PRINT/TEXT

Best News Coverage
Supported by Media Super

• Kristin Shorten, The Australian, “What really happened at Yuendumu”
• Jesse Thompson, ABC, “The government, the industry and the multi-billion dollar target”
• Christopher Walsh, NT Independent, “Watching the watchdog: Dept of Chief Minister procurement scandal revealed”

Best Feature Writing
Supported by ABC

• Aneeta Bhole and Amy Gunia, SBS and TIME, “Energy Poverty”
• Matt Garrick, ABC, “Healing a Scarred Land”
• Sarah Spina-Matthews, ABC, “Body of Work”

Best Magazine or Lift Out
Supported by Judith Neilson Institute

(Only 2 entries for this category)

• Land Rights News team, Northern Land Council, Land Rights News – Northern Edition
• Off The Leash team, Off The Leash Magazine

TELEVISION/RADIO

Best News Coverage
Supported by Nine

• Jane Bardon, ABC, “Manganese contamination, lithium concerns and the Tiwis challenge big gas”
• Myles Houlbrook-Walk, ABC, “COVID in the NT”
• Jesse Thompson, ABC, “The trouble in the Top End homes”

Best Current Affairs or Feature
Supported by Judith Neilson Institute

• Jane Bardon and Chris Dengate, ABC, “The Gap”
• Matt Garrick, ABC, “Body of Work: Red dirt healing”
• Steven Schubert, ABC, “How to make an electric vehicle work in outback Australia”

Excellence in Radio Broadcasting
Supported by Media Super

• Jane Bardon, ABC, “Taking control: How Indigenous Communities Want to Closë The Gap”
• Lauren Roberts and Natasha Mitchell, ABC, “Medicine Listen Up!”
• Miranda Tetlow, ABC, “Body of Work”

ALL MEDIA

Best Online Coverage
Supported by City of Darwin

• Roxanne Fitzgerald, ABC, “Bike Club in Yarralin”
• Samantha Jonscher, ABC, “Singleton Station water licence”
• Steve Vivian, Emma Masters, Michael Franchi and Dane Hirst, ABC, “The return of crocodile rule”

Best Sports Journalism
Supported by Judith Neilson Institute 

• Myles Houlbrook-Walk, ABC, “Body of Work”
• Jack Snape, ABC, “Territory footy makes national headlines”
• Nathaniel Chambers, NT News, ” NTFL and AFL in the Top End”

Best Crime/Court Reporting
Supported by Hutton McCarthy

• Melissa Mackay, ABC,   “Legal Aid pulls out”
• Kristin Shorten, Matt Cunningham, Lia Tsamoglou and Claire Harvey, The Australian and Sky News, “Yuendumu: The Trial”
• David Wood and Christopher Walsh, NT Independent, “Integrity on Trial: Behind the scenes of the Zach Rolfe murder case”

Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award
Supported by NT News

• Jo Laverty, ABC, “Breakdowns and suicide: NT Police call for better mental health support”
• (A)manda Parkinson and Zizi Averill, NT News, “Spit Hood Scandal: The cops still using them on kids”
• Henry Zwartz, SBS, “US marines sexually assaulted women in the Northern Territory… and got away with it”

Indigenous affairs reporting
Supported by Northern Land Council

• Jano Gibson and Michael Franchi, ABC, “Sacred sites at risk”
• Lauren Roberts and Emma Vincent, ABC, “Birthing on Yolngu Country”
• Kylie Stevenson, National Geographic, “Fighting Fire with Fire”

Visual Storytelling
Supported by MEAA

• Floss Adams, NT News, “A Kiss From a War Hero”
• Che Chorley and Steve Vivian, ABC, “Out of Sight”
• Xavier Martin, ABC, “The Undriveable Highway”

Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2022
Supported by MEAA

• Amy Clements, Nine Network, “The Trial of Zachary Rolfe”
• Melissa Mackay, ABC “Body of Work”
• Hugo Rikard-Bell, ABC, “Body of Work

• Best News Coverage

Up to THREE examples related or in a series. Awarded for accuracy, story-telling, newsworthiness, ethics, research and impact in a news story or series of news stories published in a text format. Any judging of online stories will be of just the text in the story and will not include graphics, images, videos or any other elements to the story.

• Best Feature Writing

Up to THREE stories related or in a series. Awarded for creativity, originality and writing flair within parameters of best feature story in the print medium. A body of work is also accepted.

• Best Magazine or Lift Out

Up to THREE examples to show a body of work produced. Awarded for insightful content, creativity, production style, relevance to market, and design work within the parameters of best magazine or lift out in the print medium.

TELEVISION/RADIO

• Best News Coverage

Up to THREE examples related or in a series. Awarded for excellence in newsworthiness, impact, incisiveness, public benefit and ethics in the medium of television or radio for a news story or series.

• Best Current Affairs or Feature

Up to three works related or in a series. Awarded for excellence in research, impact and storytelling of a current affairs or feature story in the medium of television or radio.  A body of work is also accepted.

• Excellence in Radio Broadcasting

Awarded for excellence in radio broadcasting, including both news and lifestyle reports and interviews. High regard will be paid to research, production, on air charisma and consistency. Entrants may submit up to three pieces of work on the same issue or subject. Can be awarded to an individual presenter, segment or show.  A body of work is also accepted.

ALL MEDIA

• Best Online Coverage

Up to THREE stories related or in a series. Awarded for best story or series published online that maximises the use of the evolving online field, highlighting topicality and flair.

• Best Sports Journalism

THREE stories related or in a series. Awarded for the best sports story in any medium from breaking coverage of games and major sporting events to issues and people relating to the sporting industry.

• Best Crime/Court Reporting

Up to THREE stories related or in a series. Awarded for accuracy, story-telling, newsworthiness, ethics, research and impact in a crime or court story or series of stories.

• Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award

The award will be judged on a radio, television, print or online campaign including one or a series of reports about local issues, which has brought about policy or social change for the benefit of Territorians. This award is open to an individual from any medium, a team, a media organisation or collaboration between media organisations. Proof of change or reform should be included.

• Indigenous Affairs Reporting

This award recognises excellence in coverage of indigenous issues. Journalists and photographers working in both the indigenous and mainstream media are encouraged to enter. Entrants can choose to submit a single piece of work or three pieces of work showcasing a body of work.  A body of work is also accepted.

• Visual Storytelling

This award replaces the photography and cinematography categories and emphasises the use of camera or graphics skills (sometimes combined with audio) to tell a story. It includes still photography and camerawork. It also covers artwork, which includes illustrations, digital photo illustrations, cartoons, or information graphics displaying creativity, innovation and style, combined with artistic technique. Criteria include storytelling, public impact, creativity, innovative use of technology, technical ability and resourcefulness. Entries can include mixed production teams. A body of work is also accepted.

GOLD AWARDS

• Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2022

Up to FIVE examples of work. Entrants must have fewer than four years’ experience in full-time journalism, photography or camera work or be under the age of 25. Entries in this category can be work that has been submitted to other categories.

• Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year 2022
  WINNER is selected from all entrants. This award is presented to an entrant, who has, in the opinion of the judges, made the greatest contribution to the profession in the NT during the year. The committee considers the quality of work and other ways in which the entrant has contributed to the news media in the NT.

1. All entries must 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.
2. Entrants may enter multiple times in each category and may submit one or more related reports on the same issue or topic up to THREE reports as a single entry.
3. Entrants may enter the same material in one media-specific category (i.e., print/text or radio/television) and one All Media category. Entrants must complete a new submission form for each entry.  For the category Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year entrants can submit work that has been submitted to other categories.
4. Group entries: In some categories, it may be appropriate to lodge a group entry. Where any of the group is not a Darwin Press Club member or MEAA Media section member, the entry fee $35 will apply for that entry.
5. Entry fee is applied per entry, NOT per entrant.
6. Entry cost $35 for non-members, $25 for members.
7. Photographic entrants must certify that entry/ies may be exhibited in any display organised by NT Media Awards. Copyright holders will be acknowledged.
8. Entry into the 2022 NT Media Awards is open to ALL journalists and photographers/camera persons covering the NT, based in NT, or working for a NT-based media organisation.
9. All entrants are required to establish their bona fides and that they have adhered to the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics in the preparation of their entries.
10. Each entry must be verified by a representative of the employer or commissioning publication.
11. All entries must include a statement of up to 200 words outlining the case for consideration of an award.
12. Please keep copies of all material submitted.
13. Entries will not be returned.
14. Judges have the right to reject an entry that in their opinion does not comply with the requirements of the competition.
15. Judges can contact entrants if they believe an entry would be better in a different category
16. The Judges reserve the right to cancel an award category if there are not enough entrants in that category.
17. To facilitate easy access for judging, entrants should place URLs outside any pay wall. If that proves infeasible, the entry should provide a username and password for judges, plainly indicated in the supporting statement.
18. The judges’ decision will be final.
19. No late entries will be accepted.

