Written by Iris Guo

The Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism are presented annually in Australia to acknowledge and reward the best of the best – recognising courageous acts of journalism as well as innovation, originality in storytelling, and distinctive reporting. 

In its 69th year, the Awards program has grown, expanding to encompass the changing nature of the media industry.  An Explanatory Journalism category was added in 2023 (see example Explainers). This year, there were more than 1100 entries over the 30 categories. IMPACT sends a huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners. 

Investigative journalists, Nick McKenzie, David Marin-Guzman and Ben Schneiders, along with The Australian Financial Review and 60 Minutes won the highest honour, the 2024 Gold Walkley for their exposé on the widespread allegations of corruption and intimidation within the union, leading to the sacking of several high-profile union leaders.  

They were selected unanimously by the Walkley Judging Board, as the story of the year.  

Also honoured on the night was The Australian columnist Robert Gottliebsen for his more than 50-year long career covering the business world. Beginning his career at the Financial Review in 1974, he was one of the first prominent commentators on television and has mentored generations of business journalists. 

However, the Awards have not been without controversy. Last year, Channel Seven’s infamous Spotlight interview with Bruce Lehrmann was nominated for a Walkley. The nomination was revoked in December after it emerged that Seven paid Lehrmann’s rent for a year ($100,000) to secure the interview, on top of expenses for dining, entertainment and golf trips. In April 2024, the Federal Court found, on the balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019.

This year, the Walkey Foundation introduced new rules to scrutinise entries where journalists declare that a benefit has been given in the preparation of stories and interviews. 

Entrants must detail all payments, inducements, or benefits over a total value of $200, including value-in-kind benefits following the publication of the relevant story or series of stories. 

The chair of the Walkley Judging Board, Sally Neighbour, said: “The Walkleys do not condone or reward chequebook journalism. Our rules have been strengthened this year to make this unequivocal.”  

To see the full list of winners click here: https://www.walkleys.com/69th-walkley-awards-winners/