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:

• Documentary (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Entertainment (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• News (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Children’s/Youth (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Public Service (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Arts (TV/Streaming/Internet/Podcast/Radio)
• Radio/Podcast

1.2. Submissions for the Institutional Award for broadcasting and streaming entrants will also be accepted during this cycle. See Section 8 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, 2024 to December 31, 2024.

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 cycle. Examples of these include interactive journalism, interactive documentary, and social video. Submissions for the interactive and immersive cycle are scheduled to open again in Fall 2025. Sign up for announcements here.

• 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 website where the primary intention is for audience viewing rather than audience engagement are eligible to submit in this cycle.

• 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 2024, 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 11. 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 which are  considered as part of the interactive and immersive cycle of the Peabody Awards

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.

7.6. For the Description field, entrants should include an overall description of the program. This space can also be used to call out highlight moments/episodes, impact, or additional merits that you feel are important for Peabody consideration, but these items are not required. No examples of previous narratives will be provided to entrants. The Description field has a 5000-character limit.

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 is October 10 to December 12, 2024 (11:59pm PT), for completed works that have premiered in 2024 or are slated to premiere by December 31, 2024.

3.3. To submit a program that is produced during the period of December 13-31, 2024 and airs by the December 31 cutoff, entrants must submit  an application by the December 12 deadline or late fees will apply.

• If it is a standalone program, entrants must contact peabody@uga.edu by the December 12 deadline with the Entry Number, Title, and information about the material to be submitted.
• For a new episode/segment produced and premiering December 13-31, 2024 that needs to be added to a series or larger program entry, entrants must contact peabody@uga.edu no later than January 3, 2025, to have the new material added. All other components/episodes of the entry must be submitted by the December 12 deadline or late fees will apply.
  Examples:  Saturday Night Live, daily or late-night talk shows

3.4. Live programming that is produced during the period of December 13-31, 2024 such as breaking news coverage, live local news reporting, live town halls, live sporting or entertainment events, and interviews should contact peabody@uga.edu no later than January 3, 2025 to request permission to submit.

3.5. There will be a one-time late period extension ending at 9:00am PT on Monday, December 16, 2024. Each late entry will be assessed a $350 late fee.

4.1. Fees are determined by category. The fee for an individual entry submitted in accordance with the December 12 deadline listed above is as follows (USD):

• Radio and Podcast: $450
• Documentary Series (single film/docuseries with more than 2 episodes): $800
• Documentary Film (a single film with no more than 2 episodes/parts aired): $650
• Entertainment: $800
• News: $600
• Children’s/Youth: $600
• Public Service: $600
• Arts Radio and Podcast: $450
• Arts Television/Video follow the fees by genre listed above
• Institutional Award (for 3 years of consideration): $650

4.2. There will be a one-time late period extension ending at 9:00am PT on Monday, December 16, 2024. Each late entry will be assessed a $350 late fee.

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

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

5.1. Peabody accepts submissions in the following categories. For further descriptions, see 7.5.

• Documentary (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Entertainment (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• News (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Children’s/Youth (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Public Service (TV/Streaming/Internet)
• Arts (TV/Streaming/Internet/Podcast/Radio)
• Radio/Podcast

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

5.3. Arts entries should be submitted only once. For example, do not submit in the Arts category, and then separately in Television-Documentary category.

5.4. 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 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.

5.5. 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 in this awards cycle. There is a separate cycle for Peabody consideration (scheduled to re-open Fall 2025). Join our newsletter list here to receive the announcement.

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

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

6.2. 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.

6.3. We do not accept watermarked files.

6.4. We do not accept zip files.

6.5. All audio files must be in MP3 format.

6.6. All video files must be in MP4 format.

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

6.8. 720p video format is acceptable for entry purposes. All named honorees will need to provide broadcast/hi-res quality footage upon announcement of nominees.

6.9. 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).

6.10. While a video upload is still in progress, you will not be able to upload the next video or you will lose your work. When your video upload says “Processing” and you are returned to the entry form, press “Save” at the bottom of the page, and you will be able to move on to the next video upload even while the previous file is processing. 

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

6.12. 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.

