Categories

Entries in the 2018 SA Media Awards are made in the following category sections.

ALL MEDIA

The All Media awards recognise all forms of media, including photography, print news and features, radio and television news and documentaries, online publications and/or a collaborative effort by a group of journalists or a media organisation.

GRAPHIC, ARTWORK OR CARTOON

Judges will be looking for illustrations or photo illustrations, graphics or cartoons displaying creativity, innovation and style, combined with artistic technique. The piece entered may have been created in a limited time in relation to deadlines, usually for a news section, publication or broadcast, or for feature stories or sections for which an appropriate amount of time has been allowed.  The time frame allowed to create the entries should be specified in the 200 word supporting statement.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

COMMENTARY, ANALYSIS, OPINION & CRITIQUE

This category is open to journalists involved in comment and analysis and includes leader writers, reviewers, opinion columnists and bloggers across the spectrum of discussion and debate, including arts, sports, business and politics.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

COMMUNITY JOURNALIST

This category is open only to journalists working on community focused media such as local and non-daily publications. The category recognises their role in reporting on and informing their local communities.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

RURAL/REGIONAL JOURNALIST

This category is open only to journalists based in regional/ rural centres outside Adelaide.  This category recognises their role in reporting on and informing their local communities.  The resources available to the entrant in creating the work should be specified in the 200 word supporting statement.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

PUBLIC SERVICE JOURNALISM

This award recognises media reporting which addresses issues relating to social and economic equality, human rights and participatory democracy. In addition to the general judging guidelines, judges will have special regard for the public impact and/or benefit of the journalism and also to the size, resources and location of the medium.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

SPORTS JOURNALISM

Covering both print and electronic media, this category recognises the contribution of journalists and photographers covering sporting events and issues. Entrants should submit their best coverage of a sport, an event or an issue.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

INVESTIGATIVE

Recognising its valuable role, this category will reward well-researched and presented investigations. Works will be judged on accuracy, ethics, tenacity and public benefit.

Up to THREE pieces may be submitted on the SAME issue or subject

PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN (GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE)

This award recognises a government or private sector PR campaign for successfully addressing a client’s objective within the budget allocated. Campaigns may be short or long-term in nature, and may range from public education programs to community relations, issues/crisis management, integrated marketing communication, internal communication or corporate communication. Entries must outline the campaign strategy and delivery and include at least two pieces of evidence demonstrating results (e.g. survey results, phone inquiries, measures of outcomes) in addition to media coverage obtained. The campaign should be carefully researched, planned and implemented. The campaign must have clear goals and objectives which have been benchmarked, with results measured and evaluated

FREELANCE CONTRIBUTION

This award recognises freelance journalists, photographers & camera operators. The entry must show editorial independence, resourcefulness, originality, journalistic ability and newsworthiness as well as commitment to the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

THREE HEADLINES

Sub editors enter their THREE best headlines. Judges will be looking for originality, flair and the headlines relevance to the story it heads.

THE MAX FATCHEN AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG JOURNALIST

Entrants must be aged 25 or under as at 31 December 2017 and must display creativity, research, technical skills, newsworthiness, writing flair and impact. Entries are not confined to reporting of youth issues – any media coverage may be entered in this category providing the entrant is aged 25 or under.

Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

JULIE DUNCAN MEMORIAL AWARD FOR STUDENT JOURNALISM

This category is open to students of the University of South Australia’s Journalism program.  Items will have been published or broadcast as part of the Journalism program, and will reflect outstanding initiative and/or newsworthiness and technical skill, and adhere to appropriate ethical and legal standards. Finalists and winners will be selected by the University of South Australia.

RADIO/AUDIO

RADIO/AUDIO NEWS OR CURRENT AFFAIRS OR FEATURE

The criteria include newsworthiness, courage, impact, immediacy and making use of the qualities of the medium in reporting news and pursuing excellence in journalism. High regard will be paid to research, writing, production, incisiveness, public benefit and ethics.

One entry only however up to THREE pieces may be submitted on the SAME issue or subject.

TV/VIDEO

TV/VIDEO NEWS REPORT

In particular, the judges will reward reports demonstrating newsworthiness, courage, impact, incisiveness, public benefit and ethics. Entries in this category may be a single short news report or one or more reports entailing coverage on the same subject.

One entry only however up to THREE pieces may be submitted on the SAME issue or subject.