PRINT/TEXT

Best News Coverage Supported by Media Super

• Jano Gibson, ABC, “Trouble At The Track: Darwin Turf Club’s $12 Million Grant”

Extraordinary is the best description of all entries this year. Judging your journalism was nothing short of difficult. Journalism in Territory has never been stronger. Congratulations to all the finalists – your readers and viewers are the real winners.

Best Feature Writing Supported by Northern Land Council

• Kylie Stevenson and Tamara Howie, The Walkley Magazine and The Saturday Paper, “The Land the NDIS Forgot”

 Not a word is out of place in this masterful series exposing serious flaws in the delivery of remote disability services, particularly the NDIS. The case studies are compelling and the writing is beautiful. The complex subject matter is not only well-explained and engaging, but genuinely revealing. We applaud the boots-on-the-ground approach to the reporting, which included dozens of interviews – many of them in remote and hard-to-reach locations. In doing so, Kylie and Tamara have given voice to remote Territorians often left out of these important policy conversations.

We would also like to note that we were blown away by the quality of work in this category. Multiple entries, including several we couldn’t even squeeze onto the shortlist, had strong claims to win. In the end, we agreed The Land the NDIS Forgot was simply too important, too exhaustive and too well-executed to overlook. Congratulations Kylie and Tamara.

Best Magazine or Lift Out Supported by Media Super

• Off The Leash, Off The Leash Magazine,“Sep 2019, Dec 2019/Jan 2020 and Apr 2020”

A dedicated free street press, OTL knows its readers and has carved out a niche as Territorians’ monthly go-to arts and culture guide, celebrating home-grown talent and diversity. Production of the mag reflects its purpose to inspire people to support and explore the creative community, with striking artwork and thoughtful design.

TELEVISION/RADIO

Best News Coverage Supported by Nine

• Jano Gibson, ABC, “The Great Australian Nightmare: Darwin’s Building Bungle”

Jano’s investigative work unearthed serious issues that came with Darwin’s building boom. How decisions of a Government Department destroyed the dreams of property buyers and exposed the questionable but “NT Legal” appointment of a developer’s wife to a long caretaker contract. He skilfully used FOI’s and trawled through court and land title documents to neatly tie together a series of exclusive stories that had impact, with details picked up nationally.

Best Current Affairs or Feature Supported by Telstra

• Jane Bardon, Owain Stia-James and The Background Briefing team, ABC News Channel, ABC 1, iview, ABC News Indepth Youtube, ABC Online Background Briefing Radio National, ABC Online, ABC Listen App, Apple Podcasts ABC Radio National Breakfast, ABC Online, “How fracking could threaten Australia’s Paris target”

Jane Bardon’s piece stood out through beautiful pictures and compelling storytelling. The first-hand accounts from Indigenous Australians outlined the cultural significance of their land in a powerful and moving way. Jane highlighted significant issues with sensitivity. Issues which many people may not be aware of. It was well researched and thorough, each point presented was backed by in-depth research and evidence. Jane went to great lengths to pull this story together, a story which is of great public interest.

Excellence in Radio Broadcasting Supported by MEAA

• Liz Trevaskis, ABC Local Radio, ABC Radio Darwin, StoryProjects Atmos Listening Party, “Women of the Water”

Heartfelt, engaging and quite surprising. The series of radio interviews conducted by Liz Trevaskis were quite beautiful. She has managed to get her subjects to tell very personal stories in an exceptionally captivating way, opening up the audience to their personalities at a very intimate level. The interviews were captivating.

ALL MEDIA

Best Online Coverage Supported by MEAA

• Nina Funnell, NT News Online, “#LetHerSpeak”

From a strong field of contenders, Nina Funnell’s piece stood out for the level of research, diligence and perseverance required to produce the series of news reports and to deliver the impressive real-world outcomes for sexual assault victims by overhauling so-called ‘gag laws’. They were powerful stories, sensitively told, with nuance and detail, utilising the online medium well to make for extremely compelling pieces of journalism. It is clear Nina spent considerable time and effort building trust with the survivors in order to tell their stories. It is a strong example of public-interest journalism. The tangible result of these stories, the legislative change, was another clear reason why the judges found this entry to be highly deserving of a win.

Best Sports Journalism Supported by MEAA

• Jano Gibson, ABC, “The Last Ride: A Raging Bull and a Fearless Cowboy”

The entries in this category were very impressive, with all finalists submitting compelling and significant exclusives in the world of NT sport. Jano Gibson’s comprehensive coverage of the last bull ride for Guns N Roses, however, made his stories a stand out. His early identification of a potential significant achievement in a non-mainstream sport was complemented by his research and the way he presented his work. It resulted in carefully crafted and compelling stories. From the use of special camera angles, to allowing the participants to talk about the event in their own words, Jano Gibson brought viewers closer to the occasion, with his storytelling showcasing the significance of the event.

Best Crime/Court Reporting Supported by The NT Press Club

• Zarisha Bradley, 9news.com.au, “Jason Challis’ family refused closure”

Zarisha Bradley’s story was incredibly powerful. The incident was widely reported in national media, but vision she obtained, hadn’t been released to Jason Challis’s family or the public. It provided insight and context into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the minutes leading up to the soldier’s death. The story also revealed Defence ignored coronial recommendations after the death of a South Australian soldier in 2009 that may have saved Mr Challis’s life. 

Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award Supported by Engineers Australia

• Henry Zwartz and Lauren Roberts, ABC News, “Indigenous sexual abuse survivor gets justice after 50 year-long fight”

Henry and Lauren’s exclusive reports championed the interests of sexual assault survivors at a time they were being let down by government agencies. Their exclusive report about two girls abused at a Catholic school demonstrated how proposed legislative reforms would undermine the #LetHerSpeak campaign, while their reporting about Darwin’s Retta Dixon home helped ensure an abuse survivor got the recognition he deserved through a simple, yet important apology. Well done Henry and Lauren.

Indigenous affairs reporting Supported by City of Darwin

• Kylie Stevenson and Tamara Howie, The Walkley Magazine, “The Land the NDIS Forgot”

 Lost in Translation, a groundbreaking investigation, starkly reveals the systemic failure of the NDIS to deliver culturally appropriate and targeted assistance to people living with disabilities in remote communities. It gives voice to the voiceless and their struggle to access health professions, to acquire environmentally compatible equipment and navigate a highly regulated scheme designed for urban communities. The investigation is vividly illustrated with a series of compassionate and haunting images.

Visual Storytelling Supported by Media Super

• Hamish Harty, 30 ABC TV, “The family of Kumanjayi Walker calls for justice”

Cameraman Hamish Harty gives a chilling and emotional depiction of the death of young Kumanjayi Walker by police in 2019. Not only was this episode of gun violence one of the biggest national news stories last year and deserving of comprehensive reporting, but the subject matter is an important analysis in pursuit of social justice, lifting a lid on instances of police brutality, death by police and deaths in custody that black communities across the world are experiencing. Harty not only highlights the raw chaos of such an event; a life lost in a blinking moment, the subsequent devastation from loved ones, community uncertainty, widespread distrust and tensions between police and citizens, but he also blends in the important soft and sorrowful portrait of a family stricken by grief. It is clear he has obtained trust from the community and Walker’s relatives in order to achieve this. His skilful camera work demonstrates high level versatility, telling this story from aerial shots to high action protest footage and sharp face-to-camera. The interwoven sweeping shots of Yunumendu, expands the situational narrative and captures more to the story; a place upon strikingly beautiful red Earth, houses lined in a tight knit community, but also situated in hardship; remote and poverty stricken. Reporting in remote parts of the country is no easy feat, delivering to high pressure deadlines of national media while respectfully keeping to cultural protocol and obtaining community trust in one of the most emotional circumstances. Harty should be commended on his professionalism to produce quality work for Australian and international audiences, but also, conveying Kumanjayi Walker’s family’s story in their pursuit of justice.

Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2020 Supported by MEAA

• Sowaibah Hanifie, ABC Darwin 7pm, ABC News 24 TV, ABC News Online and ABC Darwin Radio News, “Body of Work”

Sowaibah Hanifie’s entry was a standout and demonstrated exceptional skills for a young journalist, but also the ability to research and break news of national significance. Sowaibah’s story about Chinese agriculture company Xinjiang Yikang and its interests in the Territory particularly impressed the judges for its newsworthiness and impact.

Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year 2020 Supported by MEAA

• Jano Gibson, ABC

Jano Gibson’s reporting across multiple topics and multiple platforms make him the stand out choice for Journalist of the Year. His comprehensive coverage of several aspects of Territorian life display an understanding of the unique challenges, disadvantages and opportunities of life in the NT. Through hard work, nous and investigative ability Jano won multiple categories this year displaying a complete contribution to the industry and the Territory.

ABC journalist Oliver Gordon was named the 2019 Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year, at the NT Media Awards held at the Grand Ballroom at DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin.

Gordon was acknowledged for his ABC Background Briefing investigation “The Black and White Hotel; Inside Australia’s Segregated Hotel Rooms” and associated coverage into racial profiling at a hotel in Alice Springs.

Judges said, “Oliver Gordon’s piece demonstrates clearly and effectively the brutal segregation at an Alice Springs hotel. Working on only a tip, Oliver methodically gathered evidence, before prosecuting the case against the hotel and the discrimination most in Australia thought was long gone. The story rightfully received national attention and was filed across multiple platforms maximising the audience it reached and the impact it had.”

In June, Gordon won the 2019 Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Award for the story.

NT News journalist Phillippa Butt received the other top gong for the night, the ‘Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2019’ award for a body of work including a story she followed up after an anonymous tip that workers at a domestic violence shelter were being told to ignore mandatory reporting guidelines and “water down” abuse reports.

“Phillippa Butt’s entries demonstrated an impressive ability to write informative and valuable pieces on diverse topics. Phillippa was a standout in this category because of the way she went beyond the fundamentals of journalism; the pieces were agenda-setting, contained exclusive details and informed the public debate,” judges commented.

The NT Press Club committee congratulated all the winners at the awards and said the standard of the journalism produced in the Northern Territory since the last awards, was incredibly high.

ABC journalist, Jane Bardon won four categories on the night.

The NT Press Club congratulates the winners of the 2019 NT Media Awards and thanks everyone in the media in the Northern Territory for their hard work this year.

PRINT/TEXT

Best News Coverage Supported by Media Super

• Craig Dunlop, NT News, “Classroom crims”

In a competitive category, “Classroom Crims” impressed judges, for the lengths Craig Dunlop went to in order to investigate serious concerns about the conduct of the Northern Territory’s Teacher Registration Board – even successfully getting a suppression order lifted, which – as any journalist will know – is no small feat.

Best Feature Writing Supported by Northern Land Council

• Jason Walls, NT News, “Survivors Forced to Relive the Nightmare”, “Living in a Tinderbox” and “Our Broken System”

Jason Walls has demonstrated a knack for investigating and reporting on stories of great news value to Territorians with empathy, respect for the people involved, and compelling story-telling style. This entry digs deeper into complex issues that bubble away just under the surface of society but rarely gain such insightful coverage. Jason has shown he is persistent, adaptable and able to build trust with sources, and his writing truly takes the reader along for the ride.

Best Magazine or Lift Out Supported by Media Super

• Tierney White, Tamara Howie, Sarah Novinetz and Roslyn Perry, Off The Leash, “Off The Leash Magazine”

The judges said Off The Leash was an impressive winner, using creativity and imagination to deliver a strong mix of culture and arts, and both rural and urban community events coverage. It made an obvious effort to reach audiences outside of city centres and across demographics, and knew its readership and market well.

TELEVISION/RADIO

Best News Coverage Supported by Nine

• ABC Darwin newsroom and radio team, ABC News, 7PM TV Bulletin, “Darwin Shootings”

Incredible exclusive vision of the arrest of the alleged gunman, set the tone for the ABC team’s coverage. Getting it to air moments after being filmed, delivering a snapshot of the chaos and drama as it unfolded for viewers. Their delivery was comprehensive across both television and radio, for a story that made headlines for days around the country.

Best Current Affairs or Feature Supported by MEAA

• Oliver Gordon & the Background Briefing team, ABC News Online, AM, Background Briefing, Radio National and ABC Radio, “The Black & White Hotel: Inside Australia’s Segregated Hotel Rooms and associated coverage”

Oliver Gordon’s “lid lift” on segregated hotel rooms, clarifies Australia’s hidden racism and does so by honing in on an original story. Oliver produced a multifaceted approach to not only the delivery of the story, being presented on various platforms, but in the actual making of it. Tip-offs, going undercover, gathering comments from numerous sources —the elaborate efforts undertaken to ensure accuracy demonstrates Oliver Gordon’s newsworthy judgement where the ABC’s time, resources and additional labour would allow for a big pay off.

Excellence in Radio Broadcasting Supported by MEAA

• Jane Bardon, Background Briefing, ABC Radio National, “Rough Justice: Can the NT keep its kids safe?”

Jane Bardon’s Rough Justice is journalism of the highest public interest made accessible through expertly crafted radio. Her exclusive interview with the uncle of a two-year-old rape victim demonstrates hard work, and her narrated tour of Tennant Creek made for intriguing radio. Jane’s investigative skills were further demonstrated through a well-executed Freedom of Information request.

ALL MEDIA

Best Online Coverage Supported by MEAA

• The NT News newsroom, ntnews.com.au, “Active shooter”

Compelling, comprehensive and quickly disseminated to a huge online audience, the NT News’ Active Shooter coverage was outstanding. A hugely effective timeline graphic simplified how a complex story unfolded. What set this entry apart was its immediacy and engagement. The NT News performed brilliantly to inform a worried Darwin public in real time.

Best Sports Journalism Supported by Serafino Wines

• Kezia Dawn, Nine News, “Football On The Tiwi Islands”

Kezia Dawn’s “Football on the Tiwi Islands” demonstrates a commendable media service to the community with her clear commitment to this newsworthy subject. Her knowledge of the players, teams, the league, and importantly, the towns and communities affiliated with them, comes across as authentic and therefore trustworthy, and her engaging delivery is achieved with the kind of professionalism that any national sports reporter would give to a premiership club.

Best Environment/Innovation Reporting Supported by Engineers Australia

• Jane Bardon, ABC News Breakfast, ABC News Channel and 7PM News ABC TV, “Our Coast Under Threat”

Jane Bardon was the clear standout in this category. Her work was revelatory, thoroughly researched, told with imagination and clarity, and consistently held authorities to account. If only more broadcast journalism across the country dealt with local environmental issues in this depth.

Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award Supported by NT News

• Jane Bardon, Background Briefing, ABC Radio National, ABC News Online, ABC Listen, ABC News Online and ABC Darwin Facebook, “Rough Justice: can the NT keep its kids safe?”

“Rough Justice” speaks for those who can’t by exposing and highlighting a child protection system in crisis. It’s raw and at times tough going to listen to, but extremely powerful to hear from the Uncle of the 2 year old victim involved. The confronting issue is well researched and embraces what the Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award is about.

Indigenous affairs reporting Supported by Telstra

• Jane Bardon and Owain Stia-James, ABC News Channel, ABC TV NT, and iview,  “Rough Justice, NLC investigation and Ngukurr’s ‘Panadol clinic’”

Jane Bardon’s coverage of Indigenous affairs was unflinching and extremely thorough in her entry. Bardon holds Federal and State Governments and health agencies to account and reports without fear or favour. Her coverage humanises the complex cultural and societal issues through case studies and gripping storytelling tactics. A well deserving winner of this prestigious category.

Visual Storytelling Supported by Media Super

• Keri Megelus, News Corp, “Capturing an accused gunman”

Keri Megelus brilliantly captured the precise instant when the gunman’s deadly rampage came to a violent end on the streets of Darwin. Keri not only positioned herself in the right place at the right time, but her picture caught the determination of arresting police and the tension of the moment as they struggled to overpower the accused gunman. It is an outstanding news photo.

Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2019 Supported by The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

• Phillippa Butt, NT News and Sunday Territorian, “Kids welfare coverup”, “Flaming Foolish”, “Boy rescued from hole”, “How freely can we really speak?” and “End of an era”

Phillippa Butt’s entries demonstrated an impressive ability to write informative and valuable pieces on diverse topics. Phillippa was a standout in this category because of the way she went beyond the fundamentals of journalism; the pieces were agenda setting, contained exclusive details and informed the public debate.

Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year 2019 Supported by MEAA

• Oliver Gordon, ABC News Online, AM, Background Briefing, Radio National and ABC Radio, “The Black & White Hotel: Inside Australia’s Segregated Hotel Rooms and associated coverage”

Oliver Gordon’s piece demonstrates clearly and effectively the brutal segregation at an Alice Springs Hotel. Working on only a tip, Oliver methodically gathered evidence, before prosecuting the case against the hotel and the discrimination most in Australia thought was long gone. The story rightfully received national attention and was filed across multiple platforms maximizing the audience it reached and the impact it had.

