Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards
When do entries open and close?
- Entries open on Monday, March 7, 2022.
- Entries close at midnight on April 26, 2022.
- Finalists are announced on Thursday, May 26.
Where can I get an entry form?
There are no hard copy entry forms. Entries must be completed online. NOTE: it is the responsibility of the entrant that any links provided to online works or broadcasts be available for at least six months after entries close.
What are the conditions of entry?
All work must have been published or broadcast through Australian media outlets between April 27, 2021 – April 26, 2022.
What is the age limit for entry?
Entrants must be aged 28 or under. This applies to all categories.
Are students eligible to enter?
Yes, final-year university students can enter all categories, including the Student Journalist of the Year Award. Entries will be accepted from student publications, broadcast and online media but must be signed off by the university’s head of department. Students are allowed to enter the Student Journalist of the Year Award category for free.
Can you explain the different categories?
Please refer to categories explained.
I want to enter three stories in one entry – do the stories need to be related?
Please refer to the categories explained document as this differs for each category.
What does it cost to enter the awards?
It costs non-members $50 inc. GST to enter one award. Through its support of the Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards, MEAA covers the entry costs for financial members as a benefit of membership. Students are allowed to enter the Student Award category for free but they must show proof of enrollment.
Can you enter the overall Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year category?
No. The overall winner is decided from the category winners. If you are the winner of another category you automatically go in the running to be named the Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the year.
Do I have to include a 400-word entry statement?
Yes, your entry statement is to assist the judging process and should outline the case for consideration for an award. You may address the judging criteria and explain the circumstances in which the entry was produced. Please note: you only submit one entry statement per entry.
Please note if you become a finalist your entry statement may be published on the Walkley website so please keep this in mind when writing your submission.
Do I need to have the entry form authorised?
Yes, it is compulsory that your employer, employer representative or university department head validates the work.
How many entries can I submit to the Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards?
Each entrant may enter only once in each category. The exception is with joint or group entries. In this instance, you may submit up to two entries per category. That is one single entry and one joint or group entry, or two joint or group entries.
Are group entries permissible?
Joint or group entries are accepted for up to five members where all are under 28 years of age.
What are the judging criteria?
Overall Criteria: The Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year aims to encourage and recognise the rising stars of Australian journalism. Winners will be selected on the basis of journalistic excellence in the fundamental tenets of the craft as well as the ability to present distinctive and original journalism that pushes the boundaries of the profession.
Judges will be looking for the individual they think has made the most impact, but in general, criteria will include:
- How the story was initiated and followed (with particular credit given for instigating or finding a story)
- Newsworthiness, including exclusivity
- Creativity and innovation
- Research and investigation
- Balance, accuracy and ethics
- Consideration of production pressures or deadlines and time constraints
- Consideration of the resources available
- Demonstration of the best use of the format/s in which the work was published or broadcast, including clever choices in storytelling through multimedia
- Excellence in written or verbal communication and/or technical and production skill
- Public impact or benefit, including audience engagement and serving specific communities
How are entries judged?
Each category will be judged by a three-person jury who will determine three finalists and then the winner. The Walkley Young Australian Journalist of the Year Award will be judged by members of the Walkley Judging Board from each of the category winners.
How are finalists notified?
Finalists will be contacted directly and announced online on Thursday, May 26, 2022
When will winners be announced?
The Walkley Young Australian Journalist Award winners will be announced at the Mid Year Celebration of Journalism on June 15, 2022 in Sydney.
How to enter?
Complete the entry form online and follow the prompts.
If you have any further questions, please contact either:
- Kym Middleton, kym.middleton@walkleys.com or +61 401 512 583
- Barbara Blackman: barbara.blackman@walkleys.com