Herald Sun Team, Herald Sun, “Let Them Be Kids”

Judges’ Citation:

The strength of entries in this category was extraordinary, and bodes well for the high impact and esteem of Victorian journalism.

The Victorian team behind News Corp's Herald Sun advocacy campaign to establish an under 16 social media ban, directly impacted the Albanese government’s decision to enforce a ban against the powerful social media companies.

This ban sparked a global discourse, including but not limited to the United Nations General Assembly, with other countries looking to adopt a similar approach.

The campaign looked at the issue from many angles, using existing studies, data, experts and case studies, to expose the rise in psychological and social harm on a generation of children.

Ongoing reporting after the ban was cited by the Prime Minister, who described it as "the most powerful use of print media I have seen for a very long time."

Highly Commended

Shannon Deery, Anthony Dowsley, Mark Buttler and Olivia Jenkins, Herald Sun, “Chief Commissioner Crisis”

Adele Ferguson, Chris Gillett and the Four Corners / 7.30 teams, ABC News, “Betrayal of Trust - Australia’s childcare crisis”

Shortlisted

Jacqui Felgate, 3AW, “Melbourne’s Crime Crisis Exposed”