Journalists from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age were honored at the 2024 Kennedy Awards, with The Herald winning the outstanding online news breaking award for its coverage of the Bondi Junction stabbings. The attack resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including mother Ashlee Good and bride-to-be Dawn Singleton. The Herald’s digital coverage of the tragedy was recognized with an award, highlighting the skill and dedication of the paper’s staff in reporting on this important story.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Kennedy Foundation’s annual gala dinner at Royal Randwick, with over 400 journalists and media industry figures in attendance. Herald editor Bevan Shields expressed his pride in the paper’s finalists and winners, noting the rewarding recognition of the team’s efforts in covering the Bondi Junction attack. The outstanding cartoon award was presented to Herald cartoonist Cathy Wilcox for her Solid Ground illustration, showcasing the talent and creativity of journalists in addressing complex issues through visual storytelling.
In addition to the accolades received by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age photographer Eddie Jim was honored with the outstanding portrait photography award for his powerful images of Fiji residents facing the threat of rising sea levels. The Australian Financial Review’s Neil Chenoweth, a joint winner of journalist of the year in the previous edition, took home the outstanding finance reporting award. These recognitions highlight the commitment of journalists and photographers in shedding light on important issues and stories that impact communities around the world.
The Kennedy Awards celebrate excellence in journalism and honor the dedication and talent of media professionals who strive to inform and inspire their audiences. The recognition of journalists from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age underscores the importance of quality reporting and storytelling in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing media landscape. Through their exceptional work, these award recipients have demonstrated a commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and serving the public with accurate and impactful storytelling.
The Kennedy Foundation’s annual gala dinner provides a platform for journalists and media industry figures to come together and celebrate the achievements of their peers. The event serves as a reminder of the vital role that journalism plays in society, and the importance of supporting and recognizing the hard work and dedication of those who are committed to telling stories that matter. By honoring outstanding journalists and photographers, the Kennedy Awards serve as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
As the winners of the 2024 Kennedy Awards, journalists from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to the field of journalism. Their work in reporting on important stories such as the Bondi Junction stabbings and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities exemplifies the power of journalism to inform, educate, and inspire. These awards serve as a reminder of the crucial role that journalists play in holding power to account, providing a voice to the voiceless, and championing the values of truth and transparency in our society.
