ABC Dominates at Tasmanian Media Awards
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has made a significant impact at this year’s Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) Tasmanian Media Awards, securing 11 out of the 20 categories. This achievement highlights the network’s commitment to high-quality journalism and its ability to deliver compelling stories across various platforms.
One of the standout moments of the night was the recognition of WIN News reporter Brent Costelloe as the journalist of the year. The judges praised his exclusive coverage of the Tasmanian government’s plan to phase out greyhound racing, which was also named the best coverage of a breaking news event. His work was described as a testament to his storytelling abilities, as well as the relationships, hustle, and consistency he brings to his role daily.
Honoring Excellence in Journalism
The Keith Welsh Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism was presented to David Killick, the political editor of The Mercury. This prestigious lifetime achievement award is peer-nominated and has been given annually for over four decades to journalists who have made an outstanding contribution to the field.
The judges highlighted Mr. Killick’s long-standing influence on Tasmania’s media landscape, noting his ability to quickly get to the heart of an issue, ask the right questions, and hold governments accountable without fear or favor.
A Night of Recognition and Tribute
The awards ceremony, held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on Saturday night, also included a tribute to the late political cartoonist Jon Kudelka. A two-time Walkley Award winner, Mr. Kudelka passed away in February after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain cancer in 2024.
ABC’s Success Across Categories
ABC’s success extended beyond individual accolades, with several journalists winning in different categories. Chris Rowbottom was awarded best print news/text story for his coverage of the contentious $1.13 billion AFL stadium project in Hobart. Adam Holmes received the award for best video news story for his reporting on issues within Tasmania’s farmed salmon industry.
Emily Bryan, the ABC Tasmania News Editor, emphasized the importance of these topics for the state, stating that their journalists strive to report on them with depth, nuance, and accuracy every day. She also noted the value of diverse stories from regional communities, where strong local storytelling is highly appreciated.
Adam Holmes was also recognized for excellence in legal reporting, while Chris Rowbottom took home the sports coverage award. Sophie Jaggers was celebrated as the best new journalist for her work throughout the year, including exclusive court coverage.
Other Notable Winners
Kate Nickels won the best TV camera work award for her body of work, while Morgan Timms was honored for best news image for capturing the search for missing Belgian tourist Celine Cremer in thick Tasmanian bushland.
Ms. Timms and Louise Miolin also received the regional and community news award for their feature story on Cape Barren Island’s Aboriginal community marking 20 years since the historic return of their land.
Fiona Blackwood was awarded the health reporting award for her coverage of an artificial eye maker who was ordered to stop working after multiple clients raised complaints about his work. Madeleine Rojahn received the public service journalism award for her reporting on children being kept in adult custodial facilities and the state government’s attempts to block the release of information surrounding it.
Ebony ten Broeke was honored for her body of work in arts and culture reporting.
Recognition Beyond ABC
Other winners from different news organizations included Adam Morton from the Guardian, whose story on the no-confidence vote against Premier Jeremy Rockliff was awarded best comment or analysis. Mr. Morton also took home the science, technology and environment award for his body of work.
Kerrin Thomas from SBS won the feature, documentary or current affairs award for her coverage of the restoration of Wybalenna on Flinders Island. Ebony Abblitt from ARN was awarded the best audio news story for her coverage of the salmon mortality crisis.
Olivia Hicks received the award for best audio feature, documentary and podcast for her coverage of Romany Wake pushing for change following the murder of her mother. Nina Hendy, a business and finance journalist, won the award for freelance journalism.
