Year

2018

Category

Television/Video: Current Affairs Short

Shining a disturbing light on Don Burke, one of the most powerful and popular men in Australian entertainment, had to be backed up with rock solid evidence. In these riveting ABC television reports, there was no testimony stronger than that of women recounting their own experiences. It was no mean feat to gain their trust and persuade them to go on camera. For many survivors who had suffered bullying or harassment, these stories offered hope that their voices would now be heard and would force cultural change within the entertainment industry.

Kate McClymont is an investigative journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald. With wins in two categories this year she becomes the winner of seven Walkleys, including the Gold Walkley.

Lorna Knowles is a senior investigative reporter for the ABC. She began her 25-year career at News Ltd and Channel Seven before joining the ABC in 2006, where she has worked on programs including Media Watch7.30 and Four Corners.

Tracey Spicer AM is a broadcaster, journalist and author of the bestselling memoir The Good Girl Stripped Bare about the challenges for women in the media and entertainment sector.

Alison Branley is a member of the ABC’s Specialist Reporting Team, researching, producing and reporting for various platforms. She has also worked for News Ltd and Fairfax Media.

Judges’ comments:

“In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein claims, a brilliantly executed piece of investigative journalism on a man who once stood as one of the most popular and powerful men on Australian television. A standout amongst the entries, this was jaw-dropping television, forensically detailing abusive behaviour.”