Year
2009
Category
Young Journalist of the Year Awards
Radio/audio journalism
From 2004 to April 2009, Michael Atkin worked as a reporter on triple j radio’s Hack program. During his time with Hack, he’s watched scarification (carving tattoos into the body with a scalpel), been inside a juvenile justice centre and reported on the apology to the stolen generations. Michael graduated from the University of Technology Sydney in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) and has deferred study in a Masters of International Studies at Sydney University. UTS named Michael Best Undergraduate Reporter in 2005, in addition to selecting him for two other awards. Michael has worked for a range of media organisations: ABC, SBS, The Australian, Next Media and community radio station, 2SER. In mid 2009, Michael resigned from triple j to relocate to India. He is currently freelancing, attempting to learn Hindi and exploring South Asia. In 2008, Michael was named Young Australian Radio Journalist of the Year.
Judges’ comments:
“Not only was Michael’s entry original and creative – it was a thoroughly researched and incisive work. It is impossible not to be drawn into the lives of his subjects – especially when the interviewer clearly has the trust of those he interviews. Michael’s stories are informative and engaging, and we can only look forward to his future work.”