About

It is given annually by the George Foster Peabody Awards Board at the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The award was established in 1940 by philanthropist George Foster Peabody and has since become one of the most respected awards in the media industry. The Peabody Award recognizes outstanding achievements across various mediums, including television, radio, online content, podcasts, documentaries, and more. It celebrates storytelling that addresses important social issues, showcases creativity and innovation, promotes diversity and inclusion, and demonstrates overall excellence in broadcasting. Each year, a select group of jurors from the media industry are appointed to review and evaluate submissions for the Peabody Award. They assess entries based on their content, artistic quality, technical proficiency, and societal impact, among other criteria. The awards are not divided into categories or predetermined numbers, but rather given based on the merits of each submission. Notable winners of the Peabody Award include iconic television shows like The Sopranos, The West Wing, and The Daily Show, as well as groundbreaking documentaries such as Ken Burns' The Civil War and Ava DuVernay's 13th. The award has also recognized important investigative journalism, exceptional radio programs, and impactful podcast series. In addition to honoring exceptional content, the Peabody Award also aims to promote discussion and understanding of important social issues by organizing public screenings, seminars, and other events. It serves as a vital platform for highlighting the power and influence of quality storytelling in shaping public opinion and fostering change. Overall, the Peabody Award stands as a pinnacle of achievement in the media industry, representing excellence, diversity, and the transformative power of storytelling.