In a speech that reverberated through Australia's media landscape, veteran journalist Kerry O'Brien delivered a thunderous warning about the existential threats facing Australian journalism during his Walkley Awards address.
A Watershed Moment for Australian Media
The prestigious Walkley Awards ceremony, held on November 28, 2025, became the platform for one of the most significant interventions in recent Australian media history. Kerry O'Brien, a respected figure with six decades of journalism experience, used his acceptance speech to sound a powerful alarm about the deteriorating state of Australia's media ecosystem.
O'Brien didn't mince words when describing the current situation, portraying Australian media as being in a state of deep crisis. His address highlighted multiple converging threats that have created what he termed an "existential moment" for journalism in the country.
The Multiple Fronts of Media Decline
The veteran journalist identified several critical areas where Australian media faces unprecedented challenges. Media concentration has reached alarming levels, with O'Brien particularly critical of the dominant position held by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. He described the media landscape as suffering from a "dangerous concentration of power" that stifles diversity of voices and perspectives.
O'Brien also expressed deep concern about the financial sustainability of quality journalism. The erosion of traditional revenue models has led to widespread newsroom cuts and closures, particularly affecting regional and local news outlets. This economic pressure has created what he called a "perfect storm" threatening the very foundation of democratic accountability.
The speech also addressed the growing challenge of digital platforms and misinformation. O'Brien warned that the rapid spread of false information through social media and other digital channels is undermining public trust in established media institutions while making it increasingly difficult for factual reporting to reach audiences.
The Consequences for Australian Democracy
O'Brien made clear that the media crisis extends far beyond the journalism industry itself. He argued that a healthy democracy depends on a robust and independent media to hold power to account and inform citizens. Without this essential function, he warned, Australian democracy faces serious erosion.
The veteran journalist pointed to specific examples where media weakness has already had tangible consequences. He referenced the decline in political reporting depth and the reduction in investigative journalism capacity as particularly worrying trends that leave the public less informed about matters of national importance.
O'Brien's speech served as both a warning and a call to action. He urged journalists to maintain their commitment to truth-telling and ethical reporting despite the challenging environment. More broadly, he called on politicians, business leaders, and the public to recognize the vital role that quality journalism plays in a functioning democracy.
Looking Forward: Solutions and Resistance
While the tone of O'Brien's address was urgent and concerned, it wasn't without hope. He pointed to examples of resilient journalism that continues to make a difference despite the challenges. The very existence of the Walkley Awards, celebrating excellence in Australian journalism, demonstrates that quality reporting persists even in difficult circumstances.
The speech has already sparked significant discussion within media and political circles. Many see it as a potential turning point that could galvanize support for measures to strengthen Australian media. These might include policy interventions, new funding models, and renewed public commitment to supporting quality journalism.
As O'Brien concluded his powerful address, he left his audience with a clear message: The fight for Australian media is a fight for Australian democracy itself. The response to this crisis will determine not just the future of journalism, but the health of the nation's democratic institutions for generations to come.
