Ex-CLC staffer wins Walkley award Among the winners at the annual newspaper awards ceremony was the founder of the Communications Law Centre’s Melbourne office, Paul Chadwick
t the 42nd Walkley Awards onThe Age, Paul established guide code and in so doing, stimulating in Melbourne on December lines for his colleagues to assist them debate on ethics. 3, Paul Chadwick received to use the new legislation to their best Paul has also supported Interna the 1997 honour for the “Most Out advantage. He published a book in tional Federation of Journalists’ standing Contribution to Journalism”. 1985: F ol- How to use the freedom o f projects to improve journalism train Paul established the Melbourne information laws. ing and media freedom in the Asia- office of the Communications Law His return to The Sun in 1986 and Pacific region. Centre in 1990, where he worked the subsequent takeover of the Her Arguably, Paul has taken it upon until earlier this year. ald and Weekly Times by Rupert himself to empower members of the The award is recognition of his Murdoch, prompted Paul to convene profession with the skills, knowledge extraordinary contribution to jour the Free the Media coalition in an and ethical standards that go a long nalism. effort to resist further concentration way towards ensuring that the foun The following citation was read of media ownership. dations of his chosen profession are at the presentation: To underscore the implications maintained. It is an appropriate time The “Most Outstanding Contri of restricted media ownership, Paul to recognise and reward Paul’s out bution to Journalism” award is given published Media Mates in 1989. standing contribution.” to an individual in recognition of the The following year he was a mem In accepting the award, Paul re benefits he or she has brought to the ber of the Victorian Government’s sponded: industry. Paul Chadwick’s contribu Matthews Committee inquiry into “It is a fine thing to be hon tion to the profession has been so newspaper ownership. oured by peers and I thank you wide-ranging and profound, that what As the founder of the Victorian for it. I thank my wife, Carol Stuart, he lacks in years has been more than Communications Law Centre, Paul and my sons Vincent and Jack, for made up for in commitment and lead added another dimension to an ever- their support. I also thank those ership. changing profession. The non-profit who worked before me on the Paul’s introduction to journalism, research and teaching organisation, issues I have pursued, my con as a cadet on the Sun News Pictorial also established in Sydney, is affili temporaries who worked with me in 1977, marked the start of a unique ated with universities in both cities. and those who will pursue these career. Between 1990 and 1997, Paul issues after me. Bylines, recognition and acclaim worked for the reform of law on My efforts of the past 20 years from peers, editors and readers official secrecy, media ownership, can be summarised in four propo proved to be less of a motivating copyright, protection of journalists’ sitions: factor in his career than his determi sources, defamation and protection • People need timely, diverse in nation to pursue goals of benefit to of whistleblowers. formation if they are to govern the industry and, in turn, the role the He also taught media law and themselves. media plays in our society. ethics in various tertiary institutions, • To ensure timely information, Paul’s practical experience as a media industry courses and Media journalists and the law will need journalist on The Sun, The Age and Alliance professional-development to take greater care over the is working as a freelancer gave him an programs. sue of protection of journalists’ intimate understanding of the pro It was only natural, therefore, that sources. fession and created his reputation as Paul would be selected to form part • To ensure diverse information, a responsible and dedicated reporter of the Brennan Committee, which the media should be diversely prepared to act without fear or fa was established to conduct an exten owned and controlled. But if vour. sive review of the Code of Ethics. media are to be concentrated, It was however, the introduction Since the release of the commit then journalists need to be of freedom of information laws which tee’s final report, Paul has worked granted editorial independence. marked a turning point in Paul’s ca tirelessly, travelling the country to • To be credible, and to be free of reer. While working as a reporter explain its recommendations on the
Communications Update ♦ 20 ♦ December 1997 the state, journalists must be ac own minds, and then they mani being honoured in journalism is countable. fest it with trust. Legitimacy in that at least you know someone is All the great journalists through volves fragile mutual acceptance, reading your work. history teach us that power that is not an uneasy unequal contract. But to be read is only half of a not accountable is not legitimate. In the current debate over na journalist’s fulfilment. Legitimacy is a precious and tive title, the legitimacy of the The other half, the richer half, subtle thing. It is not a matter of Australian nation is in play. is to persuade. And then to watch law, property, management or In the current debate over me as people, having been per marketing. It can never be pur dia accountability, the legitimacy suaded, take action.” chased. Legitimacy is conferred of Australian journalism is in play. by people in the privacy of their One of the good things about Paul Chadwick
Walkley Award Winners Print Best news report: Gerard Ryle and Gary Hughes - The Age - "Suffer the Children”. Best section or special: Shelley Gare, Jeff Allan, Judith Elen and Marina Skinner -The Australian’s Review of Books. Best headings: Stephen Walsh - The Daily Telegraph Best newspaper feature: Gary Tippet - The Sunday Age - "Slaying the Monster”. Best magazine feature: Bonita Mason - HQ - "The Girl in Cell 4 ”. Best cartoon: Ron Tandberg - The Age - “The Repeat Offender”. Best artwork: Bill Leak - The Australian - "The Big Picture”. Best information graphics or digital photo illustration: Viki Sizgoric - The Australian - "Black Hawk Inquiry”. Best news photograph: Simon Alekna - The Sun-Herald - 'The Murdochs visit sick PM”. Best feature photograph: David Dare Parker - Big Weekend, The West Australian - "Gypsies of PataRat”. Radio Best news report: Justin Kelly and Ben Fordham - Radio 2 U E - "Thredbo”. Best current affairs report: David Spicer - AM, ABC Radio - “Juvenile Justice”. Best feature or documentary: Norman Swan - Science Show, ABC Radio National - "QUT: A University for the Real World”. Television Best news report: Glenn Milne - Channel 7 - "Thredbo Disaster, Day One". Best current affairs report (less than 15 minutes): Janine Hosking- Witness, Channel 7 - "Tjandamurra”. Best current affairs report, feature, documentary or special (15 minutes plus): Ben Cheshire and Sophie Emtage - Australian Story, ABC T V - "Valentine’s Day". Best cinematography: Chantal Abouchar - Foreign Correspondent, ABC T V - “East Timor Resistance”. Excellence in business reporting: Malcolm Majden - The Age - “Inside the Citadel”. In international reporting: Mary-Louise O’Callaghan - The Australian - “Papua New Guinea”. In covering suburban and regional affairs: Ingrid Svendsen - The Melbourne Times - “David Marriner Demolition”. In investigative reporting: Paul Daley - The Sunday Age - "The Colston Affair". In indigenous affairs: Bruce Belsham and Victoria Pitt -ABC TV -“Frontier”. In coverage of sport: David Wilson and Patrick Smith - The Age - “The Encosta de Lago Affair". In online or wire service journalism: Michael Perry - Reuters - “PNG Army Revolt". In commentary, analysis, reviews and opinion: Tony Stephens - The Sydney Morning Herald. In broadcast presenting: Jim Waley - Nightline/Sunday, Channel 9 In coverage of Asia (broadcast): Ross Coulthart and Nick Farrow - Sunday, Channel 9 - “Cambodia, Descent into Chaos”. In coverage of Asia (print): Rowan Callick - Australian Financial Review - “Hong Kong”. In news leadership: Stephen Rice - Sunday, Channel 9. Most outstanding contribution to journalism: Paul Chadwick. Gold Walkley: Mary-Louise O’Callaghan - The Australian - “Papua New Guinea".
Communications Update ♦ 21 ♦ December 1997