Walkley Foundation reviewing award given to journalists who falsely accused Andrew Laming of upskirting
The prestigious media award given to two Nine journalists for their report which falsely accused the former federal MP of upskirting is now the subject of an independent review.
The prestigious media award given to Nine for airing a news report that falsely accused former federal MP Andrew Laming of upskirting a woman will be the subject of an independent review.
Earlier this week the former Queensland MP was awarded a significant damages payout after he was defamed by the network, which ran a story in March 2021 which accused Dr Laming of the criminal offence.
In February this year, Nine journalists Peter Fegan and Rebeka Powell received a Walkley Award in the television/video news reporting category for their report on Dr Laming’s alleged misconduct. At the time the pair won the award, defamation proceedings had been brought by Dr Laming against Nine, but the legal matter had not been resolved.
The settlement, which was finalised on Wednesday, was confidential, but Nine is understood to be liable for more than $1 million in damages and legal costs.
On Friday, the Walkley Foundation directors announced the award would now be the subject of an independent review.
“The Walkley Foundation has given awards to recognise Australian journalism since 1956, and regularly reviews its processes,” a Walkley Foundation spokesman said.
“The review of this particular award will be conducted by individuals with no connection to the work under examination.”
In the report that aired on March 21, 2021, 9News Queensland claimed Dr Laming took an inappropriate “upskirting” photo of a female worker while she was stacking a bar fridge.
The woman was wearing shorts, not a skirt, at the time.
Dr Laming was interviewed by police about the incident but no charges were laid and he denied any wrongdoing.
Nine this week made a formal apology to Dr Laming for the story.
“9News unreservedly withdraws those allegations about Dr Laming and apologises to him and his family for the hurt and harm caused by the report.”
Dr Laming said after the court hearing he was pleased Nine, “finally acknowledged that allegations they broadcast last year were not true”.
The Walkley Foundation is yet to announce who will conduct the independent review.
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