The Peabody Awards – Submissions

1.1 The Peabody Awards honor a diverse range of stories distributed via television/streaming media; radio and podcast; and the internet (see 1.4). Nominees and winners are named in these categories:

• Arts
• Children’s/Youth
• Documentary
• Entertainment
• News
• Public Service
• Radio/Podcast

1.2 Submissions for the Institutional Award for broadcasting and streaming entrants will also be accepted during this cycle. See Section 7 for Guidelines. At this time, we do not accept submissions for the Career Achievement Award.

1.3 Eligibility Period: All programs for the categories listed in 1.1. must have premiered or be scheduled to premiere on television/streaming, podcast platforms, radio, or through the internet between January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

1.4 Under internet distribution, programming that qualifies are online/web videos without interactive components with the means and intention of audience distribution being online viewing instead of television. The video should be submitted under the appropriate genre category (e.g. news, public service, entertainment).

• Projects with interactive or audience engagement components are not eligible for this application process and should be submitted separately in the interactive and immersive category here. Examples of these include interactive journalism, interactive documentary, and social video.
• Projects where news stories are reported and distributed online through their own outlet web pages may submit the video component for consideration (example: video news story or documentary film distributed on nbcnews.com). Text and other accompanying elements do not disqualify the project, but will only be considered supplemental to the video.
• Films or series distributed through other websites where the primary intention is for audience viewing rather than audience engagement are eligible for this application process.
• Contact peabody@uga.edu with a link to your project if you need further guidance.

1.5 Films (documentary and scripted) intended for both limited theatrical release and television/streaming are eligible based on the latter’s premiere date. Films that are made available through streaming but are intended primarily for premiere as a major motion picture wide theatrical release, and marketed as such, are not eligible.

1.6 Films (documentary and scripted) that also exhibited in film festivals outside the eligibility period should contact peabody@uga.edu to confirm eligibility.

1.7 If the program premiered in a country other than the U.S. outside the eligibility period and had its U.S. premiere broadcast subsequently in 2025, it is eligible as long as it has not been submitted previously for Peabody consideration.

1.8 Non-U.S. submissions for television programming are eligible. See Section 10. International Entries.

1.9 Projects that are not eligible for Peabody consideration at this time include:

• Major motion picture films intended and marketed for wide theatrical release
• Print media or digital journalism that is primarily text-based
• Radio/Podcast submissions produced in a language other than English
• Websites or mobile sites. Videos or series produced for online exhibition may submit in the TV categories listed above. See 1.4
• Social video and other interactive/digital projects are considered as part of the interactive and immersive category and should be submitted here

1.10 Individual producers and network/platform companies should consult each other prior to submission to avoid duplicate entries. Duplicate entries will be considered only once and there will be no refund of fees.

1.11 There is no set number of nominees or winners in any single category.

1.12 Final interpretation of guidelines and eligibility are made by the Peabody Awards organization and Board of Jurors.

2.1 No changes to the guidelines at this time.

3.1 All entries must be submitted online through our platform and all programs must be uploaded to the entry. We do not accept FYC/screener links or physical media.

3.2 The submission period opens on October 9, 2025, for completed works that have premiered in 2025 or are slated to premiere by December 31, 2025. Entries should be submitted prior to one of three entry deadlines: Early Bird, Regular, or Extended (see 3.3.)

3.3 Fees are determined by category and deadline as follows (USD):

3.4 For standalone programs or episodes/segments broadcast during the period of November 20 – December 31, 2025 entrants must submit a placeholder application prior to their preferred deadline. Contact peabody@uga.edu with the Application Number and Title for information about submitting an entry prior to release.

3.5 For live programming that is produced during the period of November 20 – December 31, 2025 such as breaking news coverage and live local news reporting, entrants should contact peabody@uga.edu no later than December 31, 2025 to request permission to submit.

3.6 The final deadline for submission is December 18 at 11:59pm PT. No additional extensions will be granted.

3.7 Fees are paid via major credit card in the submission system.

3.8 Refunds are not provided once an entry has been submitted.

4.1 Peabody accepts submissions in the following categories.

1. Arts: Films, series, or one-time specials in the presentation, appreciation, or history of the arts, including but not limited to: documentary films on music or art, musical theater, dance, or ballet performances, plays, concerts.
2. Children’s/Youth: Series, programs, or projects primarily intended for children (2-11) or youth (12-17).
3. Documentary: In-depth examination of local, national, or international issues and/or of contemporary or historic events.
4. Entertainment: Series, films, and programs in presentation of drama, comedy, variety, sports, stand-up, reality programming, etc.
5. News: Reporting, investigation, interpretation, spot coverage, and commentary on news events.
6. Public Service: Projects designed to address or respond to public concerns or issues, designed to enhance public engagement, or designed primarily to educate the public or enhance learning.
7. Radio/Podcast: Audio-first programming including but not limited to: documentary or narrative series, news/reporting, interview/conversational series.

4.2 A single program is limited to one category of entry. Example: A TV program cannot be submitted both in News and in Public Service.

