Minister for Sport Mark Arbib last night (Thursday 25 November) congratulated respected AFL reporter Caroline Wilson, who has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards.

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

Ms Wilson was presented with her award at Sydney’s Doltone House tonight and joins a prestigious list of former winners that includes the likes of Les Murray and Bruce McAvaney.  

'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.

'Caroline is a fitting recipient of this prestigious award and hopefully this recognition will inspire other young female journalists to forge similarly successful careers in sports media.'

Other major awards included the Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko, Brad Walter, Greg Prichard (best reporting of an issue), the Sydney Morning Herald (best coverage of sport by a print media organisation)  the ABC’s Gerard Whateley (best coverage of sport by an individual – broadcast media), the Nine Network (best coverage of sport by a broadcast organisation), and the Courier-Mail’s Mike Colman (best coverage of sport by an individual — print media).

Now in its ninth year, the event rewards excellence in sports journalism and is Australia’s only dedicated sports media awards.

'Given the role sport plays in the fabric of Australian life it’s pleasing to see these Awards continue to grow in stature within the sports media industry, and the doubling of entries this year is testament to the status of this event,' Senator Arbib said.

'Australian’s take their sport very seriously and through quality sports journalism we can continue to inspire more people, young and old, to get fit and active and hopefully foster lifelong love affairs with sport.

'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.

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

'In recognition of their hard work and commitment to outstanding journalism I congratulate all this year’s winners and finalists for their efforts.'

2010 Australian Sports Commission Media Awards winners

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Caroline Wilson (The Age)

Best Reporting of an Issue in Sport

• Adrian Proszenko, Brad Walter, Greg Prichard and others – Thunderstruck (Sydney Morning Herald Sport – Fairfax)

Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation — Broadcast Media

• Nine Network -- State of Origin 2010

Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual — Broadcast Media

• Gerard Whateley (ABC)

Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation — Print Media

• Sydney Morning Herald         

Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual — Print Media

• Mike Colman  (Courier-Mail)

 Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach — Broadcast Media

• John Taylor – ‘Boxing hopeful’ (ABC)

Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach — Print Media

• Amanda Hooton – ‘Mark Webber – Mark 1’  (Good Weekend Magazine, Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd)

Best Sports Journalism from Rural, Regional or Suburban Media

• Andrew Piva – ‘All about the game for life’ (The Cairns Post)
• Tim Doutré – ‘Are player payments killing the game?’ (Star News Group)

Best Sports Photography

• Craig Golding  -- ‘2010 World Masters Games’ (Getty Images)

Best Depiction of the Value of Sport to Australians in a Community Setting

• Mary Gearin – ‘Majak Daw’ (7.30 Report, ABC)

Best Coverage of Women in Sport

• Raelee Tuckerman (Bendigo Advertiser)

Best Coverage of Sport for People with Disability

• Dwayne Grant -- ‘Never Say Never’ (Gold Coast Publications)

For more information on the 2010 ASC Media Awards 

Media contact: Alison Hill 0407 570 640/ 02 9364 2600