TV/VIDEO CURRENT AFFAIRS OR FEATURE

This category aims to recognise current affairs, analysis of news events and longer reports. Reports should highlight research, effective storytelling and impact and have been produced ethically. Public benefit and courage in reporting will be considered favourably.

One entry only however up to THREE pieces may be submitted on the SAME issue or subject.

TV/VIDEO CAMERWORK

This category recognises the special role of the camera operator in news, current affairs and documentary. Entrants should submit three samples, not necessarily related, to be judged as indicative of their work.

**Entrants should submit THREE pieces, NOT NECESSARILY RELATED, to be judged as indicative of their work.

PRINT/ TEXT 

PRINT/TEXT NEWS REPORT

Judges are particularly looking for courageous journalism, as well as writing excellence, accuracy, storytelling, newsworthiness, ethics, research, impact and public benefit.

Up to THREE pieces may be submitted on the SAME issue or subject.

PRINT/TEXT FEATURE

Keeping in mind the parameters of the medium, creativity, originality and writing flair will be highly regarded in this category, in addition to the conditions. Entries may come from the news or features sections, supplements or special publications.

Up to THREE pieces may be submitted on the SAME issue or subject.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH OR PHOTOGRAPHIC SERIES

Images submitted for feature or magazine purposes. They should display creativity, originality and technical excellence.

Entries may be either a single photograph or a series on the SAME subject.

If a series is submitted at LEAST ONE of the photographs must have been published.

Up to FIVE photographs may be submitted.

SPORT PHOTOGRAPH OR PHOTOGRAPHIC SERIES

This category will reward those who capture the emotion and drama of sport. Entries may show action or feature imagery in the sporting arena.

Entries may be either a single photograph or a series on the SAME subject.

If a series is submitted at LEAST ONE of the photographs must have been published.

Up to FIVE photographs may be submitted.

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY

Newsworthiness, impact, technical superiority, creativity and originality will be looked at in this category.

Entries may be either a single photograph or a series on the SAME subject.

If a series is submitted at LEAST ONE of the photographs must have been published.

Up to FIVE photographs may be submitted.

GOLD AWARDS

HALL OF FAME – CONTRIBUTION TO JOURNALISM
This Award recognises long-term commitment and achievement in the industry. Third party nominations to be submitted with relevant supporting material by close of business, April 30, 2018. Recipient of this award will be chosen by the South Australian Media Awards Advisory Panel.

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
The winner of this Award is chosen by the South Australian Media Awards Advisory Panel. Each category winner, excluding Student of the Year, will be a contender for Journalist of the Year.

ENTRY CLOSES TUESDAY 3 APRIL

• All entries must have been published or broadcast in South Australia in the 12 months from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Entries published or broadcast elsewhere will be considered if the entrant is a resident of South Australia.

• All entrants are required to establish their bona fides as a journalist, photographer or artist and must certify that the entry is their original work. They must certify that apart from normal subeditorial/production treatment, they have adhered to the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics in the work preparation, undertake to abide by the Journalist Code of Ethics in the year to December 31 2017 and have complied with all copyright requirements.

• All entrants must be a resident of South Australia at the time of publication or broadcast.

• A bona fide journalist should be construed as employed either freelance or full-time and be paid for their work

• All entries should declare any legal complaints, defamation actions, contempt of court actions, suppression orders, challenges to the accuracy, corrections or claims of plagiarism, relevant to the work

• Single Entries: EACH ENTRANT MAY ENTER ONLY ONCE IN EACH CATEGORY and submit only one story, unless specified otherwise. (For example, in All Media categories, up to three separate pieces may by entered). The same work may be submitted to another category but entrants must complete a new and separate entry for each award category

• Group entries may include up to five names, with one person nominated as the primary contact

• A group entry should consider only those who have made a significant journalistic contribution to be a part of the entry. REMEMBER: Name order should be according to journalistic input

• If you are associated with a group entry, you may be included in up to two entries per category only.

• The cost of entering the awards for NON MEAA members, $55 per entry. Through its support of the SA Media Awards, MEAA Membership covers the entry costs for its financial members as a benefit of membership. Financial members are not required to pay the entry fee except where a non-member is part of a group entry, in which case the normal entry fee ($55 only) is required.