4.3 Companion Projects around related material that fit more than one category can submit in separate categories for separate consideration. Example: A TV series that has a companion podcast can submit the show in the entertainment category, and then the podcast in the radio/podcast category.

If you feel your entry is a collective media project that you wish to submit for single consideration, you should submit it in the category you feel best represents the stronger vehicle in the telling of the story. Any related material should be submitted in the Supplemental section of the entry application.

Contact peabody@uga.edu if you feel you need further guidance.

4.4 If your project employs other digital modes or technologies for user experience in storytelling (e.g. immersive virtual/audio reality, social media, gaming, projects that require the use of an external equipment such as a headset, interactive journalism, interactive documentary, data mapping, etc.), do not submit for this application process. There is a separate application for Peabody consideration that can be reviewed here.

4.5 There is no set number of nominees or winners in any single category.

5.1 Due to the large volume of submissions, we are unable to respond to phone calls. Please contact peabody@uga.edu for assistance.

5.2 Media files must be uploaded directly to the submission portal for consideration. We do not accept FYC/screener links or physical media. Please allow for time that it will take to upload the material before the deadline.

5.3 We do not accept watermarked files.

5.4 We do not accept zip files.

5.5 All audio files must be in MP3 format.

5.6 All video files must be in MP4 format.

5.7 All video files must be no larger than 5GB.

5.8 720p video format is acceptable for entry purposes. All named honorees will need to provide broadcast/hi-res quality footage upon announcement of nominees.

5.9 Episodes must be uploaded as individual files AND in the chronological order that they were broadcast or released. You will not be able to rearrange the order of files after you’ve completed the upload process (other than deleting and starting over).

5.10 When your video upload says “Processing,” press “Save” at the bottom of the page, and you will be able to move on to the next video. When video uploads are in progress, you will not be able to upload the next video or you will lose your work.

5.11 Do not use multiple tabs or different browsers at the same time. Your work will be lost and unrecoverable.

5.12 A Multiple Collaborators feature is available for multiple login access to the entry. However, only one person can edit the application at the same time. If more than one person simultaneously edits the entry, you will override each other’s changes/uploads.

5.13 Upload speeds may vary and also may take some time depending on multiple factors including your internet bandwidth, WiFi vs hard-wired internet connection, and your computer’s memory. For quicker uploads, use ethernet instead of wireless internet connection; use a faster computer; (with more ram); convert your video to a smaller file size – 720p is the required minimum.

5.14 The Peabody Submission site offers a Dropbox integration tool that you can use to upload your files if you have them stored in your own Dropbox account. Note file size limits on Dropbox accounts.

6.1 A PDF Preview of the 2025 application form can be found here.

6.2 All entrants must submit the entirety of their application online at the Peabody Submissions site (open October 9). We do not accept hard copies or physical media.

6.3 Once you have created an entry, you may save it within the system and return to work on it again before you submit. You should not use multiple browsers or tabs to work on the application or upload materials simultaneously as you will lose your changes.

6.4 Entrants will first select the format of the program: Radio/Podcast or Television/Video (e.g. broadcast, streaming, OTT, etc.). Or Institutional if that applies (see Section 7).

6.5 For Radio/Podcast or Television/Video, entrants will select one of these categories:

1. Arts: Films, series, or one-time specials in the presentation, appreciation, or history of the arts, including but not limited to: documentary films on music or art, musical theater, dance, or ballet performances, plays, concerts.
2. Children’s/Youth: Series, programs, or projects primarily intended for children (2-11) or youth (12-17).
3. Documentary: In-depth examination of local, national, or international issues and/or of contemporary or historic events.
4. Entertainment: Series, films, and programs in presentation of drama, comedy, variety, sports, stand-up, reality programming, etc.
5. News: Reporting, investigation, interpretation, spot coverage, and commentary on news events.
6. Public Service: Projects designed to address or respond to public concerns or issues, designed to enhance public engagement, or designed primarily to educate the public or enhance learning.
7. Radio/Podcast: Audio-first programming including but not limited to: documentary or narrative series, news/reporting, interview/conversational series.

6.6 For the Entry Description field, there is a 5000-character limit. Entrants should include a description of the program. It is also recommended that entrants use this space to call out any highlight moments/episodes, impact, supplemental materials, or notes that you feel are important for Peabody consideration. No examples of previous narratives will be provided to entrants.

7.1 This honor of highest distinction recognizes institutions and organizations, as well as series and programs, for their enduring body of work and their iconic impact on both the media landscape and the public imagination. Recent winners include Saturday Night Live, Star Trek, The TODAY Show, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, ARRAY, The Simpsons, 60 Minutes, Sesame Street, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Kartemquin Films, FRONTLINE, and ITVS.

7.2 Series, programs, production companies, and other organizations must be related to television broadcast/streaming or radio broadcast/podcast to be eligible. See 1.9 for ineligible areas.

7.3 Entrants should prepare an essay description that speaks to the merits and quality of the body of work, any areas of cultural significance, any instances of policy impact, as well as any other highlights you wish to include (limit of 5000 characters). Entrants should include a highlight video/audio reel. Supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation may be added for consideration.

