Four Australian travel writers were announced today by IFWTWA, the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, as finalists in the John Crook Award for Excellence in Broadcasting.

The finalists are all members of IFWTWA and broadcast their stories and interviews on IFWTWA Australasia's FM radio show, Travel Writers Radio, which is also heard live on the Internet, with edited podcasts available on demand at https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio.

Entries were received from IFWTWA member. The four finalists nominated were: Christine Salins from Queensland; Maurie O'Connor, also from Queensand and two from Melbourne, Kirstie Bedford and Peter Watson.

Chair of IFWTWA Australasia, Graeme Kemlo, said one of the aims in establishing the radio show, apart from informing and entertaining listeners, was to help upskill travel writers who found themselves victims of print media downsizing. 

“Apart from helping writers to develop and hone technical skills in presentation, radio interviewing in studio and field recording, a number have gained confidence and really enjoy the medium.  “Amidst all the focus on social media and citizen journalism, Travel Writers Radio has taken advantage of the renaissance in radio with live broadcasts available beyond geographic boundaries and on a range of devices such as tablets and smartphones,” Graeme said.

John Crook, a radio and television journalist and Logie-winner was a pioneer of travel broadcasting in Australia and was the longest serving member of IFWTWA in Australasia when he died in September 2015 after a long illness.  He was 76.

“John had reported a number of stories on Travel Writers Radio and earlier last year we'd been in discussion with John and his family about honouring his travel broadcasting legacy. He was thrilled that this award would bear his name,” Graeme said. 

Final judging is underway and the winner is expected to be announced later in February. 

Stories from the finalists cab be heard on the Travel Writers Radio SoundCloud site:

Christine Salins

Sunshine Coast: https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio/christine-salins-sunshine-coast-food-fest-300714

Montgomery, Alabama: https://soundcloud.com/foodwinetravel/montgomery-alabama-travel-writers-radio-australasia 

Maurie O'Connor

Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk: https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio/maurie-oconnor-twelve-apostles-lodge-walk

Maria Island Walk: https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio/maurie-oconnor-on-maria-island-walk 

(more)

Kirstie Bedford

https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio/kirstie-bedfords-tips-for-travelling-with-kids … my piece on “Travelling with Kids”. 

https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio/tim-hunter-tourism-christchurch-ceo-speaks-with-kirstie-bedford  (Interview with Tim Hunter about life after the Christchurch earthquake)

Peter Watson

https://soundcloud.com/travelwritersradio/peter-watson-with-jayson-westbury-afta-ceo - interview about changes to the travel agents accreditation scheme and impact on consumers/ 

Issued by Graeme Kemlo on behalf of IFWTWA Australasia and Travel Writers Radio graeme@travelwritersradio.com