Programs ranging from a "60 Minutes" investigation of questionable dealings between defense contractors and politicians to the animated adventures of "Dora the Explorer" were honored with Peabody Awards Wednesday (March 31).

The awards, given for the past 63 years by the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, honor "excellence in electronic media." Peabody winners run the gamut from news to documentaries to entertainment; 29 programs won awards this year, including for the first time a web site, Transom.org.

"Of note in 2003 was the similarity of coverage on the international front, such as the war in Iraq, and the apparent difficulties encountered by entertainment shows to make their way through the welter of 'reality' programming," Peabody Awards Director Horace Newcomb says. "That said, we are deeply proud of all the winners, who demonstrate that high standards can be maintained in the flood of images and messages streaming into our homes every day."

Three entertainment series -- Nickelodeon's "Dora the Explorer," BBC America's "The Office" and HBO's "The Wire" -- won Peabodys for 2003. Peabody judges praised "Dora" for the inventive way it helps kids learn Spanish phrases, while "The Office" earned acclaim for its "quirky and oh-so-real characters" and "The Wire" for its "depth and intensity."

Veteran journalist Bill Moyers also won an award for career achievement.