Animated Programme and Best Sports Presenter/Commentator. The 42 winners of these esteemed Awards will be announced at an exclusive Gala Ceremony on December 6, held this year at Singapore’s Shangri-La Hotel.

Over the months 48 specialist judges from 12 countries have viewed the entries with final results being audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

View the full nomination list here.