Veteran ABC sports broadcaster Peter Wilkins received the top honour at the recent Australian Sports Commission (ASC) 2012 Media Awards accepting the lifetime achievement award from Sports Minister, Senator Kate Lundy.

In a glittering career spanning more than 30 years, ‘Wilko’ has proved to be one of Australian sports broadcasting’s true all-rounders covering a full cross section - commentating, presenting, reporting and producing.

He hosted the 1982 football World Cup tournament on ABC TV and again in 1986.

His infectious enthusiasm and passion for sport has seen him commentate a variety of sports at the highest level as well as serving a nine year stint heading up ABC Radio’s rugby league coverage.

He was part of the ground-breaking ABC TV program The Fat and was nominated for a Logie as the best new talent.  In 2008 Peter’s talent as one of the nation’s most gifted sports journalists was recognised i when he won a Walkley Award.

The ASC Media Awards are in their 11th year.  They are considered Australia’s premier sports media celebration and the only awards dedicated to recognising excellence in sports media.

The awards focus on analytical and insightful reporting and the presentation of sport and sporting issues with the ultimate aim of fostering improved coverage of key issues within sport.

The gala awards evening was held at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney on December 6 and featured popular comedian Anh Do as MC.

The lifetime achievement award was one of 14 awards presented. 

The 2012 winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Sports Journalism – Peter Wilkins (ABC)

Best Reporting of an Issue in Sport - Daniel Lane (Sun-Herald)

Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation - Broadcast Media – (Fox Sports)

Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual - Broadcast Media – Gerard Whateley (ABC/Fox Sports)

Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation — Print Media – (The Sunday Age)

Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual — Print Media – Richards Hinds (Sydney Morning Herald)

Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach — Broadcast Media – (Fox Sports- Julian Huxley profile)

Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach - Print Media - Paul Connolly (Global Mail – The fastest man you’ve never heard of)

Best Sports Journalism from Rural, Regional or Suburban Media – (Newcastle Herald -Trouble in Tinkler Town)

Best Sports Photography – Scott Barbour (Getty Images)

Best Depiction of the Value of Sport to Australians in a Community Setting – Luke Waters (SBSRace Game)

Best Coverage of Women in Sport – (Canberra Times)

Best Coverage of Sport for People with Disability – Stathi Paxinos (The Age)

Best Coverage of  Sport through Digital Media –(SBS 2012 Tour de France).