Winners: Jason Om, Alex McDonald and Ake Prihantari, 7.30, ABC, “Price of Convenience” and “Hungry Panda food delivery company under fire from workers”.
The judges said: “Price of Convenience exposed the real-world tragedy of the fast-food industry in a society expecting more immediacy in all aspects of life. The investigation brought the lack of legal and other industry protections to light within fast food delivery services. The research and commitment to find and tell the story of heart-wrenching case studies and push for better protection and support for an often underrepresented part of Australian society is second to none.”
Jason Om is an award-winning reporter, writer and presenter with the ABC’s 7.30 program. He’s previously worked for ABC News Breakfast, the ABC News Channel, ABC Life and Lateline. His memoir, All Mixed Up, will be released in April 2022. Jason started his career as a cadet at SBS.
Alex McDonald is a producer with the ABC’s 7.30 program in Sydney. He was a member of the ABC’s National Reporting Team and investigated alleged sexual misconduct at the Australian Defence Force Academy, revealed evidence of allegedly corrupt deals between Nauruan officials and Australian businesses, and worked on a Walkley-nominated investigation into the misuse of funds and defrauding of Indigenous-run organisations. He has worked as a researcher at Four Corners and as a reporter in the ABC’s Sydney newsroom.
Ake Prihantari has been working at ABC Jakarta Bureau for 17 years. She enjoys being a producer and loves being involved in long-form news stories. Through her work with the ABC, she developed a passionate interest in Indonesian law, more so than when she was a law student. Recently she has just found out that climbing stairs and doing long walks are more therapeutic than writing complaint letters to big corporations – and that yoghurt soju is the best cocktail ever invented.
The Media Diversity Australia Award honours journalists who are making an outstanding contribution through their reporting or coverage of diverse people or issues in Australia. This includes culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) and people with disability (PWD).
It celebrates reporting that demonstrates notable courage in raising awareness of CALD and/or PWD experiences and perspectives, as well as innovation in the telling of these stories. It recognises the significance of media coverage in providing nuanced reporting which serves to alter perceptions and attitudes, challenge stereotypes and fight misinformation.