Young Journalist of the Year Awards sees strong showing from regional finalists
The Walkley Foundation has revealed the finalists for this year’s Young Journalist of the Year Awards, with reporters from regional newspapers competing strongly.
The awards, which recognises the best work from Australian journalists aged 26 and under, saw more than 100 journalists submit entries across the print, radio, television, photography and online media categories.
Finalists’ news stories include the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires, deception at Taronga Zoo, sexual misconduct within the Royal Australian Navy, systemic abuse and mistreatment of Afghan women, the theory of epigenetics, as well as photography highlighting Australia Day, Sydney’s illegal party scene and young athletes.
The federal secretary of the Media Alliance, Christopher Warren, said: “I’m really pleased to see journalists from provincial papers in there competing with metropolitan mastheads, with all their resources.”
The category winners and the overall Young Australian Journalist of the Year winner will be announced at an event on June 23 in Sydney.
The overall winner will be flown to the US and UK to visit major media organisations in London, New York and Washington, with a cheque for $5,000.
Finalists:
PRINT NEWS FINALISTS
- Bridie Byrne, Werribee Star
- Erik Jensen, The Sydney Morning Herald
- Vanessa Marsh, Bundaberg News Mail
TELEVISION FINALISTS
- Yaara Bou Melhem, SBS TV
- Andrew Greene, Seven Network
- Sophie McNeill, SBS TV
RADIO FINALISTS
- Latika Bourke, Fairfax Radio, 2UE
- Sarah Dingle, ABC Radio
- Irene Scott, ABC Radio/Triple J
ONLINE FINALISTS
- Drew Ambrose, abc.net.au
- Nick McDougall, hungrybeast.abc.net.au
- Asher Moses, smh.com.au
- Highly Commended, Austin Mackell, Freelance for the-diplomat.com and newmatilda.com
PHOTO FINALISTS
- Sandie Bertrand, The West Australian
- James Brickwood, the Sun Herald
- Jason Edwards, Leader Newspapers