2020 started in a way no one could have expected: with a global pandemic. Enter Coronacast, a daily, 10-minute podcast providing the latest evidence on the pandemic by responding to questions from the audience. Every episode was hosted by physician and journalist Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor, with production by Will Ockenden.
The daily Coronacast podcast was an invaluable font of reliable, calm, professional information that has helped people live their lives safely and is a testament to Swan’s exceptional skills as a public health educator. Swan worked tirelessly for months on end to cover the story with unparalleled knowledge, expertise and accuracy and remained steadfast in the face of political criticism and pressure.
Dr Norman Swan hosts Radio National’s Health Report, appearing also on the ABC’s 7.30, Midday, News Breakfast and Four Corners and RN Breakfast. He created Invisible Enemies on pandemics and civilisation for Channel 4 UK. Swan is a past winner of the Gold Walkley. He was awarded the medal of the Australian Academy of Science and has an honorary MD from the University of Sydney.
Tegan Taylor is a health and science journalist in the ABC Science Unit. Taylor appears periodically on ABC Radio National’s Health Report and Life Matters, on Triple J and in The Best of Australian Science Writing.
Will Ockenden produces podcasts with ABC News, including Coronacast, The Party Room and Russia, If You’re Listening. He has worked in radio, filing stories for AM/PM/The World Today, and in the ABC’s rural department as a national rural reporter.
Judges’ comments:
“Dr Norman Swan has become the most trusted voice for Australians seeking honest, authoritative advice on COVID-19. Providing reliable, accurate and timely information and guidance, Coronacast’s reach and impact are significant in a year like none in living memory.“
