Citi Journalism Awards for Excellence 2009
Monday, May 4 2009 saw the annual dinner for the Citi Journalism Awards for Excellence held at Citigroup Centre. This year there were 77 entries across five categories. There were 29 entries in General Business; 17 in Financial Markets, 13 in the Economy, 12 in Personal Finance, and 6 in Broadcast media. The judges panel made particular note of the exceptional standard of entries in a year when there was no shortage of rich material from which to choose.
The judging was conducted in two stages - first for the category winners and then for the selection of an overall winner.
At both levels the following criteria was used:
- analysis and understanding of the issue
- use of research and/or interviews
- relevance to the audience
- quality of writing or broadcast (including accuracy and balance)
The entire panel of 10 judges, plus the Colombia Graduate School of Journalism, judge each of the final entries on the above criteria to decide the over all winner. One of the key attributes of the Awards is the integrity and independence of the judging panel, which is designed to represent a wide range of Australian and New Zealand business, academic and economic sectors, as well as the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in New York.
General Business:
Citi congratulates Andrew White, Neil Chenoweth, Matthew Drummond and Katrina Nicholas, winners of the General Business category for their series "Who Killed Opes Prime" published in the Australian Financial Review in June 2008.
The judges noted that the journalists left no stone unturned to uncover the gritty connections of Opes Prime. They commended the Australian Financial Review for investing in this story and putting some of its best journalists against it. It's depth and breadth of issues, research and investigation was astonishing.
Financial Markets:
In the Financial Markets category the judges commented that the winning article was a stand out for its insights and bringing to the fore in an understandable way the responsibilities of the ratings agencies throughout the financial crisis./p>
The judges also noted the use of extensive research, ease of writing of a complex topic and a true understanding of the workings of ratings agencies and their impacts on the markets.
Congratulations to Ruth Williams for her series titled "Kings of Conflict" published in The Age in September and November 2008, winner of the Financial Markets Award.
The Economy:
The winner of the Economy Award was Jennifer Hewett, national affairs correspondent for The Australian, for her series covering the meltdown in the US and its affect on every Australian household and business, 'Take stock this is going to hurt' published in September and October 2008.
The judges noted the excellence of this entry for its insight, meaningful commentary on the crisis, pithy use of language and that it was overwhelmingly succinct. The believed the speed with which Jennifer produced such rigorous and punchy coverage was extraordinary.
Broadcast Media
Only its 3rd year, Broadcast Media had six entries. While Broadcast adds a new dimension to the overall judging, the same criteria are applied to this category as are to print.
The judges said the journalist had drawn on his own extensive knowledge to provide a broad listening audience with timely and accurate coverage on the developments of the credit crisis.
The winner of the Broadcast Media Award was Stephen Long for his series of commentary on ABC Lateline in October and December 2008.
Personal Finance
Personal Finance always attracts a diverse range of entries; the category is by its very nature reliant on well-researched and accurate information to provide consumers with the information on how they manage their money.
Congratulations to Paddy Manning, winner of the Personal Finance Award for his feature "High Price for Advice" published in the Weekend AFR in June 2008.
The judges commented that it not only had all the necessary ingredients of research and accuracy but it was most notable for its clarity and conciseness in unearthing a most sensitive issue.
Winner of the US Study Tour
First prize, which is chosen from the five category winners, is a 10-day study tour hosted by the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Many previous winners consider the study tour to be a career enhancing experience, having participated in sessions with leading Columbia University faculty members, engaged in discussions with senior academics and policy-makers, and visited key financial institutions and US Government Departments such as the New York Stock Exchange, the World Bank, the IMF, Bloomberg and the Federal Reserve Bank.
The overall winner of the 2009 Citi Award for Excellence in Journalism and the study tour hosted by the Columbia School of Journalism in New York went to Jennifer Hewett for her series "Take Stock this is Going to Hurt".
The judges felt this entry was simply insightful - almost a crystal ball - succinct and superbly written within moments of the collapse of Leehman Brothers. It captured the fallout with vigour and astonishing insight.
Congratulations Jennifer and to all the journalists who entered.
2009 Journalism Award Winners
Previous Journalism Award Winners