The recent Peabody Awards ceremony, held on Sunday in Beverly Hills, brought to light urgent issues surrounding the threats to democratic norms, the need for criminal justice reform, and the ongoing struggle for diversity and inclusion. As the 85th annual awards were presented, winners voiced their concerns about the state of society and the vital role of media in advocating for change.
Among the night’s highlights was the heartfelt acceptance speech by Lorne Michaels, the chief of “Saturday Night Live,” who received the Peabody Institutional Award for the show's enduring impact since its inception in 1975. This marked the sixth Peabody for the iconic late-night comedy series. Reflecting on the emotional experience of the “SNL50” specials that aired in February, Michaels stated, “All those people coming back from the first season on, all being in one room performing and applauding was one of the most moving experiences of my life.”
At 80 years old, Michaels addressed the speculation surrounding the show’s future, saying, “I’m not planning a sixtieth,” emphasizing his gratitude for being able to do what he loves. He expressed his appreciation for the Peabody Awards, stating, “When you come to the Peabodys, unlike other award shows, you know you’re in the right room. It’s really an honor to be here, so thank you.”
The event also featured numerous calls for the support of public media amidst concerns regarding the Trump administration's attempts to cut federal funding for organizations like PBS and NPR. Several winners denounced these budget cuts as violations of cherished democratic principles.
Dave Biscobing, an acclaimed investigative reporter for the ABC affiliate in Phoenix, was recognized for his dedication to a groundbreaking 32-part series that exposed systemic police brutality and racism within local law enforcement. Despite recent attempts by the Trump Justice Department to retract a report documenting his findings, Biscobing asserted, “They can retract the report, they can erase their words but they’ll never erase what we did.” He urged the audience to continue telling important stories that matter.
Matthew Hashiguchi, who produced the impactful report “The Only Doctor” for the Reel South public media station, addressed the growing crisis in rural healthcare. He reported on Dr. Karen Kinsell, the only physician serving a vast area in Georgia's Clay County. Hashiguchi warned, “If Medicaid is cut, we’re going to need more people like her,” emphasizing the critical need for healthcare access in underserved regions.
Another significant moment of the evening was the recognition of the British narrative drama “Mr. Bates Vs. the Post Office.” This piece exposed the scandal involving the nation’s Post Office system and the unjust prosecution of innocent individuals. Producer Patrick Spence remarked, “Such is the power of television. Such is the power of a nation brought to rage by such a naked abuse of power.”
Roy Wood Jr., an alumnus of “The Daily Show” and co-host of CNN’s “Have I Got News for You,” served as the emcee for the night. He candidly discussed the significant challenges facing both news and entertainment industries. Wood praised the journalists and artists being honored for their courage in “telling the truth” in these tumultuous times and acknowledged the cultural institution that “SNL” has become.
Among the noteworthy documentaries presented was “Surviving Nova,” which delved into the tragic events surrounding the music festival in Israel during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks. Director Gilad Thaler described it as “a carefully sourced, deeply human account grounded in first-hand testimony and video evidence.” Another poignant documentary, Al Jazeera’s “The Night Won’t End,” highlighted the ongoing suffering of families in Gaza amid military bombings.
Veteran journalist Andrea Mitchell received the Peabody Career Achievement Award, presented by her NBC News colleague Jacob Soboroff. Mitchell emphasized the importance of journalism for the survival of democracy, urging the next generation of journalists to be “fearless” in their pursuit of truth.
This year’s Peabody Awards also honored several scripted series, including FX’s “Say Nothing” and Peacock’s “We Are Lady Parts.” Joshua Zetumer, the creator of “Say Nothing,” spoke about the relevance of its themes to today’s political climate, stating, “When bad things happen — and believe me they’re happening right now — the most dangerous thing we can do is stay silent.”
As the 85th Peabody Awards highlighted significant social issues and celebrated the power of storytelling, the event served as a vital reminder of the role that media plays in shaping public discourse and advocating for justice.
