Winner: 774 ABC Melbourne Mornings Team, 774 ABC Radio Melbourne, “Squatters move in after Senate candidate posts Melbourne address online”

Judges’ Citation:

The judges thought 774 ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings’s segment was compelling, emotional and potentially infuriating for a radio listener. It also generated deep impact during a highly charged federal election period, eliciting comment from the Prime Minister himself. The combination of pre-recorded field audio, combined with live interviewing and listener reaction was a key standout for the judging panel in a diverse and high-quality field. The story’s impact went beyond the confines of a radio current affairs show, having impact across other media outlets. The segment met all elements of the criteria – it was original, achieved national public impact and kept the listener on the hook while challenging the public’s views. The degree of difficulty in convincing the senate candidate to participate in an exclusive interview also stood out.

Highly Commended

Josie Taylor and Eden Hynninen, ‘AM’ and ABC News, “Interview with accused child care worker, AM”

Shortlisted

Shane McInnes, 3AW, “Northland Machete Attack”

Jacqui Felgate, 3AW, “Parliament Pothole Denial”