Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has tonight congratulated all 14 winners from the 18th annual Sport Australia Media Awards.
From passionate career veterans to promising news breakers the accolades help recognise the hard work across a fiercely competitive industry.
“These awards celebrate and showcase sports journalism, across all media platforms and a wide range of issues,” Minister Colbeck said.
“As Australia’s best sport storytellers, you illustrate the grace, sportsmanship, emotion and flair of our sporting elite and the impact they have on fans and communities.”
Minister Colbeck said a Lifetime Achievement Award for ABC broadcaster Karen Tighe was fitting acknowledgement for a highly-regarded industry professional who had for years shone a light on the achievements of so many others.
Ms Tighe was recognised for her role as anchor since 1989 for sports including golf and tennis and her continued work for ABC Grandstand.
“Of all Ms Tighe’s credits as a sports broadcaster, it is perhaps, her coverage of six Paralympic Games that shines brightest of all,” Minister Colbeck said.
“She stands as an example to any young media professional eager to make their mark.”
Minister Colbeck also extended his congratulations to the journalists and producers across all other categories who helped inspire Australia’s sporting passions and ensured important issues were given a platform.
“You have elevated issues of national public interest and given visibility to intimate local stories, inspiring Australians young and old in the process,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Sport is important to the social fabric of any community, a common language that draws us together, and as a Government we are determined to use the positive influence of sports and physical activity to make a difference to the lives of all Australians.”
Minister Colbeck said the Morrison Government continues to implement Sport 2030 – Australia’s first national sports plan – aimed at making a difference in schools and to support our elite athletes before, during and after their careers.
“I thank all of you for entering this year’s Sport Australia Media Awards and for your continued passion for Australian sport,” he said.
The full list of Sport Australia Media Award winners can be found on the Sport Australia website.
Lifetime achievement award for sports journalism
Karen Tighe
Best reporting of an issue in sport
Shark Island Productions, ‘The Final Quarter’
Highly Commended
Jamie Pandaram, ‘Israel’s holy war’, News Corp Australia
Best sport coverage by an individual – broadcast
Gerard Whateley, SEN Radio and Fox Footy
Best sport coverage by an individual – written
Konrad Marshall, Good Weekend
Best sport coverage by an individual – digital
Mary Konstantopoulos, Ladies Who League
Best coverage of a sporting event
The Age & The Sydney Morning Herald, ‘The Ashes’
Best sport profile – broadcast
Josh Cable, Marcus Cobbledick, ‘Collingwood: From the Inside Out’, Good Thing Productions
Best sport profile – written
Samantha Lane, ‘Adam Goodes’, The Sydney Morning Herald & The Age
Best coverage of sport for people with disability
ABC, ‘Invictus Games 2018’
Highly Commended
Catherine Marciniak, ‘Leagueability’, ABC
Best regional, rural and suburban sport coverage
Stuart Walmsley, RUGBY.com.au
Best depiction of inclusive sport
Media Stockade, ‘Power Meri’
Best contribution to sport via digital media
The Herald Sun, ‘Sacked’
Best analysis of sport business
Tracey Holmes, The Ticket, ABC
Best sports photography
Michael Willson, ‘The Kick’, AFL Photos
