Annual Peabody Awards programs


Descriptive Summary
Title: Annual Peabody Awards programs
Creator: University of Georgia. School of Journalism
Inclusive Dates: 1990-2019
Language(s): English
Extent: 0.5 Linear Feet 1 box
Collection Number: UA09-043
Repository: University of Georgia Archives

Collection Description

Biographical/historical note

The George Foster Peabody Awards recognizes distinguished and meritorious public service by radio and television stations, networks, producing organizations and and individuals. Reflecting excellence in quality rather than popularity or commercial success, the Peabody is awarded to about 25-35 winners annually from more than 1000 entries.

In 1939, the National Association of Broadcasters formed a committee to recognize outstanding achievement in radio broadcasting. Committee member Lambdin Kay, manager of WSB in Atlanta, thought the award would be more credible if it was academically sanctioned and independently administered. He approached John E. Drewry of the University of Georgia's Henry W. Grady School of Journalism, who enthusiastically endorsed the idea. The Peabody Award was established in 1940 with the school as its permanent home.

George Foster Peabody, born in 1852 in Columbus, Georgia, moved with his family to New York after the Civil War. Largely self-educated, Peabody became a successful banker and supporter of humanitarian causes, especially education. Among other things, he helped finance a library, a forestry school, and a classroom building at the University of Georgia and was the school's first non-Georgia-resident trustee. In appreciation, the University awarded him an honorary degree and named the new broadcasting award for him.