Yoni Bashan’s powerful reporting from Israel wins top journalism award
Yoni Bashan, senior reporter for The Australian, has received the prestigious Sir Keith Murdoch Award for Excellence in Journalism at the 2024 News Awards
Yoni Bashan and Lachlan Murdoch Pic: Courtesy The Australian
The honour, presented by News Corporation’s executive chairman Lachlan Murdoch at a gala in Sydney, celebrates Bashan’s powerful on-the-ground reporting from Israel during the nation’s ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Bashan has reported from the front lines since the devastating Oct. 7 attacks—the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust—covering stories of terror victims, civilians living under constant threat, and key Israeli leaders responding to the crisis. “These stories are a testament to the resilience and courage of those living in the shadow of violence,” Bashan said. “It’s been a privilege to bring their voices to a global audience.”
Murdoch, presenting the award, praised Bashan’s courage, saying, “As the horrific October 7 attacks happened, Yoni was on the phone to The Australian’s editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn wanting to go to Israel. By October 10, he was on the ground, becoming the first Australian journalist to visit Gaza after the attacks.”
Murdoch continued, “He did not shy from danger—he ran toward it. He bore witness to trauma while reporting in the Middle East, driven by a belief that truth can only be uncovered by reporters who are courageous, impartial, and fearless.”
Bashan’s dedication included multiple trips to Israel over the past year, featuring exclusive interviews, such as with a freed Israeli hostage and the family of a young girl killed by Hezbollah. He also captured firsthand the impact of an Iranian missile strike and recorded the moment Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted missiles, providing a vivid portrayal of life amid conflict.
Bashan’s immersive journalism has been praised by peers for its courage and empathy. Murdoch said, “Yoni’s work exemplifies the highest standards of journalism—bringing truth to light in the most dangerous settings. His commitment and bravery have provided readers a window into the harsh realities in the Middle East.”
The Sir Keith Murdoch Award honours journalists who embody courage, accuracy, and integrity—values that Bashan’s work demonstrates. Murdoch noted, “In an age when facts are increasingly under attack, Yoni’s reporting reminds us of journalism’s power to make the unseen seen and to provide clarity amid confusion.”
This award marks a milestone in Bashan’s career, following his previous win in 2009 as News Corp Australia’s Young Journalist of the Year, which included a 12-month secondment at The Wall Street Journal in New York.
