The Walkley Foundation is undertaking a review of its sponsorship policy, amid increasing industry pressure over a commercial partnership with Australia’s most prestigious journalism awards.
, wrote an open letter to The Walkley Foundation and its board on Friday, asking it to divest its fossil fuel sponsorship, and to refuse any future sponsorship opportunities with fossil fuel partners.Loading
He continues: “[Fossil] fuel is going to disappear over the next couple of decades ... The role that governments will need to play – and companies – in shaping what society is going to look like over the next 10, 20, 30 years, you need to have a very independent and capable media to … arbitrate that debate effectively.”
She said as the most prestigious journalism awards in Australia, the Walkleys will easily find a replacement sponsor, should it part ways with Ampol. “In fact, Ampol is only one of many sponsors already.” Martyn said the foundation respects the right of all media professionals to decide which awards they wish to enter.