The awkward snub of climate change by Ampol-sponsored Walkley Awards
A decision by the Walkley Foundation concerning its prestigious annual awards will leave it with an awkward legacy, former journalist and Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble writes.
Out of the ruins of the World Wars, two fledgling industries sprouted, grew and took over the world: petroleum and public relations.
In Australia, there are few better examples of this than Ampol’s founder, Sir William Gaston Walkley, and his head of PR, Terry Southwell-Keely.
Together they established the public affairs playbook that big oil still uses today and that has put Australia’s most prestigious journalism awards in a bit of a pickle… because the Walkley Awards is sponsored by Ampol and just decided against recognising the climate reporting that embarrasses companies… like Ampol.
What a great well researched article – with a point well made
Dear Walkleys please reply
Great piece – thanks Belinda. That context is illuminating.
I think it’s fair enough that “legacy” players like Ampol can play an important role in the future of the energy economy (if they are actually part of the solution at the same time as being part of the problem!), but also that the playing field is 100% transparent…
Given the existential and economic importance of energy getting its shit together, celebrating and amplifying excellence in climate related journalism is a concept worth celebrating.
Agree with Adam. I get this sort of coverage from the US re: corporate capture of the press but there is so little here. Thanks Belinda