The winners of the 2018 Northern Territory Media Awards were announced at a gala presentation ceremony at Sky City Darwin on Saturday November 17.

Steven Schubert of the ABC was named the Northern Territory Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year after winning three individual awards. Helen Davidson of Guardian Australia won two awards while Justin Kennedy of the NT News won the award for Photography of the Year for his body of work.

MEAA and the Darwin Press Club congratulate all the winners.

Television/Radio- Best Current Affairs or Feature          

Sponsored by The NT Government

Winner: Kylie Stevenson and Caroline Graham, Freelance, Lost in Larrimah

Finalists:

• Kristy O’Brien, Ian Redfearn and Owain Sita-James, ABC, Help from above
• Liz Trevaskis, ABC Radio, Djarimirri – Child of the Rainbow

Judges’ Comments:

The evolution of this category was reflected in the strength of entries from the audio/podcast medium. The diversity of the category is reflected by the vast variety of entries.  The winner, Lost in Larrimah, transports listeners to the tiny community. The use of natural sound and local lingo allows the community of Larrimah to become its own character in the mystery. Well researched and comprehensive, the podcast explores the disappearance of Paddy Moriarty. The six part series takes advantage of the strengths of the podcast genre to dive deeper into the mystery without being just another true-crime podcast. More than 30 interviews were conducted and each voice brings a new character, new life and new angle to the story. It feels like you are travelling from house to house, beer in hand, listening to the community describe the drama. This is a truly Territorian story and has been treated appropriately. Funny, enjoyable, alarming and true to the environment – this is in every sense – a well told Aussie yarn. The fellow finalists were true to the genre, using natural sound and music to enhance the stories. Both utilised innovation to improve their product and were very strong entries. Stephanie Zillman’s piece deserves credit for the access she gained to the two royal commissioners and the way she handled the sensitive topic.

Television/Radio – Best News Coverage

Sponsored by The NT Government

Winner: Kathleen Gazzola, Paul Collins, Rosanna Kingsun, Xavier Martin, Louise Rennie & Graham Morrison, Channel 9 Darwin, Cyclone Marcus

Finalists:

• Jane Bardon, ABC News, Youth detention and child protection in crisis despite Royal Commission
• Claire Campbell, ABC News, Tennant Creek in crisis

Judges’ Comments:

This remarkable variety in Territory stories was reflected in the entries to this category.
The winner, Cyclone Marcus, was chosen on the strength of the pictures utilised in well reported and edited series of stories. The stories used established, well-framed professionally shot vision, interlaced with amateur phone vision to reflect the chaos of Cyclone Marcus and bring that into the lounge rooms of Territorians and Australians. The follow stories demonstrated the impact on the top end community and the magnitude of the clean-up that followed. Interviews with Territorians humanised the destruction and the attitude of those affected. Story 3 was beautifully shot. Drone footage gave viewers a greater appreciation of the magnitude of destruction caused by falling Mahoganies. The interviews focused on the Territorians impacted, not just officials, making it clear Marcus’ fury would still be felt weeks and months on in the Top End. All three scripts allowed the pictures to be the star of the story – well produced television news. The two finalists were strong stories on current crises in indigenous Australia. Jane Bardon’s series on youth detention draws on a comprehensive knowledge of the topic and well placed contacts to gain exclusive material that moves the story beyond the Royal Commission. Claire Campbell’s entry manages to capture the confusion and disgust of the Tennant Creek community following the revelation of the assault of a young child.
Kristy O’Brien deserves special commendation for her handling of the sensitive and heartbreaking story of Dolly Everett.

Print/Text- Best Feature Writing  

Sponsored by Charles Darwin University

Winner: Steven Schubert, ABC News, NT police and courts failing Indigenous people

Highly Commended: Matt Garrick, News Corp, You Can’t Hide From The Truth

Finalist: Craig Dunlop, NT News, Body of work

Judges’ Comments:

The entries at the top of the competition were outstanding, and the order of the top three was difficult. Our decision to make the winner, Steven’s entry, was based on the ideal of journalism holding the powerful to account. It was an amazing combination of endeavour, cause and quality writing. The linking of the failures of police in investigating two murders of Aboriginal people years apart, an exemplar of this and highlighting the problems of mandatory sentencing through Zak Grieve, the same. Matt’s entry had an excellent and balanced feature on a divisive Territory character, Jacinta Price. He also highlighted a chronic but neglected disease affected Territory indigenous people and provided a compassionate looked at scorned and misunderstood people – Darwin’s long grassers folk. Craig’s writing was brilliant and took us along for rides that were great journalism, with his treatment of the police commissioner’s jailing an outstanding; fascinating read with great insight and new detail.

Print/Text- Best News Coverage   

Sponsored by The NT Government

Winner: Steven Schubert, ABC News, Indigenous murder cases go cold amid police infighting

Finalists:

• Craig Dunlop, NT News, Sex and power: John McRoberts on trial
• Kylie Stevenson and Caroline Graham, Freelance, Lost in Larrimah

Judges’ Comments:

Steven Schubert’s body of work on a series of bungled investigations by NT Police was the result of his dogged determination to get at the truth. His efforts included the exceptional cultivation of sources, solo production in remote corners of the NT and appearing in court on behalf of the ABC. His copy was clean, insightful and balanced. Moreover, the judges noted the significance of his work in uncovering the full failures of NT Police. The judges felt Craig Dunlop’s work warranted a highly commended given his deft handling of the criminal trial of John McRoberts. His writing style was a compelling, as were his insights into the case.

All Media- Best Environment/Innovation Reporting

Sponsored by Engineers Australia

Winner: Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Glencore dumps 63 truckloads of toxic waste at McArthur River

Finalist: Liz Trevaskis and Jesse Thompson, ABC Radio, Plastic waste problem floods NT coastline

Judges’ Comments:

Helen Davidson’s stories highlight how important it is for journalists to have good contacts and the time to spend digging to reveal stories that are in the public interest. Davidson stayed on the story, her careful scrutiny of documents and efforts to get the facts in her interviews helped her lead the news agenda. Her work is well written and comprehensive.

All Media- Best Online Coverage  

Sponsored by NT Chamber of Commerce

Winner: Julian Ricci, Ashley Manicaro, Stuart Thornton and Hayden Smith, NT News, The 120 Most Powerful

Finalists:

• Nadia Daly, ABC News, Off the beaten track telling hidden Territory Tales
• Neda Vanovac, Kate Heironymus and Emily Smith, ABC, Cyclone Marcus

Judges’ Comments:

The Territory’s Top 120 Most Powerful people has cemented itself as one of the NT’s most talked about events of the year. It’s obvious how much time and effort goes into compiling the list and it’s online execution was flawless. Specifically prepared as an online-only special it took advantage of the added-value features that digital offers over traditional print and broadcast, particularly the use of interactive word and picture graphics, and the ability to build a growing list of links each day to point back to previous days’ choices and thereby build anticipation via an organic, evolving piece. The List, as its know, was the talk of the Territory and discussed on talkback radio each day, helping to build momentum until the final reveal of the Most Powerful Territorian. This entry was a standout in a strong field of contenders.

All Media-Best Scoop/Newsbreaker

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Glencore dumps 63 truckloads of toxic waste at McArthur River          

Finalists:

• Jane Bardon, ABC News, Youth detention and child protection in crisis despite Royal Commission
• Claire Campbell, ABC News, Toddler raped in Tennant Creek

Judges’ Comments:

In a strong field of entries Helen Davidson’s was a convincing winner. Just days before Christmas 2017 Davidson broke the extraordinary news that McArthur River Mine had erroneously dumped 63 truckloads – equating to thousands of tonnes – of toxic waste rock in an unprotected area, where it combusted and sent sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. The scale of the incident was kept out of the public eye by MRM, and the NT Government’s own investigation was similarly galling. It produced no report because, for reasons not publicly known, it took only a verbal report from its independent investigator. Davidson’s exclusive was well written and based on expert research, combing through several-thousand pages of reports, and multiple interviews with department staff and executives who repeatedly changed their story. Davidson broke the story on the morning of the belated release of the annual independent monitor’s report into the mine and it dominated the news agenda for that day, and following days, sparking strong reaction from the environmental sector. It’s understood Davidson remains locked in an FOI battle with the government department over remaining questions about their investigation into the environmental contamination by the controversial mine.

