Media industry identities commended in Australia Day honours
Media identities Peter Hitchener, Andrew O’Keefe, David Brill and John Edwards are just some of the recipients of this year’s Australia Day awards, which acknowledge Australians who have contributed “beneficial” actions or deeds to communities and the nation.
Best known for the host of game show Deal or No Deal, O’Keefe is also the co-host of Weekend Sunrise and in 2015 he was announced as the host of The Chase Australia.
Hitchener is the chief news presenter of Nine News Melbourne on weeknights, while Tasmanian cinematographer Brill has covered conflicts and natural disasters mainly working at the ABC, SBS and for 60 Minutes and Four Corners.
Renowned television producer John Edwards has worked on shows including Party Tricks, Puberty Blues, Offspring and Rush, winning awards for his productions at the Logie Awards, AACTA Awards, People’s Choice Awards and the Australian Film Institute Awards.
Hitchener: recognised for his service to broadcast media as a journalist and television presenter, and to the community
Other media industry Award recipients include:
- David Brill – Service to the broadcast media as cinematographer and journalist
- Robert John Edwards (known as John Edwards) – Service to the broadcast media industry as a television producer and as a role-model and mentor
- Christopher Roy McPherson – Service to the print media industry in rural and regional areas, to men’s health and to the community
- Andrew O’Keefe – Service to broadcast media as a television presenter, and to social welfare and charitable organisations
- William Bunbury – Service to broadcast media and to the indigenous community
- Graham Normal Grieve – Service to print media as a journalist in rural areas
- Peter Hitchener – Service to broadcast media as a journalist and television presenter, and to the community
- Alexander Hehr – broadcast media, particularly through community radio
- Geoffrey Healy – Service to broadcast media through technical and engineering roles
- Robert Mellet – Service to broadcast media and to the community of Renmark
- Shirley Stott Despoja – Service to print media as a journalist
Abigail Dawson was Mumbrella's senior content journalist covering event content. She left Mumbrella to move into an agency role in 2020.
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STOP FUCKING GIVING AWARDS TO PEOPLE WHO PRESENT ON TV!!! They are just doing their job and get enough recognition for what they do without this extra gong appealing to their ego.
Take this one…
“Andrew O’Keefe – Service to broadcast media as a television presenter, and to social welfare and charitable organisations”
Andrew is a fantastic guy and presenter (i kind of know him personally) – but you’re claiming he’s partly received the award for his service to broadcast media as a television presenter?? WHAT THE FUCK – he gets an AO for hosting Deal or no Deal????
if his charity work is good enough to get an AO then he should get it for that – and get it DESPITE, not BECAUSE he is a television presenter.
Arrrrrrggggggghhhhh.
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Australia Day Awards for doing the job you’re paid to do??? These awards are becoming (have become?) a joke.
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Just one woman? Really?
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No it’s for duties above and beyond. You will find they have all done years of community work outside of job description.
Also Robert Edwards would be renowned producer John Edwards.
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Thank you for this, I have clarified this and made an amendment, he is in fact known as John Edwards. Abigail – Mumbrella
And this is why noone is interested in these awards anymore. Andrew O’Keefe?! Ffs they HAVE to be kidding.
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So does every scout leader, soccer coach, tuck shop volunteer, surf life saver, volunteer firefighter, St John ambulance volunteer etc etc etc.
Also note the wording – their awards all start with “services to media” followed by “waffle about something to justify this”
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Have thought exactly that for years ! The guy who delivers my post has been doing an excellent job for years so I should nominate him !!! How about we reward known and unknown Aussies who do considerable amounts of work for others for free. They are our true heroes and examples !
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Damn No Tim Bailey…. or Grant Denyer
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O’Keefe has been an Ambassador for White Ribbon Project for years, amongst others. Scout leaders, surf lifesavers and firefighters all equally recognised by these awards annually. Go to their website for full lists or better yet nominate someone yourself? Quicker to complain here I guess.
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