6.13. 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.

6.14. 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.

7.1. A PDF Preview of the application form is available here.

7.2. All entrants must submit the entirety of their application online at the Peabody Submissions site (open October 10). We do not accept hard copies or physical media.

7.3. 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.

7.4. Entrants will first select the format of the program: Radio/Podcast or Television/Video (e.g. broadcast, streaming, OTT, web series, etc.). Or Institutional if that applies (see Section 8).

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

        a. Documentary: In-depth examination of local, national, or international issues and/or of contemporary or historic events.

        b. Entertainment: Series, films, and programs in presentation of drama, comedy, variety, sports, stand-up, reality programming, etc.

        c. News: Reporting, investigation, interpretation, spot coverage, and commentary on news events.

        d. Children’s/Youth Programming: Series, programs, or projects primarily intended for children (2-11) or youth (12-17).

        e. 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.

        f. Arts: Films, series, podcasts, radio programs, or one-time specials in the presentation, appreciation, or history of the arts, including but not limited to: documentary films or podcasts on music or art, musical theater, dance or ballet performances, plays, concerts.

Examples include:

• Documentary: Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men (Showtime); The Jazz Ambassadors (PBS); Tyrus (PBS)
• Podcasts: Aria Code (WQXR and The Metropolitan Opera)
• Entertainment: Beyoncé’s Lemonade (HBO); Great Performances (WNET)

7.6. For the Description field, entrants should include an overall description of the program. This space can also be used to call out highlight moments/episodes, impact, or additional merits that you feel are important for Peabody consideration, but these items are not required. No examples of previous narratives will be provided to entrants. The Description field has a 5000-character limit.

8.1. 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 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.

8.2. 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.

8.3. 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.

8.4. 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.

8.5. Peabody will reach out to all entrants from 2023 in this category who did not win the award with instructions on adding and updating entry materials if entrants would like to do so.

9.1. Entrants should use these guidelines to understand how many episodes are required for their entry. These guidelines are not award categories. See 7.5 above for the award categories in which you can enter.

9.2. 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.

9.3. For programs with Hanging Episodes (i.e. episodes in a series submission that cross over two calendar years), the episodes that premiered in 2024 constitute the entry and will be what is under consideration. If the first episode(s) of the series premiered in 2023, you may upload those in the supplemental section of the entry to provide context for the judges.

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

9.5. Radio/Podcast Category:

        a. Series with standalone thematic episodes: Submit each single episode as an individual, separate entry. (e.g. This American Life #713: Time Bandit)

        b. Narrative Series: Submit all episodes from a single season in the 2024 calendar year as one entry. (e.g. Serial)

        c. 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.

        d. Interview, Panel Discussion, Conversational Series: Submit what you feel are the strongest 6-8 episodes from a single season that were released in the 2024 calendar year as one entry. Entrants are welcome to submit more than the minimum number of episodes.

9.6. Documentary Category:

        a. Film: Submit each film in its entirety as one entry.

        b. Docuseries: Submit all episodes as part of one entry (e.g. O.J.: Made in America)

        c. 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)

9.7. Entertainment Category:

        a. Film: Submit each film in its entirety as one entry.

        b. Scripted Series/Program: Submit all episodes from a single season in the 2024 calendar year as one entry.

        c. 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 2024 calendar year as one entry. Entrants are welcome to submit more than the minimum number of episodes.

9.8. News Category:

        a. 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.

        b. 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)

9.9. Children’s/Youth follows same guidelines as Entertainment or News, depending on type.

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

9.11. Arts Radio/Podcast entries follow the same guidelines listed in 9.5.

9.12. Arts Television/Video entries follow the same guidelines listed in 9.6 through 9.10.

10.1. 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. program).

10.2. Supplemental materials are not required for the entry. 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.

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

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

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

12.1. 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.

12.2. 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.

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

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

October 10, 2024
Submissions Open

December 12, 2024, at 11:59PM PT
Submissions Deadline

December 13-16, 2024 at 9:00AM PT
Late Submissions Period

April to June 2025
Nominees Announcement
Winners Announcement
Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony

(Dates TBA)

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.