All Media- Best Sports Journalism

Sponsored by Serafino Wines 

Winner: Anthony Geppa, Centralian Advocate/ News Corp, Inspiring athletes

Finalists:

• Josh Spasaro, NT News, Role models and issues in Darwin Basketball
• Shahni Wellington, ABC News, Women on the rise

Judges’ Comments:

Anthony’s Geppa’s stories of athletes overcoming adversity were told with warmth and flowed well. Asha Coulthard overcame many personal obstacles to become a world champion and is now inspiring other women to feel comfortable in their own skin and be the best they can be. His tribute to Daymon Stokie, who passed away in early 2018, highlighted the legacy he has left behind in Alice Springs motocross. Finally, in his “”Demons win hearts in the Centre”” Geppa explores the rise of AFLW footballers from amateur athletes to role models. He travelled with the team out to remote community Hermannsburg seeing firsthand how they helped spread healthy lifestyle messages. They were all true sport stories but touched on the dept of the human spirit to make for enjoyable reading no matter what your interests.

All Media-Excellence in Northern Reporting

Sponsored by Telstra

Winner: Steven Schubert, ABC News, NT police and courts failing Indigenous people          

Finalists:

• Lorena Allam, Guardian Australia, HTLV-1: the forgotten virus youve never heard of
• Jane Bardon, ABC News, Youth detention and child protection in crisis despite Royal Commission

Judges’ Comments:

“I can’t go through with this”: How Zak Grieve backed out of a murder plot but got life anyway. Steven produced a compelling narrative on a case that raised serious questions about the NT’s mandatory sentencing laws. Working from a small ABC office in Katherine at the time of a brutal murder Steven built trust with key characters in the case, enabling him to comprehensively detail an injustice against a young Aboriginal man. The piece was published three days before a national newspaper launched a digital documentary on the case, giving the ABC the scoop.  Zak Grieve has an appeal for mercy before the NT Administrator.

Photography of the Year   

Sponsored by The NT Government

Winner: Justin Kennedy, NT News, Body of work  

Judges’ Comments:

Justin Kennedy provided an excellent snap shot of life in the to end including the royal visit ands the immense sense of relief of a family in the aftermath of cyclone Marcus. His photo of ‘never give up action’ shot of an NRL players in action was especially compelling.

Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2018

Sponsored by The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre    

Winner: Thea Halpin, ABC News, Body of work

Highly Commended:  Craig Dunlop, NT News, Body of work

Finalist: Lauren Roberts, NT News, Body of work

Judges’ Comments:

Thea Halpin’s work demonstrates everything media outlets want to see from a talented young journalist. Her exclusive interview with a man wrongly charged with the rape of a two-year-old girl was a significant national story, which would not have been told without her determination to track him down. The interview and story were skilfully put together and sensitive to the subject matter.

Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year 2018

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Steven Schubert, ABC News

Highly Commended: Kylie Stevenson and Caroline Graham, Freelance

Finalist: Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia

Judges’ Comments:

As the winner of three individual categories, Steven Schubert demonstrated significant ability as a storyteller and investigative journalist. Each of his entries asks important questions about the administration of justice in the Northern Territory. His detailed and enthralling account of the Zak Grieve case contributed new perspectives to a well-known story. He built trust with key contacts to elicit important information, and highlighted how mandatory sentencing laws and other inconsistencies contributed to the jailing of a man who “wasn’t there”. In “Northern Territory Police deny ‘institutional racism’ to blame for failed murder investigation” and “Indigenous murder cases go cold amid police infighting”, Steven carefully examines the way police and other agencies investigate crimes against indigenous and non-indigenous people. Many of these stories give voice to the voiceless; one of the fundamental aims of good journalism, and on that measure Steven is a worthy winner.

The annual awards – proudly supported by MEAA, the Walkley Foundation and the Darwin Press Club – celebrate quality journalism and reward media professionals whose commitment and excellent media coverage best informs and entertains the Territory

The judges praised the calibre and depth of reporting in the Northern Territory in all its forms, from interactive digital pieces and television stories to broadcast interviews and feature print stories.

The 2017 Northern Territory Media Awards Winners

Television/Radio – Best Broadcast Interview

Sponsored by Media Super

 Winner: Katie Woolf, Mix 104.9, Body of Work

Finalists:

• Isabelle Mullen, 9 News Darwin, Youth crime
• Lisa Pellegrino, ABC, Body of Work

Judges Comments:

Katie showed tenacity and was combat ready in her political interviews, pressing politicians on their statements and commitments. She also showed the breadth of her interviewing abilities, changing pace for a sensitive discussion in the wake of the Manchester attack. The interviews were timely and newsbreaking. She was well-prepared for each interview and managed to cut through to the heart of the issues, acting as a competent guide for her audiences on complex topics. Katie was willing to run interviews over several minutes, not allowing politicians to filibuster or run out the clock and would intervene if necessary to get an answer.

Television/Radio – Best Current Affairs or Feature     

Sponsored by City of Darwin

Winner:  Kristy O’Brien, Owain Stia-James and Ian Redfearn, ABC, Seven Emu: Wild Bull Catching in the Top End

Finalists:

• James Oaten, ABC News, Australian-Kurdish fighter challenges authorities to charge him
• Jess Ong, Johanna Bell and Rosa Ellen, SPUN Stories, SPUN Stories’ podcast

Judges Comments:

Seven Emu provided a compelling  insight into a world many Australians would rarely see. The main story was deftly put together under tough circumstances in a remote part of the Northern Territory. The team got the best out of their interviewees and the vision of the bull catching itself was exceptionally shot and edited. Working within the feature format, Kristy was able to let the shots and natural sound add to the story – taking the audience along for the bumpy ride. The addition of the “behind the scenes ” video was a huge asset. It captured a large separate online audience and was well made. All up – exemplary story telling.

Television/Radio – Best News Coverage

Sponsored by True North Strategic Communication

Winner: Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency

Finalists:

• Matt Cunningham, SKY News, The Crisis No one Talks About
• Nadia Daly, ABC News, ‘Unforgivable error’: Medical bungle leaves two women without their breasts

Judges Comments:

Jano’s report was an important piece of journalism that exposed a shocking reality in a remote part of the country. The CCTV vision he obtained was crucial to illustrate the story and provide proof of the problem. For audiences removed from the situation – the pictures told more than experts or witnesses ever could. The story was well told to a national audience and was followed up by domestic and international outlets. His story stood out among a strong field of candidates. His work as a solo video journalist is also to be commended.

Best News Camerawork of the Year

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Ryan Scott-Young, ABC, Body of work

Finalists:

• Paul Collins, Nine News, My Year in the NT
• Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Body of work

Judges Comments:

In a strong field, Ryan Scott Young’s unique vision and style was a step above. He not only overcame the challenges of filming in remote regions of the Territory, but embraced them, finding beauty in the harsh environment. His thoughtful and creative camera work on the ‘Bush Cars’ story made for particularly enjoyable and memorable viewing. He also showed sensitivity, discretion and respect when it came to his human subjects in the Bush Mob story. Judges noted Ryan’s feature-style approach to filming, which lifted his camera work above that of which you would normally expect of daily news coverage.          

Print/ Text – Best Feature Writing        

Sponsored by Charles Darwin University

Winner: Matt Garrick, NT News/Sunday Territorian, The Great Divide

Finalists:

• Kieran Banks, NT News, Attacks on our protectors
• Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of work – the good, the bad, and the unusual
• Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Body of work

Judges Comments:

In addition to being beautifully composed and written, Matt Garrick’s collection of features demonstrate remarkable insight into the political and social life of the NT. It was a tightly contested race with Helen Davidson but in the end Garrick’s ability to take what could have been a dry political yarn and make it a page turner nudged him ahead. The judges made a point of highly commending Davidson, whose wide-ranging body of work was also of a superior standard and a wonderful read.

Print/ Text – Best News Coverage         

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner: Matt Cunningham, Sky News/NT News, NT’s Prison Blues

Finalists:

• Craig Dunlop, NT News and Centralian Advocate, Underbelly in the outback
• Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Tough on crime

Judges Comments:

Matt Cunningham’s series of exclusives reports into the failings within the NT’s corrections system are an example of the value of cultivating good contacts and dogged persistence to break news. Matt has an acute knowledge of the Northern Territory and through obtaining secret reports was able to uncover revelations the Darwin Correctional Precinct was riddled with issues, and that the Government had ignored its own expert panel’s advice to build a new youth facility. Matt complemented these stories with insightful opinion pieces which gave readers a valuable insight into the controversies.

