Radio: Current Affairs Reporting Winner

David Hardaker, ABC Radio, “The Israeli Wars”

David Hardaker is the Middle East correspondent for the ABC. He has worked across a number of radio and television programs, including Four Corners, The 7.30 Report, Foreign Correspondent, AM and PM. Prior to joining the ABC he was a producer at the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes.

He is a previous Walkley Award winner and three-time finalist. Hardaker’s radio packages covered the frantic and intense seven-week Israeli wars in 2006.

Leading the ABC’s bulletins for much of that time, he reported the complex story covering all political, diplomatic, military and humanitarian aspects, as well as the personal drama of those touched by the savage conflict. Using sound and the access of radio, Hardaker took listeners into the emotional power of the unfolding events, often reporting under dangerous and arduous conditions.

Judges’ comments
An outstanding example of compelling, authoritative, balanced reporting under gruelling circumstances. Hardaker’s combination of direct and incisive commentary with harrowing actuality brought great clarity and emotional power to a highly complex and fastbreaking story.