Fairfax journo to deliver Andrew Olle Media Lecture

Walkley -award Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont will deliver the annual Andrew Olle Media Lecture in October.

“Kate McClymont’s journalism is characterised by fearless inquiry, the greatest levels of independence and a relentless need to hold those in power to account,” said Mark Scott, Managing Director ABC.

“Her courageous reporting, her vibrant story-telling and her passion for quality journalism make her a compelling choice to present this year’s Andrew Olle Media Lecture. As is the case when we read her copy every morning – we can’t wait to hear what she has to say.”

“Having worked with the late Andrew Olle at Four Corners during the late 1980s, I am honoured to be delivering the 2014 Andrew Olle Media Lecture,” says Kate McClymont.

Kate has been the recipient of numerous awards. The Sydney Morning Herald journalist’s work has been recognised by five prestigious Walkley awards, including the Gold Walkley for her coverage of the Bulldogs salary cap scandal. She has been acknowledged as the Racing Writer of the year and been awarded the George Munster Award for Independent Journalism.

Kate was named the 2012 NSW Journalist of the Year for her investigations into the Health Services Union and the business activities of former NSW Labor minister, Eddie Obeid.

The Andrew Olle Media Lecture is held in honour of one of the ABC’s iconic broadcasters, Andrew Olle. After Andrew died of a brain tumour in 1995 his widow, Annette, set up a Trust to encourage brain cancer research. In recent years the Olle Fund for Brain Cancer Research has supported Dr Kerrie McDonald, who is now Head of the Neuro Oncology (brain cancer) Group at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre (part of the University of NSW). The Lowy Cancer Research Centre is one of the largest adult and child cancer research centres in the southern hemisphere.

The Andrew Olle Media Lecture focuses on the role and future of the media. The Lecture has continued to grow in stature since its inception in 1996. Kate McClymont follows a long line of distinguished speakers, including Lisa Wilkinson, Mark Colvin, Alan Rusbridger, Laurie Oakes, Ray Martin, John Hartigan, Senator Helen Coonan, John Doyle, Chris Anderson, Harold Mitchell AO, Lachlan Murdoch, Kerry Stokes AO, Eric Beecher, John Alexander, Jana Wendt and David Williamson.

The event will be televised on the ABC in November.