Two more journalism

the lead up to this year’s Federal Election, brought home the award for Best Text Report.

BY IqRa SaEED

Indian Link Media Group has taken out two awards at this year’s NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards (PMCAs).

Pawan Luthra and Rajni Anand Luthra’s report of a nationwide survey of voting intention within the Indian community in

Youth writer Rhea L Nath was awarded Young Journalist of the Year.

The media group was also nominated in the categories of Best Audio Report (for its COVID information including the Bollywood parody Jab Song which went viral last year), and the Alan Knight Student Award for yours truly.

Indian Link’s election surveys are typically eagerly awaited, but this time round the largescale exercise garnered particular attention. It gathered data on issues of concern impacting us as part of the wider mainstream, but also included issues specific to the community such as the effect of travel bans during the pandemic, and whether Scott Morrison’s frequent ‘curry night’ posts on social media influenced voting decision in any way.

Findings broke the community barrier and were discussed on national broadcaster ABC’s Radio National, ABC Radio Sydney’s Drive show, ABC TV’s The Drum (where host Julia Baird held up a copy for audiences to see) and was shared by The Guardian in their live daily election coverage.

Co-authors Pawan Luthra and Rajni Anand Luthra were not at the event to receive the award themselves, but Pawan said later, “I’m quite proud of the work we did these elections. As part of our entire election coverage spanning three months, this particular piece informed as well as mobilised public opinion, both within our own community and those watching us from the outside. I’m grateful that its