784 Days That Changed America—From Watergate to Resignation

Few events in American life commanded the media attention that Watergate did. Few events in American life have been as complex as the Watergate affair, as difficult to understand, or as important in terms of being understood by the American people. Thus, the Peabody Board was gratified to observe the outstanding results of an effort by Nancy Dickerson and William Carpenter, co-producers, and their associates, which resulted in the condensing of two years of American history into two great hours of television. By combining actual television coverage of many of the events of the Watergate period with recollections of many of the persons who were intimately involved, it became possible to put the events in a perspective which otherwise might have been lost. The result was television that was informative, interesting, incisive, and innovative. When one considers that more than 20% of the American population was only 10 years old or younger at the time of Watergate, it is understandable why Judge John Sirica is reported to have said: “It would be a great thing if this program could be shown in every high school and college in the country.” The Peabody Board echoes Judge Sirica’s observation in presenting this award.