UPDATE: Seven West Media (SWM) has triumphed at the 2025 WA Media Awards, capturing a remarkable 13 awards and solidifying their status as leaders in journalism. The prestigious event, held recently, showcased the exceptional talents of SWM’s journalists, who dominated multiple categories with their impactful storytelling.
The standout of the night was The West Australian, which secured the coveted Best News Photograph award for the third consecutive year. This honor went to photographer Ross Swanborough for his poignant imagery capturing the sorrow of mourners at a tragic car accident in Murdoch.
In a significant achievement, state political editor Jessica Page received The Beck Prize for her in-depth reporting on challenges faced by Libby Mettam’s leadership. Meanwhile, John Flint won the award for Best Medical Report with his investigative series in The Sunday Times that exposed malpractice in the dental industry, prompting action from the Australian Taxation Office and health regulators.
The Multimedia News award was awarded to Natalie Bonjolo, head of digital production, alongside chief reporter Ben Harvey. Their gripping true crime podcast series on the unresolved case of Lisa Govan, who disappeared in 1999, captivated audiences and exemplified SWM’s commitment to impactful journalism.
SWM journalists excelled in text categories as well, with chief sub-editor Paul Barry winning Best Headline for his eye-catching title, “Cocaine, Knobs, and a Kick Up the Rs.” Political reporter Caitlyn Rintoul captured Best News Report for her investigation into WA’s failing violence support systems, while Justin Bianchini of PerthNow won in the Suburban category for his series titled “Domestic Crisis & Carn West.”
In recognition of his exceptional career, former legal affairs editor Tim Clarke was bestowed with the prestigious Clarion Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism. Additionally, Geof Parry, 7News Perth political editor, claimed Best News Reporting for his extensive coverage of the NicheLiving saga, with cameraman Christian Rudd also honored for his outstanding visuals on the same story.
The award for Best Video Feature was awarded to 7News reporters Nick Overall and Simon Hydzik, who conducted a revealing investigation into the secrets of Perth’s alleged Shincheonji cult. In a notable conclusion to the evening, Parry was named co-winner of the West Australian Journalist of the Year award, alongside ABC’s Alicia Hanson and Nadia Mitsopoulos for their collaborative reporting on the NicheLiving scandal.
These accolades underscore the critical role that Seven West Media plays in informing the public and driving important conversations within the community. With a strong showing at the WA Media Awards, SWM continues to set a high standard for journalism in Western Australia.
This recognition not only celebrates individual talent but also highlights the collective effort of the newsroom in bringing significant stories to light. As the media landscape evolves, the impact of such reporting remains crucial for holding power to account and addressing societal issues.
