Minister for Sport Mark Arbib has congratulated respected journalist Roy Masters after he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards tonight.

Senator Arbib acknowledged the significant contribution Masters has made to Australia’s sporting landscape, at the awards at the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Members Dining Room.

“Roy has been at the forefront of Australia’s sporting media and his insights into a wide range of sports throughout his career have made him a well respected figure,” Senator Arbib said.

“Throughout his career Roy has not been afraid to make his opinions known and this is what has helped him establish his reputation.

“In more than 20 years as a full time writer at the Sydney Morning Herald, Roy provided a series of ground-breaking stories to his readers, while his work on Channel Seven as a commentator was exceptional.

“Roy is extremely deserving of this award and I would like to congratulate him on his service and dedication to the profession throughout his career.”

Masters joins a host of Australia’s best sports journalists in winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, including Caroline Wilson, Les Murray, Bruce McAvaney, Mike Gibson and Harry Gordon.

Senator Arbib said the ASC Media Awards played an important role in recognising Australia’s best sporting journalists, broadcasters and photographers.

“The significance of sport to Australians can’t be underestimated and the role that the media plays in not only telling the nation the results of sporting competitions but also the stories behind the results is crucial,” Senator Arbib said.

“We are fortunate in Australia to have a wealth of fantastic sporting media who are some of the best in the world at what they do.

“All of the entries underlined the quality of the journalists in Australia and I congratulate all the winners and finalists on their efforts.”

Now in its 10th year, the ASC Media Awards reward excellence in sports journalism and are Australia’s only dedicated sports media awards.

2011 Australian Sports Commission Media Awards winners

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Roy Masters
• Best Reporting of an Issue in Sport: Greg Prichard and Chris Barrett – Want a Bet? (Sydney Morning Herald)
• Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation — Broadcast Media: SBS - Cycling 
• Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual — Broadcast Media: Michael Tomalaris (SBS)
• Best Coverage of Sport by an Organisation — Print Media: Sunday Telegraph 
• Best Coverage of Sport by an Individual — Print Media: David Sygall (The Sun-Herald)
• Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach — Broadcast Media: Mary Gearin and the 7.30 Team – ‘Mick and David’ (ABC)
• Best Profiling of an Athlete, Team or Coach — Print Media: Robert Drane – ‘Bloodlines’ (Inside Sport)
• Best Sports Journalism from Rural, Regional or Suburban Media: Allison Jess – ‘Coby’s Back’ (ABC Goulburn Murray)
• Best Sports Photography: Mark Dadswell - ‘PNG Cricket’ (Getty Images)
• Best Depiction of the Value of Sport to Australians in a Community Setting: Grantlee Kieza – ‘Million Dollar Noby’ (The Courier Mail)
• Best Coverage of Women in Sport: Luke Waters ‘A Belt that Fits’ (SBS World News)
• Best Coverage of Sport for People with Disability: Leanne West - ‘David and Michelle’ (Network Ten)