All Media – Best Environment/Innovation Reporting

Sponsored by Engineers Australia          

Winner: Jane Bardon, ABC News, Development problems exposed: McArthur River Mine and NT Fracking

Finalists:

• Sara Everingham, ABC News, Digging up the costs of mining
• Steven Schubert, ABC News, Body of work

Judges Comments:

Jane Bardon’s stories on McArthur River Mine and Fracking ticked all the boxes, making her entry a standout winner in the Best Environment/Innovation Reporting category. She exposed major environmental problems at McArthur River Mine and proposed fracking fields that brought issues and concerns buried deep in the remoteness of the Territory to light. Her investigations were thorough and her reports, comprehensive and newsworthy. Jane’s work is absolutely deserving of the award and she is to be congratulated on her commitment and dedication to raising the reporting bar with her scrupulous research and compelling presentations. Judges were impressed by all entries in this category which demonstrate that Northern Territory journalists are keeping up to speed with a range of environmental topics, highlighting problems and presenting innovative solutions that are helping to protect and preserve our animals and our land.

All Media – Best Online Coverage         

Sponsored by NT Chamber of Commerce

Winner: Andrew Piva, Julian Ricci Matt Garrick, Tamara Howie and Molly Baxter, NT News, Bombing of Darwin 75th anniversary

Finalists:

• Jane Bardon and Emma Vincent, ABC News, NT investigations; McArthur Mine, BRADAAG, Rogan threat, Stolen Generation, Fracking
• Avani Dias and Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Community success: learning on country

Judges Comments:

The NT News coverage of the 75th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin was innovative and eye-catching, demonstrating excellent research and planning skills. Using archival material and first-person accounts, a series of well-written digital features told a historic Northern Territory story utilising a modern format. Reporters captured both Australian and Japanese perspectives and delved into the archives to illustrate their custom-made interactive features. This was an excellent example of creative online coverage leading the way to serve local, national and international audiences.

All Media – Best Scoop/Newsbreaker

Sponsored by Lion           

Winner: Nadia Daly, ABC News, ‘Unforgivable error’: Medical bungle leaves two women without their breasts

Finalists:

• Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency
• Chris Walsh and Kieran Banks, NT News, Fractured Force
• Matt Cunningham, Sky News and NT News, Hamburger’s Prison Pickle

Judges Comments:

The judges really struggled with accessing this category. Here you see four cracking stories, that each took extensive research, cultivating of contacts, dogged determination to get to the bottom of four very complex matters, in a way that was succinct, compelling, and highlighted matters of utmost importance. Nadia’s report was confronting, thorough, and sensitive in the way it dealt with a very disturbing series of misdiagnosis. There was a deep level of trust from the woman at the centre of this story, and she was able to tell a story of devastation and betrayal. Nadia gave voice to authorities who ultimately apologised and addressed the systemic failures displayed. Stories like this really challenge you to question if this story would ever have seen the light of day had it not been for reporting of the highest merit. Matt Cunningham is Highly Commended for his coverage of the Hamburger report. Matt’s series of reports exposing seemingly political coverup, bad decision-making, and cutting corners – or a combination of the three was a masterclass in the nuance of detail hidden in a report. Matt’s reports cut through very complex and highly politicised matters in a way that was succinct and easy to absorb.

All Media – Best Sports Journalism       

Sponsored by Serafino Wines 

Winner: Jane Bardon and Tristan Hooft, ABC News, Sport programs changing lives need more support

Finalists:

• Jenny Munro, NT News, Women’s Cricket in the NT: Building an Innings
• Shahni Wellington, ABC News, More than colour stories

Judges Comments:

Jane Bardon’s series of stories went beyond typical sports coverage of match reports, scores and injuries, to find a human angle and explore how sport can become a vehicle for social change. Bardon’s body of work also highlighted the often overlooked role of volunteers, funding challenges and the importance of sport at a grassroots level in the Territory. Overall, a well crafted body-of-work entry, featuring engaging, original stories

All Media – Excellence in Indigenous Reporting

Sponsored by Darwin Press Club / MEAA

Winner: Jane Bardon, ABC News, Regaining life control: Marshall Wallace, Bush Mob, Stolen Generation, Retta Dixon

Finalists:

• Avani Dias, ABC, Body of work
• Jano Gibson, ABC, Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land sparks public health emergency

Judges Comments:

An exceptionally tough category to judge, with the three finalists all breaking stories of national and international interest across multiple platforms. Jane Bardon’s experience and extensive community contacts saw her just nudge ahead of the other finalists, with a strong cross section of stories told with depth and sensitivity, that importantly, gave a voice to Indigenous Territorians rarely heard in the national media landscape. Bardon’s story on Marshall Wallace – a terminally ill man jailed for driving offences – was a standout, with her reporting ultimately leading to Federal Government intervention and Mr Wallace being released from prison.

All Media – Excellence in Northern Reporting

Sponsored by NT Cattlemen’s Association          

Winner: Ben Smee and Chris Walsh, NT News, Crocs in the Cabinet

Finalists:

• Jane Bardon, ABC News, Demanding a different way: Aaron Hyde, Kenny Rogan, Ian Johns, Bushmob, Brahminy and Balunu
• Kristy O’Brien, ABC, Following the dust

Judges Comments:

Crocs in the Cabinet, by Ben Smee and Christopher Walsh is the very worthy winner of the 2017 Excellence in Northern Reporting Award. This award recognises a high level of achievement in journalism: in research, reporting and analysis and those elements are clearly demonstrated in Crocs in the Cabinet. Between 2012 and 2016,the Mills/Giles Government gave these two NT News journalists an extraordinary amount of material to work with and that’s evident in the book, but it’s their combined ability to put the events of those years within a wider Territory context that is the real strength of Crocs in the Cabinet. The book has had a significant impact here in the Territory. It’s ben widely read and much discussed and its authors are well deserved winners tonight.

Photography of the Year          

Sponsored by INPEX

Winner: Elise Derwin, NT News, Body of work

Finalists:

• Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of work
• Justin Kennedy, NT News, The Territory Lifestyle

Judges Comments:

Elise Derwin’s photos show great skill and sensitivity. Photos of a Mulluwirri Magpies fan pausing to feel the rain on his face in the Bathurst Islands, a local surfer carving up monsoonal waves on the Nightcliff foreshore and local performers in the Botanical Gardens demonstrate Elise’s skill in capturing both spontaneous and carefully prepared photos. Vibrant, arresting images that are full of life.

All Media- Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award

Sponsored by Mix 104.9

Winner: Chris McLennan, Fairfax Media, Chemical contamination

Finalists:

• Matt Cunningham, SKY News, The Crisis No one Talks About
• Jane Bardon, ABC News, Terminally ill man imprisoned for driving offences fights to be released from custody
• Katie Woolf, Mix 104.9, CBD Revitalisation

Judges Comments:

Chris McLennan’s reporting stood out among a strong field. He clearly listened to community concern, researched thoroughly, and kept pushing the story along with considered and balanced coverage of an enormous story. Chris’ work was in the vein of the late Pete Davies – of listening to a concern coming from the community, and doggedly chasing it to get an outcome. Chris’ coverage arguably prompted the much bigger national conversation about defence bases and environmental concerns, that we are seeing unfold right now. The judges were impressed with Chris’ tenacity and perseverance to tell the story, and tell it fully, while always advocating for it to be rectified. Each of the finalists showed a commitment to getting to the truth in a balanced and unbiased way, and each prosecuted an area of community concern, with a determination to get to positive outcomes.

Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2017

Sponsored by The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre           

Winner: Elliana Lawford, NITV News, Indigenous Territory

Finalists:

• Avani Dias, ABC, Body of work
• Henry Jones, Channel 9, Body of work

Judges Comments:

Elliana Lawford’s body of work showed a high level of skill and professionalism in challenging environments. She negotiated the pressures of working solo to shoot, write, edit and deliver well scripted and thought-provoking stories. Her work took her to some of the most remote parts of the Territory to tell stories that were otherwise untouched. It demonstrated an understanding of the importance of building relationships and investigating complex issues from several perspectives. Elliana is a worthy winner in a category that contained an incredibly high standard of work. The future of journalism in the Northern Territory looks very bright.

Journalist/Photojournalist of the Year 2017

Sponsored by The NT Government

Winner: Jano Gibson, ABC

Judges Comments:

There was a strong campaigning element to this year’s awards, from poisoned aquifers to poisoned mines, but for true impact — Territory, national and international — the judges felt Jano Gibson’s entry in the Best News Coverage TV/Radio category, “Aviation fuel sniffing in Arnhem Land” was outstanding. This confronting exclusive was impossible to ignore. It not only highlighted a problem many believed had gone away, it revealed a new extreme in the petrol-sniffing scourge. This was a story any journalist would put his or her name to.

