At the prestigious New York Festival Radio Awards, Nine and TaptMedia’s investigative podcasts received notable honors. Two programs, The Saints and Alva Beach: Death At The Door, showcased their exceptional storytelling and journalism by winning Bronze and Silver awards.
Podcast Highlights
- The Saints:
- Aired on A Current Affair.
- Produced by Jess Lodge and presented by Pippa Bradshaw.
- Focuses on the tragic death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs in Toowoomba, Queensland.
- Offers critical insights into religious extremism and failures in justice systems.
- Alva Beach: Death At The Door:
- Aired on 60 Minutes and produced by Jess Lodge.
- Presented by Adam Hegarty.
- Investigates the stabbing deaths of Corey Christensen and Tom Davy in Alva Beach, North Queensland.
- Explores the responses from law enforcement and the challenges faced by the victims’ families.
- Received additional recognition with a Bronze award in the serialised podcast category.
Recognition and Impact
These podcasts have drawn attention to pressing issues in regional Queensland. With over one million downloads combined, they exemplify podcasting’s role in investigative journalism. Adam Hegarty emphasized the emotional weight of the stories, expressing gratitude for the recognition while honoring the families affected by the events. Pippa Bradshaw highlighted the global relevance of The Saints, calling for accountability regarding extreme beliefs and their consequences.
Future Prospects
Both podcasts are set to further their acclaim in the audio space. The Saints has been shortlisted for ‘best crime podcast’ at the upcoming 2026 Australian Audio Awards in Sydney. These achievements underscore the talent and dedication behind these investigative works.
As investigative storytelling continues to evolve, the success of Nine and TaptMedia demonstrates the powerful impact podcasts can have on raising awareness of critical issues.
