The Walkley Foundataion an Alliance Initiative

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) student Nic Christensen is the winner of this year’s Media Super Student Journalist of the Year Award.

Nic’s story on “The Chinese Businessman Bankrolling Australian Politics” stood out not only for the months of research he put into it, but also because it became a national story that made it to the pages The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

To uncover the story Nic spent four months investigating Australia’s foreign-based political donation system and key donor, Dr Chau Chak Wing. The judges said the piece was “A considered and impressive effort.”

“Nic Christensen’s piece was selected as it demonstrated the combination of a good instinct for a story, a commitment to extensive research to execute it and the ability to write news with flair.”

The winner was announced alongside the finalists for the 54th Walkley Awards at simultaneous events in Sydney and Melbourne on October 14. As part of his prize Nic will attend the Walkley Awards as a guest of MediaSuper in Sydney on November 26, where he will be formally congratulated.

Open to all tertiary students studying journalism, communications and media-related degrees who have not previously worked full-time in the media, the Media Super Student Journalist of the Year Award recognises student journalism across print, radio, television and online.

All students were encouraged to enter an example of their best work, and the resulting strong field of almost 100 entries was judged by a panel of journalists. They were: Don Lange, NSW news editor for ABC; mX editor Melissa Stevens; and Yaara Bou Melhem, videojournalist for SBS Television and the Walkleys’ 2009 Young Australian Television Journalist of the Year.

Congratulations Nic Christensen, University of Technology Sydney, for: "The Chinese Businessman Bankrolling Australian Politics"

See how the media picked up Nic's story:

• “Chinese billionaire funding our MPs”, Sydney Morning Herald, July 4 2009
• “Behind the mysterious Dr Chau”, Sydney Morning Herald, July 4 2009
• “Chinese money trail unravels”, Sydney Morning Herald, July 4 2009
• “Man of property donates millions”, The Age, July 4 2009
• “Cool, calm and connected”, The Age, July 4 2009

FINALISTS

Michelle Wilding, University of Western Sydney: “Parents Liable for Drop in Childcare Escape”.

The judges said Michelle’s television report showed how following leads and solid research can reveal broader social issues.

“The admission she obtained from the childcare company is astonishing and a testament to Michelle’s journalistic skill. Within the short piece she was also able to touch on the broader issues of childcare operator versus parental liability when guardians are on site and so is certainly in the public benefit.”

Parents liable for drop in childcare escape from Media Alliance on Vimeo.

Gabrielle Young, Curtin University: “Mandatory Sentencing”.

The judges described Gabrielle’s print piece as a great example of a reporter forcing a senior politician to significantly change position by persistence and solid interviewing.

“The accusation from a state government official that a police union was judge bashing was a significant concession. It highlighted the debate over mandatory sentencing and generated public discussion.”  

Many thanks to award sponsor Media Super for their continued generosity in sponsoring this award.