7.4 Each submission will be considered for three (3) consecutive entry cycles at no additional fee. Following the end of this period, the same entity may apply, but will need to pay a new entry fee.

7.5 Peabody will reach out to all entrants from 2024 in this category who did not win the award with instructions on adding and updating entry materials if entrants would like to do so.

8.1 Entrants should use these guidelines to understand how many episodes are required for their entry. These guidelines are not award categories. See 6.5 above for the award categories in which you can enter.

8.2 Media files must be uploaded directly to the submission portal for consideration. Any other format is not acceptable, including physical drives/CDs, FYC and screener links, other downloadable links (e.g. Vimeo), or compressed zipped files.

8.3 For programs with Hanging Episodes (i.e. episodes in a series submission that cross over two calendar years), the episodes that premiered in 2025 constitute the entry and will be what is under consideration. If the first episode(s) of the series premiered in 2024, you may upload those in the supplemental section of the entry to provide context for the judges.

8.4 Contact peabody@uga.edu if you need further guidance.

8.5 Radio/Podcast Category

1. Series with standalone thematic episodes: Submit each single episode as an individual, separate entry. (e.g. This American Life #713: Time Bandit)
2. Narrative Series: Submit all episodes from a single season in the 2025 calendar year as one entry. (e.g. Serial)
3. News Story/Report: Submit a single story in its entirety. If the story involved continuing coverage, applicants may submit one file comprised of the entirety of the initial piece followed by extensive excerpts from subsequent coverage that best represent the story’s evolution.
4. Interview, Panel Discussion, Conversational Series: Submit what you feel are the strongest 6-8 episodes from a single season that were released in the 2025 calendar year as one entry. Entrants are welcome to submit more than the minimum number of episodes.

8.6 Documentary Category

1. Film: Submit each film in its entirety as one entry.
2. Docuseries: Submit all episodes as part of one entry (e.g. O.J.: Made in America)
3. Documentary Program Series with standalone thematic episodes: Submit a single episode as an individual entry. (e.g. POV: The Apology; Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel: The Killing Fields)

8.7 Entertainment Category

1. Film: Submit each film in its entirety as one entry.
2. Scripted Series/Program: Submit all episodes from a single season in the 2025 calendar year as one entry.
3. Unscripted Series/Program (e.g. talk shows, late night shows, game shows): Submit what you feel are the strongest 6-8 episodes from a single season that were released in the 2025 calendar year as one entry. Entrants are welcome to submit more than the minimum number of episodes.

8.8. News Category

1. News report, local or national: Submit a single story in its entirety. If the story involved continuing coverage, applicants may submit one file comprised of the entirety of the initial piece followed by extensive excerpts from subsequent coverage that best represent the evolution of the story. Sizzle and highlight packages are not accepted.
2. News Program Series with standalone thematic episodes: Submit a single episode as an individual entry (e.g. 60 Minutes: Memories of a Massacre; VICE on Showtime: Losing Ground)

8.9 Public Service: Submit all episodes or film in its entirety.

8.10 Arts entries follow the same guidelines listed in 8.5. through 8.8, depending on type.

8.11 Children’s/Youth follow the same guidelines listed in 8.5 through 8.8, depending on type

9.1 Primary Credits as designated in the entry are the only credits Peabody would like submitted. All winners and nominees will be contacted to confirm primary credits for the Peabody website and ceremony materials (e.g. printed program).

9.2 Supplemental materials are not required. This section has been made available for entrants who would like to include additional context for the program submission. Examples include letters of recommendation, reports on impact, press coverage of the materials, scripts, and other marketing materials.

10.1 Peabody welcomes submissions from outside the U.S. in the television/video and radio/podcast categories.

10.2 If the program is in a language other than English, it must include hard subtitles in English to ensure our ability to give the piece full consideration. Transcripts and written translations may be provided as supplemental material, but hard subtitles are required.

10.3 Unfortunately, we are unable to accept submissions produced entirely in a language other than English for the radio/podcast category.

11.1 Each Peabody Award winner will receive one statuette listing the title of the program and the production companies as credited in the entry form. This statuette will not list any individual person’s name.

11.2 Anyone credited with working on a Peabody Award winning program or executives at the company/station/network is eligible to purchase a Peabody Award statuette with customization to include their individual name and title. Eligible individuals include anyone beyond those listed in the primary credits of an entry. Orders can be placed at the Peabody online store.

11.3 Winners and Nominee certificates are also available for customization and purchase at the Peabody online store.

11.4 Orders can be placed on past or current winners/nominees. There is no expiration date.

Information provided in the entry form is subject to the protection of the UGA Privacy Policy. Email addresses provided will receive emails from Peabody Awards to stay up-to-date on submissions, winners, and programming.

October 9, 2025
Submissions Open

November 20, 2025, at 11:59PM PT
Early Bird Submissions Deadline (see 3.3. for pricing per category)

December 11, 2025, at 11:59PM PT
Regular Submissions Deadline (see 3.3. for pricing per category)

December 18, 2025 at 11:59PM PT
Extended Submissions Deadline (see 3.3. for pricing per category)

April to May 2026
Nominees Announcement
Winners Announcement
Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony

(Dates TBA)