Open to all tertiary students studying journalism, communications and media related degrees who have not previously worked full time in the media, the JUST Super Student Journalist of the Year Award recognises student journalism across print, radio, television and online.

And the finalists are:

• David Crisante, University of Technology, Sydney for “Tips”, a radio piece on the Pacific Islander community that explores the harsh realities of an ethnic group living in Australia.  This was a story that hadn’t been told before.  The judges were impressed by the strong research and quality of interviews and production as well as the language and music used.  They also noted the originality and public benefit of the story.
  
  
• Jeremy Hartcher, University of Technology, Sydney for “Trouble at St. Vincents” a radio report into the controversy surrounding the replacement of the much-loved Fr. Ted Kennedy at St. Vincent’s church in Redfern, Sydney, by a new fraction of the Catholic church.  The judges thought this entry was a stand out. They were impressed by the quality of production and the timeliness and news value of the piece. They also commended the skillful use of live grabs, access and the “must get” interview. The piece was done ethically, and gave the right of reply. A thoughtful topic from a complexly different angle. Very impressive.
  
  
• Amy Ephron, Joanna Golotta, Celia Johnson and Nicole Tiedgen, Sydney University, for “Postcode - Kings Cross: 2011” a television piece reflecting on the notorious Sydney suburb of Kings Cross and its rich history through the eyes of the people who live there.  The judges thought this team entry showed great technique, skilful editing and was well shot. They also applauded the news value and weight of the piece.

The judges also awarded a commendation this year to:

• Christian Mooney, University of Melbourne, for “Writing to live” a print feature on the life and work of freelancers in the media, who view their craft not as a job, but an art.  The judges commended this high quality feature for its exceptional writing and style. They thought the piece was particularly compelling and transported the reader to scene.  

The winner of the 2005 JUST Super Student Journalist of the Year Award of the award is

Jeremy Hartcher, University of Technology, Sydney for  “Trouble at St. Vincent’s”

Congratulations Jeremy and to all our finalists and entrants!

All students were encouraged to enter one example of their best work, which was judged by a panel of senior journalists; Neil Chenoweth, senior journalist, Australian Financial Review and part of the 2004 Gold Walkley Award winning team, Kylie Simmonds, journalist, Sky News and former Walkley Award finalist and Emma Dallimore, reporter/presenter with Channel Ten, Brisbane.

This year's judges were impressed by the quality of the entries and offered this advice for those who did not win:

“Concentrate on telling a story from the start to finish and think of how a reader, viewer or listener would react to your work - Does it evoke emotion, inform, is it presented well, is it easy to read, uncomplicated etc?” said Simmonds.

The Federal Secretary of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance, Christopher Warren, said this award for aspiring young journalists was important to the development of media in the future.

“This award continues to reiterate the promising future of Australia’s media industry,” he said.

“The high standard of entries has continued this year, and it’s inspiring to see the most valuable, ethical and professional work being presented and encouraged each year”.

For more information on the award and MediaPass days, contact Catherine Bugeja at the Walkley Foundation on 02 9333 0918, or email or catherine.bugeja@alliance.org.au