Channel 9’s acclaimed investigative journalism program, Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, was honoured with the prestigious Media Diversity Australia Award for its groundbreaking episode, Shots Fired, at last night’s 2024 Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism, hosted by the Walkley Foundation.

The award celebrates journalists who are making an outstanding contribution through their reporting on diverse people or issues in Australia, and this is the first time any commercial television network has been recognised in this category.

Shots Fired investigated one of Australia’s most contentious criminal cases, involving the shooting of Kumanjayi Walker by former Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe. This tragic incident sparked national debate and scrutiny. Under Investigation revisited the events of that fateful night, providing viewers with unprecedented access to police bodycam footage, exclusive interviews with key figures, including the Crown Prosecutor, community elders, and eyewitnesses.

The episode posed critical questions about the preventability of Walker’s death and explored complex issues of justice, race and policing in First Nations communities.

Recognised by the Walkley Foundation, the judges celebrated the episode for telling a “complex story in a clear, honest and nuanced way for a broad audience. The journalism is relational, involving respected community voices and key players, using a structure that centres on listening and talking to achieve greater understanding. At a time when audiences are avoiding traditional-style adversarial news, Shots Fired stands out.”

Liz Hayes said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to be acknowledged, especially given our small yet mighty team at Under Investigation. Our mission is unwavering: to uncover the truth behind challenging and significant cases.

“Shots Fired was a particularly challenging and sensitive episode for us, so receiving this award is a profound honour that truly celebrates the relentless effort and dedication of our entire team. At UI, we’re committed to leaving no stone unturned, and we’re eager to continue this important work.”

Executive Producer of UI, Gareth Harvey, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our program and our talented team. It’s an immense privilege for Under Investigation, a leader in investigative journalism programming, to be awarded with the Media Diversity Australia Award – the first time for any commercial television network.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. Producing this program is incredibly rewarding and has a ripple effect beyond each episode, marking an even greater achievement.”

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Friday, June 21, 2024