Four Judith Neilson Institute grant recipients have been recognised for their outstanding journalism, at the Walkley Awards and the Australia Podcast Awards.
Nina Funnell received the Walkley Award for Public Service Journalism for her #LetHerSpeak/#LetUsSpeak campaigns, which are challenging gag laws restricting sexual assault survivors from speaking out. Just last week, Victoria scrapped its sexual assault gag laws, following Funnell’s campaign.
Funnell’s reporting has been supported by two JNI grants, including funding as part of the Institute’s response to COVID-19.
Stoked!
Shout out to all the survivors who have spoken out via #LetHerSpeak & #LetUsSpeak .
Thanks @JN_Institute & @walkleys for supporting this work via 2 Freelance grants, + Kerry & Lori from @newscomauHQ + campaign partners: @marquelawyers @EROCAustralia @RapeReform 🙂 https://t.co/M8h5Bss4Gh
— Nina Funnell (@ninafunnell) November 20, 2020
Important regional journalism
Newcastle Herald journalists Matthew Kelly, Helen Gregory, Anita Beaumont and Donna Page took out the Walkley Award for Coverage of Community of Regional Affairs for their work on the ‘Your Right to Know’ investigative series.
Herald editor Heath Harrison said: “We already knew Donna, Anita, Helen and Matthew were top operators, but it’s great for them to have this recognition and for the Herald again to again be acknowledged for the quality of its journalism,” he said.
“It’s worth remembering that the ‘Your Right to Know’ series was made possible by (former Herald journalist) Joanne McCarthy, whose win at the Kennedy Awards in 2019 included a grant from the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas.
Podcast wins
Schwartz Media’s 7am won Best New Podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards. The Institute provided funding to help 7am to hire producer Ella Marsh.
The judges said the podcast presented “beautifully told stories constructed with a highly demanding timeline.”
“Their success is undeniable, leading the daily podcast space and sharing Australian stories that matter,” they said.
7am also received a Bronze Award in the Best Current Affairs Podcast category, which was won by the ABC’s Background Briefing.
Squiz Kids won Best Family Podcast for its work breaking down important news for young listeners.
The award’s judges said: “The podcast never forgets children are its core audience, but ensures the show is just as engaging for parents and educators, helping to communicate important issues that parents might struggle to talk to their children about.”
Squiz Kids host Bryce Corbett said he was “humbled, delighted” about the win.
Humbled, delighted, doin’ it for the kids #squizkids #podcast #medialiteracymatters https://t.co/GggM3hbzHc
— Bryce Corbett (@brycecorbett) November 21, 2020
Squiz Kids also received a Bronze Award in the Moment of the Year category for its exclusive Q+A with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.