Minister for Sport Mark Arbib has announced the finalists of the 2011 Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards, ahead of the gala presentation dinner at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, November 29.

The ASC Media Awards, now in their 10th year, have become a firmly established and highly regarded event with more than 420 entries received across 13 categories from the nation’s top journalists, broadcasters and photographers in 2011.

The awards recognise excellence in sports journalism and broadcasting with a focus on analytical and insightful reporting and the presentation of sport and sporting issues.

Minister Arbib said the awards provided recognition for the work that Australia’s sporting media undertake to meet Australians’ thirst for quality content and insight into our national passion.

'Sport plays such an important role in Australia and the hard work and endeavour undertaken by journalists in print, television and radio must be commended,' Minister Arbib said.

“Over the past 12 months our sporting journalists have had many issues to focus their work on and the talent and insight of the finalists is clear to see.

'I would like to wish all the finalists the best of luck and am sure that a great night will be had by all at one of the greatest sporting amphitheatres in the world – the Melbourne Cricket Ground.'

The most prestigious award on the evening is the Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Sports Journalism, with the winners list comprising the best of the best of Australian sporting journalism

'In 2010, Caroline Wilson became the first woman to win this award for her extensive contribution across three decades to print, radio and television journalism,' Senator Arbib said.

A full list of the finalists is now available.