• The judges reserve the right to nominate entrants and to redirect entries to a more appropriate category. Judges have the right to reject an entry which in their opinion does not comply with the requirements of the competition. The judge’s decision will be final. The South Australian Advisory Panel reserve the right to withdraw a South Australian Media Award if it later finds the entrant did not comply with the entry conditions. In the event of deception or falsehood in an entry an investigation will be launched by the South Australian Advisory Board led by the Chair.

• Student entrants must be enrolled in the University of South Australia’s journalism program and be in their final year of study.

• The entrant acknowledges that MEAA may reproduce, broadcast and communicate materials submitted for the purpose of promoting the Awards, conducting the presentation ceremony and making the finalists and winners entries available to the public and agrees and warrants that the Alliance may use the material for these purposes.

• Please keep copies of all material submitted. Entries will not be returned.

• Print and digital entrants are asked to provide an electronic version of their material (PDF and/or Word document on disc) where possible.

• Hall of Fame – This Award recognises long-term commitment and achievement in the industry.  Third party nominations to be submitted with relevant supporting material to Angelique Ivanica by mail or angelique.ivanica@meaa.org by close of business April 30, 2018.  The recipient of this award will be chosen by the South Australian Media Awards Advisory Panel.

• Journalist of the Year – The winner of this award is chosen by the South Australian Media Awards Advisory Panel. Each category winner, excluding the Student category, will be a contender for Journalist of the Year.

SA Media Awards 2017 Winners and Finalists with Judges’ Comments

ALL MEDIA

Best Coverage of Social Equity Affairs

Sponsored by:  SACOSS

Winner: Alex Mann: “Body of Work”, ABC 7.30 – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments:

The judges praised Alex Mann’s sensitive and insightful handling of three stories that were highly contentious and very difficult to report.  Stories of this calibre are the result of achieving the trust and respect of those at the heart of the issue, diligent research, and carefully considered reporting, where what is omitted is as critical as what is included.

Alex’s exclusive report detailing prominent euthanasia advocate Max Bromson’s suicide required extraordinary deftness to capture the reality of Max’s final moments without compromising Max’s family. Commensurate care was needed to avoid any suggestion of advocacy –  for, or equally, against – the suicide.  His coverage presented the human face of a contentious legal and political issue and arguably promoted understanding of it complexities.

His story “Never Married” elicited an apology from Premier Weatherill for South Australia’s lack of recognition of overseas same-sex marriages. When a freak accident claimed the life of Englishman David Bulmer-Rizzi, honeymooning in Adelaide with his husband Marco, the trust Alex built within 24 hours enabled powerful reportage that is both a respectful tribute to David and testament to Alex’s prowess.

Similarly, trust built with Adnyamathna people enabled Alex to present precious cultural insights to viewers, to inform their considerations of the nuclear waste dump debate through the lens of one of Australia’s first peoples.

All three pieces reflect a journalist of great skill for whom reporting with fairness and equity is paramount.

Finalists

• Jessica Adamson: “Hindley Street, Kimba’s Battle and Junior Footy”, Seven News
• Alina Eacott: “Body of Work”, ABC News

Graphic,  Artwork or Cartoon

Sponsored by:  MEAA

Winner: Matt Pike: “100 Unforgettable Olympic Moments”, Adelaide Now – Links (One Two)

Judges Comments:

Matt Pike’s work was well executed and very original. It displays a high level of technical skill as well as many hours of painstaking research. The result is an engaging piece that allows readers to peruse decades of history in a light-hearted and whimsical way. Moments of triumph, scandal, heartbreak and humanity are skilfully captured and presented for readers to consume.

Finalists

• Raymond Hirst :”Body of Work”, The Advertiser,
• Peter MacMullin: “MacMullin All Sorts”, Sunday Mail

Coverage of Sport

Sponsored by:  Lion

Winner: Alex Mann: “Body of Work”, ABC 7.30 – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments:

This was an incredibly impressive portfolio of work from a reporter who obviously loves sport and is powerful at communicating that. Alex’s beautiful portrait of the terminally ill Leicester City fan gave the viewer goose bumps. The emotion was beautifully portrayed, never maudlin, and conveyed the unifying aspect of sport that speaks the same language around the world. The basketballer story showed skilful scripting to take this story well beyond the stock standard “player done good” yarn. And he showed his craft again with a great story on Chalmers, touching on what was missing in many other stories about this surprise swimming package – his incredible relationship with his father. Alex Mann knows how to build a compelling sport story.

