SA Media Awards 2020: winners

Ben Avery from Nine News has been named Journalist of the Year in the South Australian Media Awards. He previously won the title in 2016.

Avery, who was named as European correspondent in March, was also named Best TV Broadcaster.

The judges said, “Hardworking … versatile … and humble … just some ways to describe the 2020 South Australian Journalist of the Year. This journalist has the ability to produce high quality coverage of major breaking news events, in physically trying conditions. They have the skill to follow a story patiently, working and researching to shed light on some of the darker South Australian mysteries. This journalist also has the natural ease to talk with people from all walks of life and show us their highs and lows. From live coverage of the Adelaide Hills bushfire disaster… to a revealing cold case murder investigation… to the redemption of the Australian Cricket Team, this journalist is solidifyng a reputation of being determined, compassionate and engaging. Recently given the well-deserved role as a foreign correspondent with Nine News, he’s already been seen running determinedly through the streets of London.”

Retired 5AD presenter Rex Leverington was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

TV and related winners:

Best Rural/Regional Journalist
Bec Whetham, 7pm news, ABC SA, News Breakfast and ABC Online, “Country convert”
Judges Comment: The judges agreed Bec Whetham was the unanimous winner in this category despite a strong list of entries. Her use of innovative techniques, such as drone footage, compelling subject matter, an engaging camera presence and a disarming sense of humour, helped give her the edge. Her love for rural journalism and the unique characters from South Australia’s country regions shone through, along with a keen instinct for constructing engaging stories under strict deadline pressures.

Sports Journalism
Isadora Bogle, 7pm news, ABC SA and ABC News Online, “Sport in the South East”
Judges Comment: Wonderful writing, research and production, especially noteworthy given the lesser resources available to a solo reporter outside the metropolitan area. Shows real flair and a sense of community, resulting in engaging content of local, state, and national relevance. Strong presentation and delivery, with a gift for extracting the best from the talent.

Best Investigative Journalism
Casey Briggs and Rebecca Puddy, ABC News, “Combustible cladding fears over major Adelaide buildings”
Judges Comment: The judges were impressed by Casey Briggs’ series of stories tackling the major public safety issue of combustible cladding on some of Adelaide’s most visited and iconic buildings. Months of investigation, including Freedom of Information requests, resulted in engaging, informative and impactful TV news packages that led to the state government having to address a lack of transparency in relation to concerns about the safety of buildings thousands of South Australians use every week.

Best TV/Video News Report
Mark Mooney, 7 News, “Cancer Bungle”
Judges Comment: Mark’s piece is a heart-wrenching expose, which shines a light on holes in the health system. It is to be applauded that Mark’s enquiries prompted action from the government and that Mark continued to follow Mr Burg’s plight as the situation progressed. Mark’s piece allows us to experience the subtle stoicism of Mr Burg who seems to have a dying wish to take care of his family. It also provides an insight into the devastation felt by his wife, Lynda.

Best TV Current Affairs or Feature
Angelique Donnellan,30, ABC, “Deadly DIY”
Judges Comment: It should not be underestimated the amount of background work Angelique has put into bringing this story to light. Clearly Angelique has recognised the importance of Mathew Werfel’s plight to Mathew, to his family and to the broader community. Mathew Werfel could be anyone of us. Angelique broke the story by realising the importance of Mr Werfels’ situation by trawling through court lists. Angelique then had the sensitivity required to convince Mr Werfel his story should be told, and the integrity to do the story justice. Mr Werfel and his family made a wise choice in trusting Angelique to tell his story.

TV/Video Camerawork
Tony Salvatore, Today Tonight, “Body of Work”
Judges Comment: Breathtaking. If, under normal circumstances a picture tells a thousand words. Tony’s work tells a million.

The Max Fatchen Award for Best Young Journalist
Joshua Boscaini, ABC News – online and television, “China’s reach in South Australia”
Judges Comment: The Max Fatchen Award for the best young journalist is perhaps the most exciting category in the awards, since it shines with vigour and enthusiasm of youth and the promise of our media’s tomorrows. Once again it attracted a wealth of exciting entries confronting the judges with hours of intense deliberation. The standard was wonderful but one young journalist stood out with a demonstration of initiative, courage and tenacity which belied HIS years. He unravelled and doggedly pursued a delicate story which has long needed to be told. We know this young journalist will go far. Congratulations Joshua Boscaini.

Best TV Broadcaster (Presenter, Reporter and/or Camera)
Ben Avery, Nine News, “Body of Work”
Judges Comment: As always a strong field contested the Best Broadcaster category in this year’s awards. The judging panel took the view that the winner was represented by more than one excellent story. Rather he exhibited the ability to adapt to a range of broadcasting styles and formats, all with maturity, authority and compassion.