Personal Award: Jackie Gleason for Television Entertainment
NBC Television
Jack Gleason and Perry Como, it seems, split the television audience on Saturday evenings almost squarely down the middle. The Peabody Committee feels justified, therefore, in following the same pattern in bestowing this year’s award for television entertainment. Mr. Gleason’s versatility and infectious enthusiasm are matched by Mr. Como’s charm and disarming lack of pretension. Both artists, furthermore, have had the good sense to hire top grade writers who bring out the best in them. The Committee regrets only that it is impossible to watch both gifted stars at the same time. We can, however, include both in this double award for entertainment, and to each is presented a Peabody medal.