Finalists

• Richard Earle: “Footy firsts – contracts, drugs and racism”, The Advertiser
• Michael McGuire: “Sport in three acts”, The Advertiser

Rural/Regional Journalist

Sponsored by:  Stories Well Told

Winner: Kate Hill, Selina Green, Courtney Howe and Alexia Atwood: “Ambulance cover backlash”, ABC South East – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments:

This group effort demonstrates what can be achieved when newsroom journalists work together to cover a story.

The ABC South East team identified a political decision that would impact thousands of residents in their community and persisted in covering the topic, speaking to a wide range of stakeholders and members of the community as the issue evolved over time.

The extensive coverage played a key role in the public debate of this issue and no doubt helped influence policymakers who eventually amended a controversial decision.

Finalists

• Nicola Gage: “Body of Work”, ABC 7PM News South Australia
• Peri Strathearn: “Body of Work”, The Murray Valley Standard

Commentary, Analysis, Opinion & Critique

Sponsored by:  Law Society South Australia

Winner: Michael McGuire: “Three columns”, The Advertiser – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments:

This competitive category features – as it always does –  a large number of entries from a range of media and journalists, including freelancers. The breadth of topics and diversity of views submitted was equally wide ranging.

The finalists represent the high standard of work across the category by all entrants.

Michael Maguire’s winning entry stood out for its presentation of clear and incisive arguments in short, sharp, and occasionally – witty – prose. His unequivocal stance on issues in the public interest clearly invites and generates further discussion and debate.

Finalists

• Jane Howard: “Body of Work”, Kill Your Darlings
• Hendrik Gout: “Body of Work”, Today Tonight Adelaide
• Daniel Wills: “The State”, The Advertiser

Investigative Journalism

Sponsored by:  MEAA

Winner: Hendrik Gout: “Chris Fox Camp Gallipoli”, Today Tonight Adelaide – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments:

Hendrik Gout’s forensically researched stories display the best qualities of investigative journalism – thoroughness, meticulous attention to detail, compelling narratives that bring clarity to complicated issues, and dogged determination to reveal the truth. This trilogy of stories divulging the fraudulent activities of purported charity Camp Gallipoli and the false claims of its founder Chris Fox required courage and exceptional care to report, given society’s reverence for the ANZAC legacy. The exposure of Fox’s egregious misrepresentation of the organisation and his relatives’ war service in order to profit at the expense of genuine heroes was rendered all the more potent by Hendrik’s masterful storytelling and distinctive presentation, fittingly resulting in the revocation of the organisation’s charitable status.

Finalists

• Brad Crouch: “Health System Dramas”, The Advertiser
• Angelique Donnellan: “Asbestos Scandal”, ABC TV News
• Bension Siebert: “Adelaide Streetlights Tender”, InDaily

Best Community Journalist

Sponsored by:  MEAA

Winner: Kate Hill: “Shipwreck Hunters, Emergency Gawkers and Biker Church”, ABC South East SA – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments:

Kate Hill’s stories are interesting and consistently well researched, written and presented.

More importantly, Hill’s work in this entry exemplifies the core skill of a good journalist: the ability to observe the world, identify stories worth investigating, and to then pursue them thoroughly, with fairness and an open mind.

Her biker church story was the result of observing motorcycle riders around town and deciding to follow her journalistic nose. The story was clearly based on some hefty leg work, gentle arm twisting and a determination to provide her audience with a rare glimpse inside the life of a Christian motorcycle group.

Similar, her piece on “gawkers” was the result of her observations and subsequent investigations. The piece raised important and timely issues about how social media is complicating the job of first responders in managing emergency situations.

Finalists

• Eugene Boisvert: “Local News”, Coast City Weekly Messenger

Print/Digital News or Lifestyle Feature

Sponsored by:  University of South Australia

Winner: Lauren Novak: “Yvette Rigney Wilson – Inside Story”, The Advertiser – Links (one two)

Judges Comments:

In Yvette Rigney Wilson: Inside Story, Lauren Novack pieced together a compelling portrait of woman allegedly killed by her partner.

The reporter has seamlessly combined interviews with people who knew the victim and data on child protection in this newsworthy feature, which also highlights the impact of family violence on the indigenous community.

