ABC’s Louise Milligan and Herald Sun’s Anthony Dowsley awarded 2019 Press Freedom Medals
Four Corners investigative reporter Louise Milligan and Herald Sun crime investigations journalist Anthony Dowsley have both been awarded Press Freedom Medals for their contribution in furthering the causes of free speech and freedom of the press.
Melbourne-based Milligan was recognised for her work in the sexual abuse allegations against Cardinal George Pell, while Dowsley was rewarded for his five-year Lawyer X investigation, which led to the current Royal Commission, and his work reporting on the Moorabbin police murders.
Louise Milligan and Anthony Dowsley
Neville Stevens, Australian Press Council chair, said both journalists showed integrity and courage in their reporting.
“The winners of this year’s Press Freedom Medal are two outstanding journalists whose work exhibits integrity, courage and a spirited pursuit of the truth,” said Stevens.
“Their reporting demonstrates and reinforces the democratic right to freedom of expression for all Australian citizens and illuminates the importance of a free and independent print and digital media.
“Louise Milligan’s dogged investigation into criminal allegations against George Pell has had a powerful impact. In her reporting more generally, a focus on voices which may otherwise not be heard is a constant feature. Anthony Dowsley’s five-year ‘Lawyer X’ investigation led to a Royal Commission which is still underway, while his reporting on the Moorabin police murders opened up an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) probe.”
The Press Freedom Medal has been awarded intermittently since 1999, but only since 2016 has the award been handed to those who aren’t affiliated with the Council.
On receiving her award, Milligan said: “I am honoured and humbled to accept this award in a year in which Australian journalists have been targeted simply for telling important stories that are in the national interest. Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen the legislative safeguards to protect journalists’ ability to protect our sources and to hold power to account. Because that is at the core of what we do.”
Dowsley said: “As an industry it has been heartening to see journalists banding together to defend ourselves against authorities intending to intimidate and obstruct press freedom this year. Journalists should not have to work under the threat of prosecution. Public interest reporting should never be an offence.”
Past winners of the Press Freedom Medal include Peter Greste in 2018, a former foreign correspondent and Professor of Journalism and Communications at the University of Queensland, and Gerard Ryle, director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
In 2017, Peter Timmins of the Australian Open Government Partnership Network, and Michael Cameron, national editorial counsel for News Corp Australia took home the prize.
2016 saw Fairfax Media’s Kate McClymont and News Corp Australia’s Paul Maley take the title.
topics
ABC
Anthony Dowsley
Four Corners
Louise Milligan
Neville Stevens
News Corp Australia
Press Council
Press Freedom Medals
This would be the same Louse Milligan who literally attacks anyone who doesn’t agree with her worldview getting an “award” for free speech. I guess the APC is Orwellian now as well. 2019 is sad 🙁
https://twitter.com/milliganreports/status/1143129776946733056
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One man’s “attack” is another person’s defence of misreporting what someone else wrote.
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