Best sport coverage by an individual – broadcast

This award recognises an individual who has delivered exceptional coverage of sport on broadcast media during the nomination period. This can include radio, television and digital media across video and audio formats. Entries should demonstrate responsible and well-researched coverage and provide a detailed and innovative insight into sport.  Coverage could include interviews, live match commentary, analysis and other formats.

Winner

Corbin Middlemas, ABC Sport

Corbin Middlemas continued to enhance his growing reputation as one of Australia’s finest sports broadcasters, leading ABC Sport’s AFL coverage as host of Friday night footy and the network’s flagship show on Saturdays. He also anchored the ABC’s coverage of Australia’s Test tour of New Zealand, the Boxing Day Test, Australian Open tennis and called track and road cycling, BMX racing, mountain biking, basketball and boxing at the Paris Olympic Games. In addition to his radio work, Middlemas is a regular panelist and host of the ABC TV’s Offsiders, where his play-by-play commentary, analysis and interviewing continues to shine through.

Finalists

Amanda Shalala, ABC Sport

Amanda Shalala was the ABC’s lead broadcast reporter for the Paris 2024 Olympics where she provided extensive coverage in the lead up to and from the Games. She also contributed to the ABC’s coverage of the Paralympics, providing regular updates on the ABC News Channel. Shalala was lead producer for ABC Sport’s feature video documentary Countdown to Paris and also created and produced ABC’s Female Athlete Health series, which focuses on issues seldom covered in mainstream media including returning to sport postpartum, body image, managing periods and finding the right sports bra.

Brenton Speed, Nine Network

Brenton Speed has long been regarded as the most versatile sports commentator in the country and he expanded his repertoire in Paris in 2024. He called basketball, tennis and football at the Olympics, then backed it up by calling more than 200 Para swimming races at the Paralympics. Among the highlights were his gold medal calls of Alexa Leary in the women’s 100m freestyle S9 in world record time, Australia’s win in the men’s doubles at Roland Garros and the men’s basketball tournament. Speed also commentated NRL, NRLW, AFL and Grand Slam tennis.

Ellie Cole, Nine Network (Rising Star nominee)

Ellie Cole, Australia’s most decorated female Paralympian, made a remarkable transition from elite sport to broadcasting where she quickly became a trusted voice and co-host for Nine’s coverage of the Paris Paralympics. Her journey began with guest appearances on Wide World of Sports where her deep insights and infectious passion captivated viewers. She joined esteemed commentators Giaan Rooney and Ian Thorpe to deliver expert analysis poolside for the Paris Olympic Games, which culminated in her historic appointment as co-host of the Paris Paralympics alongside James Bracey.

Gerard Whateley, SEN / Fox Footy / Nine Network

Gerard Whateley added calling athletics at the Paris Olympics for the Nine Network to his already jam-packed 2024, which also included commentating the AFL, international cricket and the Superbowl. His highlights included the most thrilling men’s 100m race the Games had seen and Jess Hull securing Australia’s first track medal in 12 years. He continues to set the agenda throughout the year on his morning radio show Whateley on SEN and as host of AFL360 on Fox Footy. This included leading the scrutiny and coverage of the horrific injuries suffered by Christian Petracca on the King’s Birthday, which resulted in an independent inquiry and the resignation of Melbourne President Kate Roffey.