The annual awards – which are supported by MEAA, the Walkley Foundation and the Darwin Press Club – celebrate quality journalism and reward media professionals whose commitment and excellent media coverage best informs and entertains the Territory.

This year’s awards were presented on Saturday evening at SkyCity in Darwin before the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and the Lord Mayor of Darwin with almost 300 people attending the event – an indication that the NT Media Awards is a key event for the media industry.

Darwin Press Club president Neda Vanovac said: “NT journalists, photographers and camera operators have continued to produce an incredibly high standard of work, breaking big national and international stories. The Darwin Press Club is thrilled to see them recognised, proving how much talent there is in the top end and central Australia, unearthing and telling crucial stories that might otherwise go untold.”

The 2016 Northern Territory Journalist of the Year is James Oaten from the ABC, who also won the categories of Best News Coverage and Best Current Affairs or Feature for TV/Radio for his internationally newsbreaking stories of Australians travelling to Syria to fight against ISIS. Judges praised him for demonstrated tenacity in identifying and pursuing a story, maintaining a dedication to truth and accuracy, independent thinking, fairness, impartiality and humanity.

In a year when the after-effects of the Don Dale youth justice scandal continue to echo, it has been particularly gratifying to see the work of ABC reporter Kate Wild recognised in two major categories: the Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award and the Excellence in Indigenous Reporting Award for the ground-breaking local reports she filed over a long period of time, which formed a basis for Four Corners’ expose which triggered a royal commission. Her work truly generated palpable change which has resonated around the country.

The ABC’s Jane Bardon was recognised with two prizes for her work, particularly her ongoing reports on environmental issues affecting remote Aboriginal communities, such as the MacArthur River Mine near Borroloola, and congratulated for her ability to form long-lasting contacts in remote places.

Christopher Walsh from the NT News won the Best Scoop and the Excellence in Northern Reporting categories for his dogged ongoing political reporting investigating corruption and dodgy dealings at the highest levels of government. The judges noted his strong track record for breaking stories that matter to Territorians.

The ABC’s Avani Dias is the 2016 Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year, recognised for her consistently excellent reporting. The judges praised her for her deep understanding of NT issues, and her persistence and determination as a reporter.

MEAA and the Darwin Press Club congratulate all the winners who, through their work, continue to prove the depth and breadth of talent in the NT.

Print/ Text Best News Coverage              

Sponsored by Media Super   

Winner:    Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, The Northern Territory’s ongoing crisis in juvenile detention

Finalists:

• Amos Aikman, The Australian, Policy Adventure
• Dani McDonald, NT News, Housing woes of the Northern Territory
• Christopher Walsh, NT News, Covering the NT Political Circus

Judges’ comments:

“All three finalists demonstrated strong investigative skills in uncovering stories of NT, national and international interest. In each entry, it was evident the amount of time and effort that went into uncovering their respective stories and demonstrated the high calibre of journalism being produced out of the Northern Territory. Helen Davidson’s investigation on the crisis within the NT juvenile detention centre began well before the Four Corners’ investigation aired earlier this year. Told through the eyes of an inmate, it demonstrated creative flair and a deep understanding of the issue, as did her ensuing pieces following the Four Corners’ footage outcry. The judges commended Dani McDonald for her series on the NT’s Department of Housing crisis, noting she worked extremely hard to gain the trust of residents to tell their stories without fear of recrimination.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Print/ Text Best Feature Writing             

Sponsored by Charles Darwin University

Winner:    Matt Garrick, NT News, Out of the Darkness

Finalists:

• Amos Aikman, The Australian, Feral-proof fence
• Helen Davidson, Guardian Australia, Body of Work
• Zach Hope, NT News, The old and the new

Judges’ comments:

“The judges noted the exceptionally high calibre of entries, which made this category a difficult one to settle on a winner. Matt Garrick shared the unique stories and characters of central and northern Australia in an interesting and engaging way. His writing flair made the story telling seem effortless, when the complexities of the topics were anything but.  From nuclear tests in the desert to the Top End greyhound racing industry, the judges noted the topics were all very worthy of bringing to the attention of Territorians however he did so by demonstrating a great level of creativity. The judges also wanted to make special mention of The Guardian’s Johanna Bell, who wrote about the often-told story of Peter Falconio’s disappearance but managed to deliver new insights into the famous case.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Television/Radio Best News Coverage

Sponsored by Michels Warren Munday

Winner:    James Oaten, ABC, Shock and anger: Fallout from youth detention abuse exposed on 4Corners

Finalists:

• Jane, Bardon, ABC, Holding Government to account on real issues behind the scandals
• Katherine Gregory, ABC, Breaking the silence and suffering inside Wickham Point

Judges’ comments:

­“James Oaten delivered a polished selection of stories across both radio and TV news. When reporting on the fallout from the Four Corners story into youth detention, he cut through the storm of voices to consistently deliver clear, confident reports that absolutely earned their place on a national platform. Despite the time limits, he skilfully captured the important issues, facts and opinions about a topic that will simmer in the Territory for a long time to come.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Television/ Radio Best Broadcast Interview

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner:    Katie Woolf, Territory Broadcasters, A collection of interviews

Finalists:

• Rebecca McLaren, ABC, Body of Work
• Lisa Pellegrino, ABC, Body of Work

Judges’ comments:

“Katie did exactly what commercial radio sets out to do, providing entertaining, compact and informative interviews in a punchy way. Her political interviews dealt deftly with the topics burning hottest during a particularly wild election campaign. Her questions were frequently short and sharp – her guests were challenged, provoked and thoroughly grilled – but they were also allowed to speak their mind. The overall result was classy radio that made politics incredibly accessible…and never ever let it be boring. Congratulations Katie Woolf.”

Link to view winning submission here.

Television/Radio Best Current Affairs or Feature

Sponsored by City of Darwin      

Winner:    James Oaten, ABC, Australians dying in Syria – how can it be stopped?

Finalists:

• Jane Bardon, ABC, Digging deep to expose the rot
• Rosa Ellen, ABC, Central Desert art radio package

Judges’ comments:

“There were many excellent entries in this category showing the diversity of media broadcasting, from beautiful long form radio features transporting us into the central desert art world to hard hitting news and current affairs. James’ internationally news-breaking story about a young Australian who disappeared from home to fight with the Kurds in Syria stood out for its newsworthiness, human interest, incredible footage and access to a part of the world that is in the news almost every day but rarely seen on this level of engagement. James’ interviews are compelling and powerful giving insight into an horrific and personal journey. He obviously developed a huge rapport and trust with Reece Harding’s family, the Kurdish community and fellow fighters, and his high level of dedication, journalism and craft skills shine through.”

Links to view winning submission (one and two).

Photography of the Year

Sponsored by Inpex

Winner:    Elise Derwin, NT News, Body of Work

Finalists:

• Justin Kennedy, NT News, Body of Work
• Helen Orr, NT News, Body of Work
• Ivan Rachman, NT News, Body of Work

Judges’ comments:

“Elise Derwin is the winner of the Photography of the Year category. Judges felt her set of images ticked all the boxes for technical and compositional excellence, newsworthiness and impact. Along with reporter Ellie Turner, she undressed appropriately to go undercover into a nudist camp to produce Nudist Nomads – No Tan Lines Here. Her brilliant photo of fire-blowing Crocodile Man, Craig West, captured a fireball that appeared to morph into evening thunderclouds and her graphic photo of boxer Peter Graham landing a punch on rival Julius Long at the World Boxing Foundation title in Darwin had a real ‘ouch’ factor. Elise’s coverage of a triple-fatal road crash on Tiger Brennan Drive encapsulated the horror, tragedy and despair of the situation while innocence and simplicity were depicted in her photo of two young brothers playing football in their Melville Island backyard.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three and four).

