Media Awards
The Australian Sports Commission Media Awards recognise excellence in sports journalism, broadcasting and production and are the only dedicated sports media awards in Australia.
They focus on analytical and insightful reporting and the presentation of sport and sporting issues, with the ultimate aim of fostering improved coverage of key issues within sport. There are multiple categories that enable different media to compete on relative merits.
Key information
Entries open: September 2025
Finalists announced: December 2025
Winners announced: February 2026
Contact: ASCmediaawards@ausport.gov.au
Award categories
Best reporting of an issue in sport
This award for journalistic excellence recognises a story, or series of stories, on a single issue in sport. It seeks to promote responsible, well-researched and analytical coverage of issues affecting sport.Best sport profile – written
This award recognises the best example of responsible and well-researched written profiling of an individual athlete, team or coach (can be print or online items).Best sports documentary
This award recognises the best example of responsible and well-researched documentary making. The focus may be profiling an individual athlete, sport, team, coach or issue.Best sport coverage by an individual - broadcast
This award recognises an individual who has delivered exceptional coverage of sport and/or sports news on broadcast media during the nomination period.Best sport podcast
This award recognises an individual or organisation who has delivered exceptional audio coverage of sport via podcast media during the nomination period.Best sport coverage by an individual - written
This award recognises an individual who has delivered exceptional written coverage of sport in print or online media during the nomination period.Best depiction of inclusive sport
This award recognises the best example of media that depicts the inclusiveness of sport and/or sporting communities.Best coverage of local and community sport
Formerly ‘Best coverage of rural and regional sport’, this award recognises exceptional coverage of sport at the local and community level, which remains the heartbeat of our sporting culture.Best coverage of sport for people with disability
This award recognises the best coverage of sport for people with disability.Best coverage of sport by a club or organisation
This award recognises the ability of sporting clubs and organisations to engage with members and fans through their own media channels.Best coverage of a sporting event
This award recognises an organisation across any media platform that has delivered exceptional coverage of a sporting event during the nomination period.Best sports photography
This award recognises published images that capture the passion, drama and colour of sport.
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award acknowledges a rising star in the industry for their contribution to sports media. Open to people 30 years and under, or who have been in the industry for five years or fewer, this person will be selected from the pool of finalists for their contribution to sports media.Lifetime achievement award for sports journalism
This award is for exceptional service to sports journalism over an extended period. The award is given by the Australian Sports Commission Board and is presented to an individual who has made a lengthy, significant and influential contribution to the reporting of Australian sport.
Judging
A panel comprising representatives from the media, sport and the Australian Sports Commission will judge the entries.
With the exception of the Lifetime achievement award for contribution to sports journalism, a minimum four finalists will be selected in each category. The lifetime achievement award winner is chosen by the Australian Sports Commission board.
Judges will make their decisions based solely on the material provided by entrants. Entrants should not expect feedback from the judging panel about their entry.
Terms and conditions of entry are available on the ASC website. Each category has different requirements, as listed within each category description.
Many factors are taken into account, such as (in no specific order):
- use of medium
- news value
- research
- writing and/or editing
- technical excellence
- incisiveness
- impact
- public benefit
- ethics
- originality
- creative flair