The ninth annual Australian Sports Commission Media Awards winners were announced at a presentation gala dinner on Thursday 25 November at Doltone House, Sydney.

The event, Australia’s only dedicated sports media awards, rewards excellence in sports journalism, broadcasting and photography.

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib congratulated respected AFL reporter Caroline Wilson, who was honoured with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Sports Journalism. Ms Wilson is the first women to win this award and joins a prestigious list of former winners that include the likes of Les Murray and Bruce McAvaney.

Senator Arbib said Ms Wilson had been a trailblazer as a female reporter covering a male-dominated sport for the past three decades.

'Caroline has forged a reputation as one of Australia’s best-credentialed journalists and is credited in the industry for being outspoken and fearless,’ Senator Arbib said. ‘Currently the chief football writer for The Age, Caroline’s versatility and expert commentary has allowed her to make a significant impact across sports media, including radio and television.’

Ms Wilson was humbled by the prestigious Award presentation.

‘I did notice that there weren’t any other women on that incredible list. I’m very, very proud to be the first one,’ she said.

Senator Arbib said the quality of work from this year’s award winners reflects the standard of sports journalism in Australia.

'The calibre of this year’s winners from the major media outlets to suburban and regional reporters shows that quality journalism continues to play an important role in our sporting landscape,’ Senator Arbib said.

‘It means that serious sports issues will be tackled effectively and the great events, personal triumphs and tragedies and fascinating stories will be told.’

The winners echoed this sentiment in their acceptance speeches, with many crediting their subjects.

‘Dane Mulivai (boxer) represents what’s good about sport. I mean he was a guy, he’s from the poorest suburb in Brisbane, the most disadvantaged, and yet he gets to represent Australia...he’s a winner,’ said the ABC’s John Taylor, winner of the Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach - Broadcast Media  Award.

Other major award winners included the Sydney Morning Herald (Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation – Print Media), the ABC’s Gerard Whateley (Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual – Broadcast Media), the Nine Network (Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation – Broadcast Media), and the Courier-Mail’s Mike Colman (Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual  – Print media).
Adrian Proszenko, Greg Prichard, and others from the Sydney Morning Herald were also recognised with the Best Reporting of an Issue Award.

‘I’d like to thank the Australian Sports Commission for recognising the work of people like us and saluting the fact that we really want to tell stories...we really want to tell great sport stories,’ said winner Mike Colman.

Congratulations to all 2010 winners and finalists for their outstanding contribution to sports journalism, broadcasting and photography.

The complete list of winners and high commendations is available on the ASC website.