Karla Grant’s pioneering contribution to journalism recognised with major Walkley and First Nations Media Awards – Presenter, producer and journalist, and proud Western Arrernte woman, Karla Grant, has been honoured for her Outstanding Contribution to Journalism at the 68th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism, and on the same night also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the First Nations Media Awards, in recognition of more than three decades of leadership in Indigenous affairs coverage in Australia.
Grant, the Executive Producer and host of NITV’s Living Black – the longest running Indigenous current affairs show on Australian television and a program she was instrumental in establishing at SBS more than 20 years ago – has been at the forefront of investigating and elevating issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The awards acknowledge the work Grant has done throughout her career to explore and uncover stories of national importance which have shone a light on social disadvantage and injustice, and given a voice to First Nations communities. From extensive reporting on Country, to presenting in studio, and her insightful interviews, Grant has interrogated the systems and policies impacting First Nations peoples, held power to account, and celebrated Blak excellence. She has also continued to actively champion greater representation in the industry and career pathways for emerging Indigenous journalists.
“It’s a remarkable achievement to receive these two prestigious accolades,”
– said SBS Managing Director, James Taylor.
“Congratulations to Karla for this well-deserved recognition of her pivotal contribution to the media’s coverage of First Nations stories, and impact on the wider media landscape.
“Throughout her career, Karla has worked tirelessly to provide a voice for the voiceless, and to ensure the issues being experienced in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are recognised as matters of significance for all Australians. Her dedication is underpinned by her integrity, kindness and empathy, which are among the reasons she is trusted by communities and widely respected by her peers, and extends beyond the screen through her active support for future generations of Indigenous journalists.
“Congratulations to SBS teams for awards across news and current affairs at the Walkleys, and further recognition for Living Black at the First Nations Media Awards. I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate our deserving nominees and acknowledge all those across the SBS network who contribute to delivering our distinctive, constructive and impactful Australian journalism, every day. Thank you for your dedication to your craft, our audiences, and to each other.”
SBS World News’ coverage providing a unique global perspective for Australians was recognised, with SBS’s Chief International Correspondent, Ben Lewis and producer Colin Cosier receiving the Walkley Award for Television/Video: News Reporting for their compelling coverage reflecting on the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine for SBS World News in ‘Ukraine: One Year On’.
Gavin Blyth, Michelle Elias, Jennifer Luu and Jodie Noyce from SBS’s current affairs team at The Feed won the Walkley Award for Television/Video: Current Affairs Short (under 20 minutes), for their two-part investigation into Australia’s hidden incel community, Uncovering Incels.
Speaking to current and former incels, they gained unique access to peel back the curtain on the movement of celibate men.
The First Nations Media Awards celebrate exceptional achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media, and at the gala dinner in Canberra last night, NITV’s Living Black was also recognised as the Best News and Current Affairs Program for 2023, in the same year the show marked its two-decade broadcasting milestone. The program was also awarded Best Interview for ‘Deborah Cheetham: Forging Her Own Path’, for Grant’s in-depth interview with the Yorta Yorta Soprano and actor.
Media Release – NITV
Link to SBS on Demand HERE
Karla Grant’s pioneering contribution to journalism recognised with major Walkley and First Nations Media Awards
TV Central NITV content HERE
Karla Grant’s pioneering contribution to journalism recognised with major Walkley and First Nations Media Awards