The Independent Radio Sector scooped awards at the recently held Justice Media Awards. The awards ceremony took place on Thursday 24th June 2021. The awards recognise outstanding print and broadcast journalism that contributes to the public’s understanding of justice, the legal system and legal issues. 2021 marks 30 years of the Justice Media Awards, the longest running media awards in Ireland.
In the Broadcast Journalism category, Ocean FM won the overall category for Niall Delaneys piece on 'We are family- same sex couple's birth' which was broadcast on North West Today on Ocean FM. Speaking about the award, the jugdes said that the piece provided 'an excellent examination of the barriers faced by same-sex couples and the fight to have both parents officially recognised in the eyes of the State. The piece was an outstanding piece of reporting which told a human story and highlighted that while families are more diverse now, not all families have the same rights'.
In the same category Merit Awards were given to :
- Fran Curry, Doc Martin and Alison Hyland for their piece on 'Legal Issues on Tipp Today - Fight to Stay Alive' which was broadcast no Tipp Today on Tipp FM. The judges described this piece as 'a report into an emotive and moving case surrounding the misinterpretation of cervical screening slides and the settlement case that arose from it. Using a local solicitor involved in this case, this team provided a unique insight into a complex legal procedure'.
- Fiona Corcoran, Mairead Twohig and Pearse McCarthy for their piece on 'Magazine Road Residents Secure Legal Victory' broadcast across Corks 96FM and C103. The judges described this piece as 'a series of reports that followed the story of turbulent student parties and the landmark court case which followed. With discussions from legal experts, the reporting examined landlord licenses and responsibilities, which are of great interest to the public'.
- Sinead Hubble, Ellen Butler, Robert Fahy, Eoin Donoghue and Will Faulkner for their piece on 'Understanding the Book of Quantum' broadcast on Midlands Today on Midlands 103. The judges described this piece as 'an in-depth discussion on how personal injury awards are calculated, the book of quantum and the new personal injury guidelines. An excellent explainer of how the legal system works when dealing with a personal injury claim with expert contributions from a local solicitor'.
In the Court Reporting Broadcast category Franl Greaney from Newstalk took the overall award for his piece on 'A Beacon of Hope : Surviour speaks out after John McClean is jailed'. Commenting on this the judges said ' it was an interview that guided listeners through the harrowing details of a school abuse case. The journalist's ability to clearly outline complicated evidence, where one could easily trip up, is masterful'.
The overall winner in the Newcomer Category went to Maxine Bramley from Live 95FM in Limerick. Commenting on Maxines awards the journalist said Maxine is 'a journalist, who is a newcomer to these awards in its truest terms. This reporter has produced a timely and powerful piece, incorporating important legal content from local solicitors and had moved the judges with impactful statements from the victims'.
Congratulations to all the winners.
Posted 28th June 2021