{"id":737,"date":"2024-10-14T11:08:53","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T11:08:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.radioindustrynews.com.au\/?p=737"},"modified":"2024-10-14T11:08:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T11:08:53","slug":"abc-winners-at-2024-rural-press-club-of-victoria-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/radioindustrynews.com.au\/index.php\/2024\/10\/14\/abc-winners-at-2024-rural-press-club-of-victoria-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"ABC winners at 2024 Rural Press Club of Victoria Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"

ABC winners at 2024 Rural Press Club of Victoria Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n

ABC journalists reporting on floods, fires, homelessness and a cold case disappearance were among the winners at the Victorian Rural Press Club\u2019s Rural and Regional Journalism and Photography Awards.<\/p>\n

The ABC had finalists in 15 of the 16 categories and won five awards, with many others commended and highly commended. The wins were for Young Journalist of the Year, Best Feature Story, Best News Audio and Visual and Most Innovative Journalism.<\/p>\n

In a big year for regional news, including floods, fires, the tragic disappearance of Samantha Murphy and the Daylesford pub crash, the ABC\u2019s regional bureaus showcased how valuable it is to connect with communities in their times of need across all platforms to keep audiences informed on the issues that matter while holding those in power to account.<\/p>\n

Natasha Schapova was named the Ray Frawley Young Journalist of the Year, with the judges saying her three outstanding, well-crafted stories showcased her versatility and ability to take local issues to state and national audiences, triggering important reforms.<\/p>\n

Natasha\u2019s piece about an\u00a0unfair land tax applied to a granny flat housing an elderly mother<\/a>, led to the tax bill being cancelled. Her story \u00a0‘Residents Vulnerable 3G Switch-off’,<\/a>\u00a0about concerns the 3G shutdown would cut off remote communities hit by bushfires,\u00a0<\/strong>resulted in Telstra upgrading the local mobile phone tower.<\/p>\n

Mim Hook took home two trophies, for Most Innovative Journalism for\u00a0“Where is Marcia Ryan?”<\/a>\u00a0and Best News Story Audio for \u00a0\u201cFloods and Fires in the same week\u201d<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>The “Where is Marcia Ryan” series \u201cshowcases<\/em>\u00a0how innovative journalistic storytelling can breathe new life into an important local story\u201d, the judges said. ” The series ultimately helped bring new information forward about a cold case disappearance and was responsible for encouraging police to reopen the case.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judges said Mim\u2019s coverage of floods and fires was \u201ca stunning reminder of the role of local broadcasting during emergencies, the value of local knowledge and the trust communities place in the ABC during these moments of crisis and recovery\u201d.<\/p>\n

Best Feature Story went to Josie Taylor, Emma D\u2019Agostino and Danielle Bonica of ABC Central Victoria for\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018A Fine Balance\u2019<\/a>. The\u00a0<\/strong>image-rich piece sheds light on how unaffordable housing is forcing families into a life of fine balance \u2014 juggling the extremes of homelessness and bushfire risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile readers might be moved to tears, the team did not exploit nor sensationalise in their reporting,\u201d the judges said. \u201cIt highlights the importance of contacts, connections with the community, and being given the time to truly dig deep into a story<\/p>\n

Harrison Tippet from ABC News Geelong won Best News Story Visual for\u00a0\u201cHistoric Decision\u201d<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>. \u00a0The report details how Robert Farquharson became the first person in Victoria to have his right to control the graves and memorials of his children removed.<\/p>\n

Judges said \u00a0the story was told with great respect for the young victims, their family and the broader community, saying: \u201cIt was a genuine exclusive, packed with powerful interviews with members of the boys\u2019 family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Full list of ABC winners, commended and highly commended<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Media Outlet of the Year\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n