7 News recognised with two Walkleys for Sydney siege coverage
Seven News senior correspondent Chris Reason has dedicated his Walkley Award to the memory of the victims of the Lindt Café siege, Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson.
The 7 News team was recognised with two Walkley Awards for its live reporting of last December's tragedy - coverage of a major news event and TV news reporting for Reason.
In accepting the award Reason said it was "difficult and a little confronting" to receive an industry award when it is attached to a moment of such misery.
"But I take this as recognition that we did a hard job well," said Reason. "We have been fortunate to receive several awards for our coverage of the siege, and each time we have dedicated them to victims Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson. I do the same with this award."
“I’d also like to acknowledge the news team behind the award – the chiefs of staff, producers, journalists, and in particular, Greg Parker and the other Seven News cameramen who were scattered around Martin Place that same night, without the comfort of being inside a TV studio.”
Advisory Board Judge Kate McClymont said: "The judging process is what gives the Walkley Awards its credibility.
"The judges are senior journalists- people who know the skill, quick wit, depth of research and analysis, resourcefulness and even physical courage that is takes to create the best journalism."
The 60th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism were presented in 34 categories.
More than 700 journalists and national identities gathered at Melbourne's Crown Palladium for the gala event.
