Peabody Awards Will Honor Andrea Mitchell and ‘Saturday Night Live’
NBC News’ chief Washington and chief foreign affairs correspondent Andrea Mitchell has been selected to receive this year’s prestigious Peabody Career Achievement Award. Additionally, the long-running NBC late-night sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live” will be honored with the Peabody’s Institutional Award. The awards will be presented at the 85th annual Peabody Awards ceremony on June 1 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.
Andrea Mitchell has dedicated over five decades to NBC News, with 30 years serving as the chief foreign affairs correspondent. Her exceptional coverage of the Texas abortion ban earned her a Peabody Award, and she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Television Academy in 2019. Mitchell’s extensive career includes reporting on eight White House administrations and 12 presidential races, solidifying her as a trailblazer in journalism.
Previous recipients of the Peabody Career Achievement Award include esteemed figures such as Mel Brooks, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno, Dan Rather, Cicely Tyson, and Carol Burnett. Peabody executive director Jeffrey Jones praised Mitchell, stating, “Andrea Mitchell has been setting the standard for news correspondents with unparalleled coverage of politics and foreign policy for more than three decades. She has quite literally traveled the globe to bring us stories that have shaped history.”
“Saturday Night Live” will be recognized with the Institutional Award for its groundbreaking contributions to television over the past 50 seasons. Under the leadership of creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, the show has garnered 101 Emmys, six Writers Guild of America Awards, and three Peabody Awards. Known for its satirical take on politicians from both parties, “SNL” remains a cultural phenomenon with its viral sketches and iconic “Weekend Update” segment.
Peabody highlighted the show’s impact, stating, “‘Saturday Night Live’ is a cultural touchstone that has kept audiences tuning in for five decades through its cutting-edge sketch comedy, pinpoint political satire, and always relevant musical guests.” Previous recipients of the Institutional Award include iconic programs like “Star Trek,” “The Simpsons,” “60 Minutes,” “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” and “Sesame Street.”
The Peabody Awards, based at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, recognize excellence in various programming categories. Nominees for this year’s awards will be announced on April 15 and April 17, with winners revealed on May 1. The 2025 ceremony will be produced by Bob Bain Prods.
This year’s honorees, Andrea Mitchell and “Saturday Night Live,” represent the best in journalism and comedic television, showcasing the talent and dedication that have made them icons in their respective fields. The Peabody Awards continue to celebrate outstanding storytelling and programming that makes a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
