Three finalists, including two from UTS, have been named for the 2010 Media Super Student Journalist of the Year Award. Open to all tertiary students studying journalism, communications and mediarelated degrees who have not previously worked full-time in the media, the Media Super Student Journalist of the Year Award recognises student journalism across print, radio, television and online.
Students were encouraged to enter an example of their best work, to be judged by a panel of journalists. The judges were: Bernard Bowen, news director, ABC QLD; Alison Aprhys, freelance journalist and photographer; and Robin Jacklin, former deputy news editor for the ABC in Melbourne.
The judges were impressed overall at the standard and quality of many of the entries, and were pleased to recognise finalists across a range of media platforms. The finalists are:
Laura Day, Thin Ice, University of Technology Sydney (Television)
Lauren Day went to Norway’s arctic region, to see how the lives of the traditional reindeer herders were being affected by global warming. Judges said Thin Ice was an excellent story about an important issue. “It was thoroughly researched, well told, beautifully shot, elegantly edited, and made good use of natural sound and music. The result is an effective use of the medium to produce a stunning story.”
Tracey Lien, The Rise and Fallout of Red Ant, University of Technology Sydney (Print)
Tracey Lien’s The Rise and Fallout of Red Ant tracks the inside story of interbusiness transactions that led the company’s sudden demise. Judges said Tracey has taken what could have been just another tale of corporate collapse into compelling reading. “Her gritty determination with fact-checking, interviewing and leg-work to uncover the maze behind the Red Ant Enterprises shows real commitment to obtaining an accurate account of the company’s demise.”
Ann Jones, Chile Emergency Measures, Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts – Edith Cowan University (Radio)
Ann Jones gave insight into the aftermath of the Chile earthquake. Judges said Chile Emergency Measures was well told, well researched and produced under
extremely tight deadline pressures. “Ann tackled several significant hurdles that would challenge even the most seasoned journalists. While using the local Chilean Consul as her chief talent, she managed to overcome Chile's crippled communications systems to speak to a local who added real currency to the story.”
Federal secretary of the Media Alliance, Christopher Warren, said the award was important for encouraging young journalists to strive for excellence from an early stage. “Today’s journalism students are the Walkley-winners of the future. This award continues to attract the best student journalism in the country and that is very exciting to see. The initiative and high skill set these students have showcased is very encouraging in an industry going through so much change.”
Ross Martin, CEO of award sponsor Media Super, congratulated all entrants and said he is excited about the journalists of our future. “Journalism and the wider media in general is an exciting and important industry to be a part of – it is constantly changing and the media constantly needs people to challenge and inspire. Media Super is pleased to support young journalists and celebrate their achievements,” Martin said.
The winner will be revealed at the Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards in Sydney later this month. They will also receive a ticket to the 55th Walkley Awards, to be held in early December in Melbourne. Our thanks to Media Super for continuing to support the journalists of the future through their funding of the award.
Read more at the walkley foundation (opens an external site)
