UTS Insearch graduate, Hagar Cohen has been awarded a Walkley Award for her ABC Radio National report, “Left in Harm’s Way”, a radio special that explored the dangers faced by women seeking legal protection and shelter from abusive partners.
Described by the judges as “a story that grabs its audience from the very first moments,” the radio special was broadcast at the same time state and federal government cuts to domestic violence services were taking effect.
UTS Insearch Program Manager – Communication, Janet Gibson, said that Ms Cohen’s Walkley Award was well deserved and a testament to the outstanding work produced by members of the UTS alumni community.
“Hagar is one of the many outstanding members of the UTS and UTS Insearch alumni communities, who are excelling in their fields and positively contributing to our society,” Janet Gibson said.
“A Walkley is a huge honour bestowed by the industry to its own best. And this award couldn’t have gone to a better journalist – Hagar should be very proud of her achievement. ”
Ms Cohen completed a degree in Journalism at UTS in 2007, after graduating from UTS Insearch in 2003. She joined the ABC in 2007 and has worked on Radio National’s Life Matters, Breakfast, The Religion Report and Saturday Extra as well as NewsRadio and been a reporter for AM, PM and The World Today.
Ms Cohen has previously been highly commended at Walkley Awards for her Background Briefing on cage fighting, “Blood, Sweat and Tears in the Cage” in 2012, for “Online Astroturfing” in 2013, and “The Secret Life of Monica Chetty” in 2014. She has also been awarded the UTS Insearch Alumni Prize which recognised the success of graduates.
The Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism are presented annually in Australia to recognise and reward excellence in media. Regarded as the Australian equivalent of the Pulitzer Prizes, the Walkleys cover all media including print, television, radio, photographic and online media.