ABC’s Pacific news coverage recognised by Lowy Institute - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The ABC's leading role in reporting on Pacific and international affairs has been recognised by the Lowy Institute. Stephen Dziedzic, from ABC NEWS' International and Indigenous team, won the top prize, the 2026 Lowy Institute Media Award, for his in-depth coverage of global affairs and the Australian Government’s policy and deal making with Pacific Island nations.
Groundbreaking ABC two-part investigation Foreign Correspondent: Cartel Paradise was also shortlisted as a finalist for this year’s award. It was reported by Senior Reporter Stephanie March and Pacific Local Journalism Network (PLJN) correspondents Lice Movono (Fiji), Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong (Solomon Islands) and Marian Kupu (Tonga), from the ABC's Asia Pacific Newsroom.
Dziedzic said: “It’s great to see the Lowy Institute recognise the ABC’s commitment to the Pacific and the work we do every day bringing stories from the region to people in Australia and beyond.
“I was delighted that my Pacific colleagues were also nominated for their groundbreaking work on Cartel Paradise, which has had an enormous impact across the Pacific. I also owe much of the credit for this award to them.
"Most of the stories the ABC has broken about Australian statecraft in the Pacific over the last year have been collaborative, drawing in our network of reporters across the region. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve lent on their expertise and contacts to help bring these stories to light.”
Since 2013, the Lowy Institute Media Award has celebrated Australian journalists for exceptional reporting on international affairs, underscoring their important role in delivering world news to domestic audiences.
Director ABC NEWS Simon Robinson said: "This award from the Lowy Institute recognises the amazing work that the ABC is doing in covering the Pacific, a story we are well placed to tell."
“My congratulations to Stephen and to Stephanie, Lice, Chrisnrita and Marian for their nomination and tremendous work in championing Pacific storytelling. The ABC is committed to these opportunities for cross-team collaboration that deliver high-quality journalism."
For all media enquiries, contact: Annalise Ramponi, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, ABC International Ramponi.annalise@abc.net.au
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