MPC reviews independent panel report; 2020 Sports News Quill returned to The Age’s Sam McClure

Media Release
21 April 2022

The Melbourne Press Club board has resolved to return the 2020 Sports News Quill to The Age’s Sam McClure.

The board commissioned an independent panel to review the awarding of the Quill and met to discuss the panel’s report. The detailed report reflects a thorough review of documents and submissions.

The Board has considered all recommendations and resolved to retract its decision of 9 February 2022, which saw the 2020 Sports News Quill awarded to the Herald Sun’s Michael Warner after Nine Entertainment removed the online version of Sam McClure’s story that originally won the coveted Quill. 

President Nick McKenzie, who has been in contact with concerned parties following the recent board meeting, said:

“The board welcomes scrutiny and accountability and this is why external scrutiny from an expert panel was sought.”

“We welcome the panel’s findings and regret that there were failings in process in our initial handling of this matter.”

“We also regret the impact this matter has had on Sam McClure, a respected journalist and valued MPC member.”

“The board thanks the panel for its report and is grateful that it was carried out pro bono.”

The board will be incorporating updates to ensure future processes are robust and clear.

The full report is available here.

Melbourne Press Club board
April 2022

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