9News Queensland presenter, Melissa Downes and producer Jess Lodge, added another gong to their collection, for their podcast sensation Hannah’s Story, at the 2024 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs).

The powerhouse team were awarded for their top-tier investigative journalism, taking out Podcast of the Year (National), with Jess Lodge also taking home the title of Best Podcast Producer (National).

Hannah’s Story, presented by 9News Queensland presenter Melissa Downes, produced by 9News Queensland’s Jessica Lodge, and edited by Adam Buncher of 9Podcasts, has become the benchmark for 9News podcasts since its release in 2023.

Hannah’s Story delivered a compelling account of domestic violence, focusing on one of the most horrifying cases in Australia’s history; the horrific murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children by her estranged husband Rowan Baxter. Its powerful storytelling has raised awareness and ignited important conversations about coercive control, extending beyond the ears of listeners, now playing a pivotal role in education initiatives.

The true crime-hit has been recognised previously for its riveting storytelling, winning the Mid-Year Walkley Award for Excellence in Reporting on Violence Against Women, the Kennedy Award for Outstanding Podcast, the Australian Podcast Spotlight Award, as well as the prestigious Gold Award at the New York Festival Radio Awards.

Melissa Downes said: “It is an honour to be recognised at the ACRAs for Hannah’s Story. To have shared the Clarke family’s story and to watch it embraced by listeners, has been a privilege. Adam, Jess and I are thrilled that it has sparked conversations and raised awareness of such an important topic.

“We also couldn’t be more proud of Jess and her very deserved recognition for best podcast producer.”

Jess Lodge said: “It has been incredibly gratifying to see our podcast make an impact. Being able to share Hannah Clarke and her children’s story on a national and international stage has been an absolute privilege, it is a credit to the Clarke family and Small Steps 4 Hannah for helping us share their story.”

Kylie Blucher, Managing Director of Nine Queensland, said: “It is clear that Hannah’s Story has captivated listeners across the country and the recognition that the team behind it has received is so well deserved. We are incredibly proud. What Melissa, Jess and Adam have achieved underlines the 9News commitment to deep exploration of issues such as domestic violence, delivering stories that really matter. It is a testament to their empathy and hard work that Hannah’s Story leaves a lasting impact, making a real difference in people’s lives.”

Melissa and Jess’ award-winning talent is evident in their follow-up podcast, The Ultimate Sacrifice, which details the terrible events that claimed the lives of two brave Queensland police officers, Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, who were murdered in a shocking ambush at Wieambilla, Queensland.