THE best of those working in rural media were recognised at the 2018 SA & NT Rural Media Awards, hosted by Rural Media SA.
From record numbers of outstanding entries, ABC Landline’s NT-based journalist Kristy O’Brien and former Stock Journal photographer Tait Schmaal, now working at The Advertiser, took out the major prizes.
In the first year of incorporating the NT in these awards, Ms O’Brien came through from the television category to win the top journalism award from a record 23 entrants.
From an extremely strong field of 16 entrants, Mr Schmaal notched up an unprecedented sixth rural photographer of the year win.
Representing the major sponsor for these awards, Rural Business Support’s chief executive officer Brett Smith presented the awards.
“Regional journalists and photographers work hard and have certainly succeeded this year in presenting agriculture in a positive light, as a sustainable and resilient industry, both now and for future generations,” Mr Smith said.
“We congratulate and thank all of the award entrants for ensuring that agriculture’s important news stories, whether they be published, posted or aired, are told with impact and meaning.”
The Royal Adelaide Show’s Show Society Foundation sponsored the awards for best Royal Adelaide Show story and photograph, with Stock Journal’s Paula Thompson winning the story, while Catherine Miller and Elizabeth Anderson received Highly Commended awards.
Stock Journal contributor and freelance photographer Jacqui Bateman was Highly Commended for the Show photograph, a category won by Mr Schmaal.
Catherine Miller was also Highly Commended for her entries into the Best Rural Journalist – Print section.
Former Stock Journal journalist Ali Kuchel won the Best Rural/Regional Photojournalist.
Murray Valley Standard journalist Peri Strathearn was the winner of the Best Rural/Regional Print journalist.
