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By | Wednesday, June 18, 2008

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Peabodys spread love

Winners of this year's George Foster Peabody Awards, presented Monday in New York by the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism for excellence in electronic media, varied from Bob Woodruff's ABC News report on wounded veterans to Public Radio International's special on rockabilly to the comedic stylings of Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert, Broadcasting&Cable.com reports.

"60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl stepped in to host in place of NBC News anchor Brian Williams, who had just returned from Afghanistan and chose to spend time with his NBC colleagues in the wake of NBC Washington bureau chief Tim Russert's sudden death on Friday. Although there was no weepy tribute to Mr. Russert, Miss Stahl said the Peabody event gave colleagues from all networks a chance to "grieve together."

John Carlin, anchor at Roanoke's NBC affiliate, WSLS, struck a more somber tone while accepting a Peabody for the Media General station's coverage of last year's Virginia Tech shootings.

WSLS is a small-market station (68th), and Mr. Carlin said he was thrilled to be sharing the stage with more famous journalists. Yet, he added, "Because of the tragedy, I wish we never had the opportunity to win this award. We accept it on behalf of the 32 innocent victims."

Also claiming Peabody prizes were CBS' "60 Minutes" for "The Killings in Haditha," AMC's "Mad Men" and Bravo's "Project Runway," among many others.

A tribute to Tim

Speaking of the late Mr. Russert, a memorial service will take place Wednesday at the Kennedy Center to honor the former NBC newsman and longtime host of "Meet the Press."

The tribute, at the request of the Russert family, will remain private and is not open to the public but will be telecast live at 4 p.m. on WRC-NBC4.

Viewers also can find a special section devoted to Mr. Russert's legacy along with personal memories from his son, Luke, and other condolences on the station's Web site, www.nbc4.com. The Web site also features an inside look at Mr. Russert's life and career achievements.