University of Melbourne student Brendan Kearns has won the 2024 Victorian Student Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Coles Group, with “Energy drink companies using unis to get students ‘hooked’”.
Judges' citation
A well-researched and written piece looking at the large-scale marketing tactics of energy drink companies like Red Bull targeting university campuses around the country. Brendan’s initiative has exposed what’s been hidden in plain sight: the long-established sponsorship agreements, promotions and marketing deals with student unions who are happy to accept sugary caffeine drink giveaways on campus, despite the obvious conflict with public health advice – and all under the noses of the institutions themselves.
Highly Commended
Shortlisted
- Chancy Quan, The Westsider, “Sunshine Station to receive $63.5 million boost but local concerns remain
The 2024 prize, provided by Coles Group, was $1,000 and flights, accommodation, and a ticket to the 2025 IRE Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Student Journalist of the Year Honour Roll