Alison is journalist of the year

Former Peninsula News journalist Ms Alison Branley has been named Journalist of the Year at the 43rd Northern NSW Journalism Awards on July 24.

Currently with the Newcastle Herald, Ms Branley took out the top award of the night as well as the Best Print Journalist Award and Specialty Journalism Award.

"Her entire portfolio showcased the value of a dedicated round," regional media awards events coordinator for the Walkley Foundation Ms Anna Magnus said.

"Through her extensive contacts, she broke a wide range of important stories from cuts to TAFE places, the experiences of foreign students, to poor Hunter Valley school retention rates and located excellent local examples of schools concerned by government ineptitude in the stimulus package.

"She found the issues, and developed the stories through good research and contacts.

"The awards, known as the PRODIs, recognise excellence in regional media journalism across print, photography, television, radio and online media within the Northern NSW region."

Winners were announced at a special presentation dinner in Newcastle on July 24.

Press release, 24 Jul 2010 Anna Magnus, The Walkley Foundation