*Pic: Best Feature, Documentary or Current Affairs went to Heather Kirkpatrick of Waratah Films (Right, above) for Mary Meets Mohammed which documented the relationship between an asylum seeker in Pontville and a member of the Tasmanian community. “In many ways she succeeded where much of the media had failed in putting a human face on the ongoing national political issue of asylum seekers. It was a particularly Tasmanian angle on an ongoing national story,” the judges said.
Matthew Denholm has been named Tasmanian Journalist of the Year at the 2014 Tasmanian Media Awards announced in Hobart earlier this year. Denholm was recognised for his body of work for The Australian and The Weekend Australian.
The Tasmanian Media Awards, supported by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) promote, recognise and celebrate the courage and excellence of Tasmanian journalism. The awards were announced at a cocktail event at the Founders Room, Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart.
Denholm edged out two finalists to take the prestigious award: Rosemary Bolger of The Examiner and Zoe Edwards of ABC News. The judges said of Denholm’s work: “Matt has consistently demonstrated his investigative skill and initiative. Matt’s entry featured examples of work that broke new ground on complex issues that have significant public impact.
“His extensive research, use of Freedom of Information and development of sources is to be commended. They are tools available to every working journalist which broaden public debate and information beyond the often highly controlled news cycle. Matt applies these tools rigorously often placing him way ahead of the pack.”
Among other winners announced tonight were Calla Wahlquist of The Examiner who took out Best News Story for covering Senator Helen Polley’s key role chairing a committee investigating bullying. The judges said of Wahlquist’s story: “Her greatest challenge was getting the story into print which she achieved. Her report started a discussion about the mental health effects of workplace bullying and drew attention to the Labor Party’s own practices, despite the party’s public rhetoric about support for workers.” Wahlquist also won the award for Comment and Analysis.
The Best New Journalist award went to Jodie Stephens of The Examiner/Fairfax Media for her body of work. The judges said Stephens’ entry “covering the sensitive issues of cancer treatment, sterilization and custody fears of disabled parents and adoption… was the best example of developing, researching and approaching difficult stories in a fair balanced and well-presented way.”
Best Feature, Documentary or Current Affairs went to Heather Kirkpatrick of Waratah Films for Mary Meets Mohammed which documented the relationship between an asylum seeker in Pontville and a member of the Tasmanian community. “In many ways she succeeded where much of the media had failed in putting a human face on the ongoing national political issue of asylum seekers. It was a particularly Tasmanian angle on an ongoing national story,” the judges said.
MEAA extends its warmest congratulations to all the finalists and winners in this year’s awards.
• The 2014 Winners and Finalists, here
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