Best News Camerawork of the Year

Sponsored by Media Super

Winner:    Mitchell Woolnough, ABC, Body of Work

Finalists:

• Andrew Hyde, Freelance, Body of Work
• Ryan Scott Young, ABC, Body of Work

Judges’ comments:

“Mitch Woolnough through his body of work has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify and convey impartiality, creativity and an editorially sound understanding of his brief in more often than not challenging environments. Mitch demonstrates an innovative and thoughtful approach to subjects where discretion, tact and sensitivity is required. His composition of Uluru, which has become an almost photographic cliché, also shows his ability to create something truly unique. His work is clearly identifiable, and his contribution to each story is a key component to the success of those with which he collaborates.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

All Media Best Online Coverage              

Sponsored by NT Chamber of Commerce

Winner:    Jane Bardon, ABC, ABC News and Current Affairs Darwin

Finalists:

• James Dunlevie, ABC, Don Dale
• Elliana Lawford, ABC, Series – Wave Hill walk-off 50th anniversary

Judges’ comments:

“Jane’s exclusive online stories took readers to remote corners of Australia, and highlighted failures of government and of local corporations affecting remote Indigenous communities. Jane’s online feature exposing serious environmental issues at the McArthur River Mine was a comprehensive and detailed investigation which was especially praised by the judges. It included a great use of photography and video in a long-form style which had national interest. The judges praised Jane’s determination to step outside of the office to uncover stories affecting remote residents of the Territory.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

All Media Best Scoop/Newsbreaker     

Sponsored by Telstra     

Winner:    Christopher Walsh, NT News, Shares Scandal

Finalists:

• Amos Aikman, The Australian, Darwin Port
• James Oaten, ABC, Symbol of Kurdistan: Gold Coast man killed while fighting against Islamic State

Judges’ comments:

“Christopher’s exclusive report had major impact, and came about after persistent commitment to the story. Christopher’s feature stood out in a competitive field of entries because he’d stuck with the story for many months and had undertaken rigorous research to ensure the story was fact-checked and sourced. The judges praised Christopher’s use of old-fashioned journalism – pouring through documents obtained under Freedom of Information and using a number of sourced to verify his story. It was a well-written and detailed front-page story that ultimately led to the resignation of the former Deputy Chief Minister. The judges noted Christopher’s track record for breaking stories that matter to Territorians.”

Link to view winning submission here.

All Media Best Environment/Innovation Reporting      

Sponsored by Engineers Australia           

Winner: Jane Bardon, ABC, Nowhere to hide

Finalists:

• Elliana Lawford, ABC, Series Subject
• James Oaten, ABC, Environmental concerns ignored in Sandalwood expansion plans

Judges’ comments:

“Jane’s painstaking and thorough investigative reports into the impacts of development on the Northern Territory environment were a cut above the other entries. Jane sought further information to guide and inform her coverage through Freedom of Information requests. Her reports have impacted on Territory environmental policy and ensured that Territorians have not been kept in the dark about the impacts of mining, agriculture and other developments. In such a vast and sparsely populated part of the country, Jane was able to develop contacts and report from isolated locations. Her entry shows her ability to bring these stories to a national audience, while ensuring there is a well-crafted narrative presented in an ethical manner.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

All Media Best Sports Journalism

Sponsored by Bird in Hand

Winner:    Elliana Lawford, ABC, Series Subject

Finalists:

• Henry Jones, Channel 9, Under Siege Eels Hit the NT
• Mark Wilton, Rural Weekly Northern Territory, Rodeo Days

Judges’ comments:

“The high calibre of sport entries meant the judges had a difficult task of deciding on one that was any better than the others. In the end the judges agreed that the entry from Elliana Lawford met all of the criteria. In particular, the story of the Wadeye footy league curbing violence in the community was well researched, well told and had the potential for broader impact. The judges agreed that that particular story reached a national audience and showed how the passion for sport could be utilised to make social change. The story was able to clearly show how a much maligned community was able to capitalize on what little they had at their disposal to help them reduce community violence. The story captured that it was clearly a community driven initiative that had the potential to inspire other communities to do likewise. The passion of the local people and the involvement of the local police as players and umpies was captured in the story. The story was a good news story on positive community action when it could have just as easily been a story of a sporting event.”

Link to view winning submission here.

All Media Magazine of the Year

Sponsored by NT Cattlemen’s Association

Winner:    Territory Q Business Magazine

Finalists:

• Off the Leash – Turn It Up
• Off the Leash

Judges’ comments:

“The Magazine of the Year finalists are a fabulous representation of the rich diversity of the Territory.  This year’s winner Territory Q has consistently delivered quality content for readers in the Territory and beyond.  The judges were particularly impressed with Territory Q’s layout and photographic quality.  Territory Q’s articles explore a wide variety of original issues that interest and excite Territorians and introduce us to the better and lesser known people involved in those issues.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Excellence in Indigenous Reporting

Sponsored by The Australian Government

Winner:    Kate Wild, ABC, Voices from the Margins

Finalists:

• Amos Aikman, The Australian, Reconciliation
• Jane Bardon, ABC, Proud people ask for help

Judges’ comments:

“Voices from the Margins is a series of confronting reports that force to the surface the stories of Indigenous people living on the fringes in the Northern Territory. The news-breaking reports of mistreatment in the juvenile detention system pre-dated the Four Corners expose and the Royal Commission, displaying a high level of journalistic prowess. Kate has shown the same level of excellence and investigative skill in her reports into the federal government’s Work for the Dole program and into the use of mining royalties in a remote Aboriginal community. Her coverage of the death of Lala, a 20-year-old disabled woman, catalogued the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach that is often taken towards Indigenous Territorians. Without journalists willing to research, investigate and expose these stories they would remain a hidden reality. Kate’s storytelling abilities have ensured this is not the case.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Excellence in Northern Reporting 

Sponsored by Northern Australian Development Office

Winner:    Christopher Walsh, NT News, Sex, Lies and Videotape: Covering NT Politics

Finalists:

• Amos Aikman, The Australian, Far North
• Jane Bardon, ABC, Holding governments and industry to account up North

Judges’ comments:

“The number and quality of entries for this category (Excellence in Northern Reporting) much impressed the judges, and revealed the richness to be harvested from the Northern Territory’s fields of stories. Selecting the finalists was a challenging exercise.  The work of the winner, Christopher Walsh, shone through because of the collateral damage it inflicted on the local polity. Walsh’s work demonstrates a fearless approach to his subjects, and won him enduring enmity from members of the previous NT government. He truly rattled the citadels of power in this jurisdiction.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three and four).

Gold Award: The Pete Davies Memorial Campaigning Journalism Award

Sponsored by Mix 104.9

Winner:    Kate Wild, ABC, NT Juvenile Justice System

Finalists:

• Jane Bardon, ABC, Pressuring governments to tackle Third World living conditions
• Hayley Sorensen, NT News, Campaign for cardiothoracic and neurosurgical services

Judges’ comments:

“Kate’s exemplary reporting was chosen as the clear winner among a strong selection of finalists. Kate’s exclusive reports shed light on what was really going on inside the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, and she included essential analysis of government policy. Kate worked hard to secure crucial interviews with the family of Dylan Voller, with the NT Children’s Commissioner and with the Corrections Department. Her reports led to change and laid the ground work for the Four Corners investigation which led to a royal commission being called by the Prime Minister.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year 2016

Sponsored by The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

Winner:    Avani Dias, ABC, Wave Hill 50th anniversary: Thousands join walk-off re-enactment to mark land rights protest

Finalists:

• Elliana Lawford, ABC, Know Your Enemy
• Tom Volling, Newscorp, In Too Deep: The killing of Rick Berry

Judges’ comments:

“Avani Dias’ body of work showed a deep understanding of Northern Territory issues, with a flair for original and engaging content. Her coverage of major milestones garnered national attention through clever scripting and carefully selected talent. She was able expose rare personal insights into stories of national significance and take the Top End to the rest of the world. Her exclusive coverage of elevated lead levels in Top End communities was the result of a year-long investigation that showed persistence, determination, and how good journalism can affect public policy. It was well written, without exaggeration and presented a compelling story. An outstanding body of work from a young journalist in a very competitive category.”

Links to view winning submission (one, two, three, four and five).

Gold Award: Journalist of the Year 2016

Sponsored by The Northern Territory Government

Winner:  James Oaten, ABC

Judges Comment:

“The judges closely considered four entrants for the NT Journalist of the Year, each of whom won in two award categories. We decided on James Oaten, who demonstrated tenacity in identifying and pursuing a story, maintained a dedication to truth and accuracy, independent thinking and presentation, fairness, impartiality and humanity. While James’ stories on the Don Dale fall-out were strong examples of daily journalism, the judges were especially impressed with his major piece for 7.30, “Young Australians are dying fighting Islamic State but can it be stopped?” James had previously broken the story on NT union boss Michael Gardiner going to Syria to fight with the Kurds. He stayed with the story and established contact with young Gold Coast man Reece Harding, who was also in Syria. When Reece stepped on a landmine and was killed, he had already gained the trust of Harding’s family who spoke to James through their grief. James was not only able to break the story of Harding’s death, he was able to provide a multi-faceted account and insight into the Australian anti-ISIS foreign fighter contingent that became a major national piece. We congratulate him.”