Boston TV station wins three Peabodys

Boston’s WGBH-TV won three Peabody awards Wednesday, NBC News received a Peabody for a Tom Brokaw piece on the University of Michigan and its affirmative action policy, and CBS News was cited for a “60 Minutes” report on abuses of power by government and military contractors.

The Peabodys recognize excellence and meritorious work by radio and television stations, networks, webcasters, producing organizations and individuals.

The winners were announced Wednesday in Atlanta.

The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia has administered the Peabodys since the program’s inception in 1940.

“Today” show host Katie Couric will serve as master of ceremonies for the 63rd annual awards May 17 in New York.

The three winners from WGBH-TV all aired on PBS: “The Elegant Universe,” “Frontline: A Dangerous Business” and “The Murder of Emmett Till.”

Other winners Wednesday included Showtime’s “A Soldier’s Girl,” “Dora the Explorer” from MTV Networks/Nickelodeon, HBO’s “The Wire” and BBC America’s “The Office.”

Bill Moyers was cited for career achievement, most recently his series “NOW with Bill Moyers” and the documentary “Becoming American: The Chinese Experience.”

Among the radio winners: “American Mavericks,” KSJN-FM/Minnesota Public Radio’s 13-part series hosted by Suzanne Vega that recounts the evolution of distinct American classical music.