The chair of the Walkley Awards judging board, former ABC journalist Ben Butler, has resigned after it was alleged he said a colleague at the ABC should be “killed and buried in a shallow grave”. The Walkley Foundation announced the resignation on Wednesday, stating: “Ben Butler has resigned as the chair of the Walkley Judging Board.” No further details were provided.
Alleged remark and ABC suspension
Butler, a former reporter for Guardian Australia, had been suspended by the ABC earlier this year after allegedly making the comment during a heated phone conversation while working in the ABC’s Melbourne newsroom. The incident went unreported at the time. In April, the Walkley Foundation had appointed Butler as chair of the judging board, which decides the annual prizes for excellence in journalism.
Earlier this month, The Australian reported claims that Butler had “engaged in a heated phone conversation with the colleague” and made the alleged remark. Butler declined to comment on his resignation or the allegation. He told The Australian that its version was distorted and that he “resigned from the ABC following a series of short-term contracts”.
Butler's career and Walkley success
Butler won two Walkley Awards at the 70th gala event last year as part of a team reporting on Australia’s childcare crisis. He has worked at Guardian Australia, the Herald Sun, The Age and The Australian, specialising in the intersection of business and crime.
Gay Alcorn appointed as new chair
The Walkley Foundation announced that Butler has been replaced by former Age editor Gay Alcorn. Alcorn, a former Guardian Australia Melbourne editor, is a three-time Walkley Award winner and a senior writer with Good Weekend magazine. She joined the Walkley board last year and previously served on the board between 2008 and 2011.
Walkley Foundation chief executive Shona Martyn said: “Gay is a thoughtful and perceptive judge who has long been a champion of public interest journalism and the highest editorial standards.” Alcorn commented: “The Walkleys are the premier journalism awards in Australia and it is an honour to play a role in recognising the outstanding journalism we produce every year.”
Upcoming awards
The 71st Walkley Awards open for entries on 1 July and will be presented on 19 November.
