ABC state political reporter Rhiana Whitson has been named Tasmanian Journalist Of The Year for her news-breaking reporting exposing widespread issues in the state’s health system.
The judges of the 2020 Tasmanian Media Awards said Whitson had been “relentless” in her pursuit of stories, which included reporting on safety standards at Ambulance Tasmania, the troubled revamp of Royal Hobart Hospital and blowouts in elective surgery waiting lists for Tasmanian patients.
“Her reporting sought to put a human face to the toll taken by surgical delays, budget cuts and mismanagement,” they said.
“Using her extensive network of contacts, and a dogged approach to newsgathering, she broke a succession of stories that generated national interest, and helped put health firmly at the top of the local political agenda.”
Long-serving ABC cameraman Peter Curtis was recognised with the Keith Welsh Award For Outstanding Contribution To Journalism.
“Peter Curtis has been one of the ABC and Australia’s most outstanding camera operators, working in Tasmania and around the world – Moscow, the Middle East, Washington included – for the past four decades,” the judges said.
“What makes Peter such a deserving Keith Welsh winner has been his collegiality with all colleagues, assisting journalists and camera operators to improve their craft and careers.”
The ABC’s Mitchell Woolnough won the Best Image category for his overall portfolio of work, with the judges saying: “The quality and techniques demonstrated throughout Mitchell’s work, displays an enormity of creativity in the execution – often during enduring circumstances. The imagery is well captured and the storytelling powerfully illustrated throughout. A worthy winner.”
ABC Hobart’s Alexandra Humphries took out the Science, Technology & Environment category, with the judges unanimous in naming her the winner from a strong field.
“She applied her investigative skills and contacts to obtain much-needed clarification to an FOI document about the Expert Salmon Panel,” they said.
“The inclusion of the voices of experts/scientists in the story was also excellent, and something often missing from news stories about scientific issues. The reporter also raised pertinent issues surrounding the FOI process, pointing to transparency questions which have dogged the government.”
Full list of ABC 2020 Tasmanian Media Awards Winners and Finalists
2020 Journalist of the Year
WINNER Rhiana Whitson: “Tasmania’s health crisis”
Keith Welsh Award For Outstanding Contribution To Journalism:
WINNER Peter Curtis
Best News Image
WINNER Mitchell Woolnough: “Portfolio of Work”
Comment & Analysis
Alexandra Humphries: “Independent Madeleine Ogilvie’s entry to Tasmania’s Parliament has undoubtedly shaken up its dynamic”, “Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White loses key ally as Scott Bacon departs”, “Will Hodgman’s rocky relationship with Sue Hickey threatens Liberals’ majority”
Arts Reporting
Rick Eaves: “Composer’s ‘deep listening’ to Australia’s wildest coast”, “Artist Jane Giblin and poet Pete Hay celebrating birding heritage”
Felicity Ogilvie: “Fire Recovery”
Science, Technology & Environment
WINNER Alexandra Humphries: “Salmon industry panel ‘inherently compromised’, experts told minister in leaked resignation letter”, “Long Bay Algae“, “Experts quit salmon farm approval panel after raising concerns, but reasons remain hidden”
Felicity Ogilvie: “Climate Change threatening Huon Pine trees”, “Scientists turn to crowdfunding due to lengthy grant process”, “There is an app for that, but mobile phone blackspots are holding Australian farmers back”
Public Service Journalism
Emily Baker: “Family violence within Tasmania Police”
Feature, Documentary or Current Affairs
Henry Zwartz: “‘I understand their story’: Priest reveals own abuse at hands of Catholic church”
Best News Story
Henry Zwartz: “Sins of the Father: Sex abuse haunts Tasmanian community”
Best New Journalist
Erin Cooper: “Legacy a ‘torch of hope’ for war veterans’ families”, “Launceston Golf Club’s native animal cull under fire from wildlife carers, locals”, “How much has Tasmania’s climate changed in the 100 years to now?”, “Older Australians ‘dying’ waiting for home-care packages, advocates say”
