MUMBAI: The University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication announced that CNN has received a George Foster Peabody Award for its distinguishing coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
For CNN's 10th Peabody, the judges cited CNN for being the "go-to" channel for "essential, up-to-the-minute information for viewers, listeners and online users" about the disaster.
CNN Worldwide president Jim Walton said,"We are pleased that the Peabody panel deemed our work to be worthy of one of the most prestigious awards in journalism. The award not only honored our dedication to the story but our unique ability to provide millions of people with news and information across multiple platforms. No matter where or when they needed the news about Katrina, people around the world depended on CNN."
CNN provided unmatched coverage of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina before and after it made landfall on 29 August 2005, showing once again its power as a breaking news network and the premier source for news and updates long after the U.S. Gulf Coast felt the full force of the hurricane.
CNN's coverage went beyond television and cable news. Through CNNRadio and CNN Newsource, CNN provided important news and report packages to its numerous affiliates in the region and elsewhere. CNN.com provided extensive online coverage of the disaster as well, servicing more than 33.2 million videos and more than 572 million page views within the first week of the tragedy.
CNN also offered public service journalism through the creation of a "Victims and Relief Desk," which aired segments and posted resources in an attempt to link those left stranded with relief efforts. The Peabody awards will be presented on 5 June in New York City. Jon Stewart will be the master of ceremonies.
Established in 1939 and first awarded in 1940, the George Foster Peabody Awards recognize distinguished achievement and meritorious service by radio and television networks, stations, producing organizations, cable television organizations and individuals. They perpetuate the memory of the banker-philanthropist whose name they bear.
