The Sydney Morning Herald journalists had a successful night at the 69th Walkley Awards, winning 10 awards across various categories. Investigative reporter Carrie Fellner was a standout performer, winning two Walkleys for her coverage of the environmental and health crisis caused by PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”. Fellner, alongside her colleagues Matt Davidson, Matthew Absalom-Wong, and Michael Evans, won the print/text news report category for their investigation titled “The factory that contaminated the world”. Fellner also won the documentary category for the iKandy Films and Stan film How To Poison A Planet, which shed light on the impacts of PFAS.
Arts writer Linda Morris and investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw were recognized in the specialist/beat reporting category for their work unveiling mining billionaire Gina Rinehart’s campaign to remove a portrait of herself from the National Gallery of Australia. Investigative reporter Nick McKenzie and the team behind the Building Bad investigation into the CFMEU were awarded two Walkleys – the prestigious Gold Walkley and best long-form current affairs story on television. McKenzie, senior writer Michael Bachelard, and 60 Minutes producer Amelia Ballinger also won scoop of the year and current affairs short (under 20 minutes) for exposing messages from then-Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo, leading to his dismissal.
In addition to the individual awards, The Sydney Morning Herald and its sister publication The Age received a total of 20 nominations across 16 categories, making them the most nominated news organization in Australia. The Walkley Awards ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, was attended by journalists and industry professionals from across the country. The recognition of the Herald’s investigative reporting and in-depth coverage highlights the importance of quality journalism in bringing important issues to light and holding powerful individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.
The success of The Sydney Morning Herald journalists at the Walkley Awards reflects the commitment to excellence and dedication to uncovering the truth that defines the publication. The awards won by Carrie Fellner, Linda Morris, Eryk Bagshaw, Nick McKenzie, and the broader team demonstrate the range of topics covered by the Herald, from environmental and health crises to political scandals and corporate power plays. The recognition of their work by their peers in the industry underscores the impact of investigative journalism in informing the public and driving positive change in society.
The Walkleys are considered Australian journalism’s night of nights, where the best and brightest in the industry are honored for their contributions. The awards celebrate excellence in news reporting, features, and multimedia storytelling across a range of platforms, from print to television to online. The recognition received by The Sydney Morning Herald journalists at the Walkleys is a testament to their dedication to quality journalism and their ability to tackle complex and important issues with skill and integrity.
In conclusion, The Sydney Morning Herald journalists had a standout night at the 69th Walkley Awards, winning 10 awards for their investigative reporting, feature writing, and multimedia storytelling. The success of Carrie Fellner, Linda Morris, Eryk Bagshaw, Nick McKenzie, and the broader team at the Herald and The Age highlights the importance of quality journalism in uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable. The awards ceremony, held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, was a showcase of the best journalism in Australia and a celebration of the hard work and dedication of journalists across the country.