The writing shows flair and sensitivity, with commendable use of anecdotes and quotes.

The judges also note the reporter produced the feature under significant time and workload pressures, while dealing with the emotional toll of reporting on this harrowing case.

We believe Lauren Novack is a worthy winner.

Finalists

• Deborah Bogle: “Grave injustice”, SAWeekend
• Michael McGuire: “Fast Eddie”, SAWeekend

Print/ Digital News Report

Sponsored by:  Telstra

Winner: Brad Crouch: “Transforming Health Dramas”, The Advertiser – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments

South Australians worried about the Weatherill Government’s shake-up of the health system, and what it means for their access to hospital and health care, should be grateful for the in-depth, expert reporting of Brad Crouch. Brad’s detailed grasp of the complex issues and well-placed sources were on display with a series of exclusives. His story revealing the possible closure of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital was just one of a series of scoops in an excellent portfolio of work that included fears for the future of the QEH and the resignation of the emergency department chief at Modbury Hospital.

Daniel Wills is highly commended for his impressive revelations about the lawsuits, problems, and counter-claims, behind the mysterious delays and costly stand-off between the government and the builder of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Finalists

• Lauren Novak: “Forcing transparency in child protection” , The Advertiser
• Daniel Wills: “Losing their cool”, The Advertiser

TV Current Affairs or Feature

Sponsored by:  MEAA

Winner: Alex Mann: “Max Bromson’s Battle”, ABC 7.30 – Links (one )

Judges Comments

The winner of this category took a particularly challenging story and treated it with great sensitivity and respect while at the same time exploring a hugely important issue that can affect each and every one of us. This story was a thought provoking piece that without directly demanding it, encouraged the viewer to re-think their stance on euthanasia and one that had an immediate political reaction.

Finalists

• Mark Mooney: “Preparing for War”, 7 News
• Sophie Taeuber: “Shamsiya’s Story”, Network Seven, Today Tonight

TV News or Current Affairs Camera

Sponsored by:  Mosaic Audio Visual

Winner: Andrew Foote: “Flooding Coverage”, Seven News 6pm- Links (one)

Judges Comments

Andrew Foote’s flood coverage was outstanding, taking the viewer right to the centre of the action. He came up with innovative angles under enormous pressure. Andrew demonstrated consistency in his work and a no-nonsense approach to representing natural disaster.

Finalists

• Reg Bradshaw: “Body of Work”, 6PM News, Nine News Adelaide

TV News Report

Sponsored by:  Uniting Communities

Winner: Phoebe Bowden: “Privacy Breach”, Ten Eyewitness News – Links (one two)

Judges Comments

The entries in the Best TV News Story category were particularly strong this year, making it a very competitive category and a challenge for the judges to choose a winner. The journalist who has won best TV News story, conducted a thorough investigation, uncovering a story which highlighted how the public’s trust is not always honoured. The journalist’s persistence to kept on digging until they uncovered the extent of the problem, led to an internal enquiry in SA Health and as a result, a change in public policy.

Finalists

• Alina Eacott: “Statewide Blackout”, ABC News
• Edward Godfrey: “ Body of Work”, 9 News
• Mike Smithson: “NRAH exposed”, 7 News – 6pm

Radio News &  Current Affairs or Feature

Sponsored by:  Media Super

Winner: Caroline Winter: “Statewide Blackout”, ABC PM program – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments

Caroline Winter’s portfolio is a brilliant example of good old fashioned shoe leather reporting that takes listeners into the heart of the blackout. Caroline could have opted out of this story at any time but instead took it solely upon herself to drive into the blackout and find compelling audio to illustrate the absurdity of a state without power. Tight scripting combined with great talent which she found herself under immense deadline pressure.

Finalists

• Carl Smith: “Bionic Bodies”, ABC Radio National’s “The Science Show”
• Mike Smithson, Tom Rhen and Andy Ruzzgar: “Bastille Day Attack”, FIVEaa Breakfast program

Sport Photograph or Photographic Series

Sponsored by: MEAA

Winner: Dean Martin: “Body of Work”, The Advertiser – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments

Timing is everything in this action shot, but knowing your craft is anticipating the sports action, which is the essence of this memorable sports photo by Martin.

