Walkley for Linton
Investigative journalist Linton Besser has been awarded the 2010 Walkley award for investigative journalism for his report on the Defence Department chalking up $1.4 billion on travel, accommodation and conferences in a four year period.
Linton Besser
The Sydney Morning Herald journalist told J-Wire: “It was an honour just to be nominated. There was stiff opposition from other stories so it came asa complete surprise when my name was announced. This is the first prize I have won in my profession.”
The 33-year-old journalist was educated at Sydney’s Moriah College and is currently working on a story dealing with law enforcement agencies in New South Wales.
Besser, who is married with a two-year-old son, added: “But it’s the Defence Department which is the gift that keeps on giving – they are good fodder for journalists.”
Besser ran into his first problem with the award on his way home to Sydney from Melbourne…airline staff did not want to let him take it on the plane with him but after investigating the investigator they allowe both Besser and Walkey to head home for Sydney…and another day in the office.
