774 ABC Melbourne has received two nominations for the 2002 Walkley Awards.

Morning Presenter, Jon Faine has been nominated in the category of Radio News Reporting, for “Going, Going, Gone! Ansett Airlines Collapse”. The 774 ABC Melbourne Morning Program broke several aspects of this story live to air, from the closure of Ansett, the various attempts to revive it, the TESNA bid and the closure of the Administrator-run Ansett. The interview with Greg Combet from the ACTU broke the news that the deal had collapsed.

In the category of Radio Current Affairs Reporting, 774 ABC Melbourne Drive presenter Virginia Trioli has been nominated for “Minister Overboard” This was the interview that led to former Defence Minister, Peter Reith and Prime Minister, John Howard being accused of lying to the Australian people during the federal election of 2001. The statements and categorical assertions in this interview that were later revealed to be untrue, led to the establishment of the Senate inquiry into “A Certain Maritime Incident”; this interview re-cast the entire legacy of long-time Liberal minister, Peter Reith.

Local Radio Manager, Ian Mannix is pleased that both Faine and Trioli had been nominated for a Walkley – the highest accolade for journalists in Australia: “It is great that both of these programs are being recognised by their peers for the outstanding contribution they have made to news and current affairs radio coverage… These interviews are just one example of the outstanding work that these programs and the station are doing on a day-to-day basis.”

The Walkleys will be announced in Sydney on the 28th November.