Finalists

• Tom Huntley: “Body of Work”, The Advertiser
• Sarah Reed: “Body of Work”, The Advertiser

Feature Photograph or Photographic Series

Sponsored by:  MEAA

Winner: Simon Cross: “Body of Work”, The Advertiser – Links (one two)

Judges Comments

This is a beautiful eye-catching and arresting image of ‘our best friend’. Cross’ photograph demonstrates that persistence, attention to the details and patience pays off.

Finalists

• Morne De Klerk : “Cool Head celebrates New Years Eve”, The Guardian Online
• Tom Huntley: “Body of Work”, The  Advertiser

News Photograph or Photographic Series

Sponsored by:  MEAA

Winner: Tom Huntley: “Body of Work”, The Advertiser – Links (one two)

Judges Comments

This image captures the devastating moment a family and police officer realises the death, by drowning, of the family’s child at a suburban beach with significant impact and respect.

Finalists

• Simon Cross: “Body of Work”, The Advertiser
• Tricia Watkinson: “Margo’s Dream Kiss”, The Advertiser

Silver Categories

Julie Duncan Memorial Award for Student Journalism

Sponsored by: University of South Australia

Winner: Kelly Hughes: “Body of Work”, University of South Australia – Links (one two )

Judges Comments

The Julie Duncan Student Journalist of the Year for 2017 is Kelly Hughes. Kelly is studying a double degree in Journalism and Creative Writing with a sub-major in International Relations. Apart from registering a commendably high grade point average, Kelly has worked hard at gaining experience in the industry. She’s done work experience at Fairfax Media and had articles published in The Age, the SMH, and the Financial Review, and admits she’s fallen in love with financial journalism. As a result, she’s the Editor of The Personal Super Investor, where she both writes her own content and reposts that of others. Kelly says she’s an avid believer in women’s rights and equality between the sexes, and is also interested in politics and world news. She says: “I wholeheartedly believe as a journalist one of our most important roles is to give a voice to the voiceless and empower people with knowledge and information.

Finalists

• Emily Pemberton
• Chloe Szentpeteri

Max Fatchen Award for Best Young Journalist

Sponsored by: Office for Youth – Department for Communities and Social Inclusion

Winner: Bension Siebert: “Body of Work”, Solistice Media/In Daily – Links  (one two three)

Judges Comments

Bension Siebert’s reports reveal an admirable capacity for digging beneath the surface of local government events and issues to discover relationships and situations that have the potential to go seriously wrong. After one such story, a group of Adelaide councils withdrew a tender for $50 million worth of street lights. Local government might be where citizens are most likely to come in contact with their representatives, but Bension’s reporting is where they are most likely to encounter clear explanations of what their councillors are doing. His ability to inspect complicated documents and complex situations and explain them in a language all his readers can understand is praiseworthy indeed.

Finalists

• Madeleine Dunne
• Gertie Spurling

Best Print/Digital Journalist

Sponsored by: University of South Australia

Winner: Lauren Novak: “Body of work – sexism, child protection, domestic violence” The Advertiser – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments

Over a number of years Lauren Novak has thrust the issue of domestic violence in SA from the back pages and left hand pages of the daily newspaper, to a regular and rightful position on pages 1, 3 and 5. She has also been at the forefront of reporting as the state continues to grapple with its failures to address child abuse. On domestic violence she has exposed, in a series of exclusive stories, the nature of these dark and often invisible crimes hiding in plain sight, but causing a mounting toll of death and misery in our community. In three works submitted for these awards over the last year she has prised the annual death toll caused by domestic violence from a recalcitrant and ultimately embarrassed South Australian Police force. She has helped expose the appalling treatment of women in that police force, and finally she helped force the State Government to publish regular internal data that quantify the extent of child protection failings in a system under extreme pressure.

Finalists

• Brad Crouch
• Daniel Wills

Best Radio Broadcaster

Sponsored by: MEAA

Winner: Caroline Winter: “Body of work”, ABC- Links (one two three)

Judges Comments

Caroline Winter is a genuine storyteller.

With her naturally engaging style and crafty use of the medium, she produces compelling stories that humanise the issues of the day.

She provides a voice to South Australians dealing with the most difficult of situations and clearly earns the trust of those who open up to her.

Caroline’s winning entry is just a sample of a strong body of work that makes her a deserved winner of this award.

