The celebrated HIV drama series, Intersexions, has received a prestigious Peabody Award, adding to the long list of prizes already won by the television show.
Co-produced by Curious Pictures and Ants Multimedia, in partnership with Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa (JHHESA) and SABC Education and with funding from USAID and PEPFAR, Intersexions comprised 25 standalone but interlinked episodes, which mimicked the human sexual network and showed how HIV exploits the network to spread.
In their announcement, the Peabody judges described Intersexions as “public service as educational serial entertainment.” They explained that the HIV virus itself plays a role as a seductive voice in this well-acted, candidly written program focused mostly on young, restless, high-risk adults.
“We are delighted and honoured that this groundbreaking series has received such international acclaim. It showcases to the rest of the world the quality of impactful programmes that South Africans are producing,” said Richard Delate, managing director of JHHESA.
The Peabody Award for Intersexions follows the eleven South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), including honors for Best TV Drama, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress, awarded to the series in early March.
The George Foster Peabody Awards, the oldest electronic media awards in the world, are considered the most prestigious prize for electronic media (radio, television and interactive and new media). Founded in 1940, the Peabody Awards recognize excellence, distinguished achievement and meritorious public service, and honor content ranging from popular entertainment programs to independently produced show. The awards are administered by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
As a Peabody winner, Intersexions joins other noteworthy recipients including CNN, National Public Radio and BBC.com.
The Peabody Awards will be formally presented at a luncheon ceremony hosted by Sir Patrick Stewart at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on May 21.
Learn more about the Peabody Awards.
Watch theIntersexions promotional video.
Visit the Intersexions website to read the latest news about the series.
