Walkley Judging Board chair Lenore Taylor launches the 65th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism
From the bushfires to COVID-19, 2020 has already proved to be a year we’re never going to forget and more than ever it’s a year that has highlighted the important and amazing work that has been done by Australian journalists under some seriously difficult circumstances.
It is now time to put these stories forward as we open entries for the 65th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism, on July 1.
On behalf of my colleagues on the Walkley Judging Board, I want to encourage you to start thinking about your entry. What work are you proudest of? What story has brought your newsroom together? What piece made you reach out and congratulate a friend or even a nemesis? It’s time to remember them all and get those entries in. You can see all the categories explained online here, to plan where your story best fits. And the friendly Walkley team is there to help with any questions you have. Scroll down for all the contacts and links you’ll need.
We’ve strengthened some of the category descriptions to make it easier or you to identify exactly what the judges are looking for and to also help make it clear what you can submit in the All Media Production and Innovation categories.
The Walkley Awards celebrate the highest standard of Australian journalism. As the industry develops we expect to see its leadership and our award-winners grow to reflect the diversity of the Australian population and media industry. There is still work to be done, and for us it starts with making sure our programs, opportunities and awards are accessible to the widest possible range of emerging, aspiring and experienced journalists.
Being part of the Walkley Judging Board is a big commitment, so thanks to all members for their generosity with their time and experience. The Judging Board represents the industry, and a range of formats, outlets and organisations. After the first round judges have selected the finalists in each category, the board members come together for a long day of discussion and debate to select the Walkley winners from the finalists. And when we do so, we leave our day jobs at the door. We’re there to champion the very best of the craft, and that’s a great privilege.
I know we’re all looking forward to seeing the stories Australian journalists enter this year. I hope you’ll be among them.
Good luck!
Lenore Taylor
Chair, Walkley Judging Board
Useful links:
- Entries open July 1, 2020 and close August 31, 2020
- Open to work published or broadcast between September 1, 2019 and August 31, 2030
- About the Walkley Awards
- Categories explained
- Terms and Conditions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Hear from past award-winners through our interview series here.