Finalist

• Mike Smithson

Best Photographer

Sponsored by: Serafino Wines

Winner: Tom Huntley: “Body of Work”, The Advertiser – Links (one two three four five)

Judges Comments

The calibre of photographs across the board in this category, meant to come out as the winner, took something truly special. The judges were impressed by the breadth of Tom’s work, and by his ability to capture small ordinary moments, and make them extraordinary. That skill, best demonstrated by his image Leon and the Mummy. The drummer boy spoke to Tom’s ability to create a piece of art with his lens, while his technical skill was on full display in the image of women in science. And his photograph on Glenelg beach of a police officer with a hand on his heart, as he spoke to a mother who’d lost her son to drowning, was a fine example of the photographer as news gatherer: that image alone, told the entire story in a single frame.

Finalists

• Dean Martin
• Sarah Reed

Best Television Broadcaster (Presenter, Reporter or Camera Person)

Sponsored by: Media Super

Winner: Alex Mann: “Body of Work”, ABC 7:30 – Links (one two three)

Judges Comments

Alex has shown an exemplary ability to handle complex and sensitive narratives within the broadcast medium. His piece on the Leicester City fan staying alive for his team, is extraordinarily moving – Alex found the joy and celebration, rather than the sadness. In a media landscape full of stories about Cy Walsh, Alex’s is beautifully crafted and utterly compelling. His piece on the euthanasia death of Max Bromson is insightful, balanced, and deftly navigates a legal and ethical minefield. That story alone, is worthy of the highest praise.

Finalists

• Jessica Adamson
• Stacey Lee
• Mark Mooney

Hall of Fame for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism

Sponsored by: MEAA

Winner: Samela Harris

Judges’ comments:

Samela Harris, the 2017 SA Media Hall of Fame inductee is described by colleagues as possessing “restless energy”, delivering “innovative and witty reporting”, and having “very wide perspectives on the world”.
While Adelaide had a long tradition of social and society notes in newspapers written by women, it had few women who worked at the hard end of news reporting until Sa came along.
She was the first non-social pages female writer at Rupert Murdoch’s, The News, and broke ground on stories such as the banning of women from front bars, the moratorium marches, and opposition to the death penalty. She was also the first female football columnist, not just at The News, but so far as is known, anywhere in Australia.
An early adopter of new technology, Samela was out in cyberspace when no one knew what it was. Out in virtual communities when no one had heard of them and became the inaugural online editor of The Advertiser. She created a ground-breaking Internet column that continued weekly for seven years called Net Adventures, created a website for it and even introduced Twitter to her peers (and taught them how to use it).

Samela Harris is one of the pioneering examples of female professional journalists in Australia.

2017 Journalist of the Year

Sponsored by: University of South Australia

Winner: Alex Mann, ABC 7:30

Judges Comments

If ever a journalist held a judging panel hostage to their emotions, it was this entrant in the 2017 Awards.

Exceptional versatility and insight, patience with research and well-honed presentation characterise this extremely worthy Journalist of the Year.

A highly controversial and very difficult subject to cover, in an exclusive report, this journalist delivered a sense of intimacy and immediacy which drew hearts and minds of judges and public alike, into the depths of an agonising human dilemma.

A superbly researched and edited feature – it was just one of their stories recognised this year.

The degree of excellence was so outstanding, they were awarded first place in four different categories this evening.

The same compassionate insight and delicacy of touch that told the euthanasia story of Max Bromson, came to bear in a fastidiously-researched analysis of the Cy Walsh Verdict and yet again, on the coverage of a dying Foxes Fan willing himself to stay alive, for just one more victory by his team.

The 2017 Journalist of the Year… is Alex Mann.

Photos from the 2017 SA Media Awards

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The SA Media Ball, incorporating the SA Media Awards is a non-profit entity with all the monies gained from sponsorship invested into the Gala Event and Awards program.  Four types of sponsorship are available: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Media Partnership.

The SA Media Ball, incorporating the SA Media Awards is a non-profit entity with all the monies gained from sponsorship invested into the Gala Event and Awards program.  Four types of sponsorship are available: Gold, Silver, Bronze and Media Partnership.

For all inquiries, contact:

Anna Magnus, National Manager, State Media Awards

POSTAL ADDRESS:

Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance
Lvl 4, 16 Peel St
South Brisbane
QLD
4101

PHONE:

Phone: 0423 363 725 or 07 3846 0055
Email: Anna Magnus or submit your query using the form below.