9News Queensland presenter Melissa Downes and producer Jess Lodge won the Award for Outstanding Podcast at Friday night’s Kennedy Awards, dedicated to excellence in Australian journalism, in a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Royal Randwick Racecourse.

Their entry, Hannah’s Story, which topped Australian podcasting charts and is nearing one million downloads, was recognised for excellence in podcasting as a compelling account of one of the worst acts of domestic violence Australia has ever seen – the day Hannah Clarke and her three children were set on fire and killed in their car in a quiet Brisbane street by their father, Hannah’s estranged husband, Rowan Baxter.

Over six episodes, Hannah’s Story gives a powerful voice to Hannah’s loved ones, the first responders on the scene, witnesses, domestic violence experts and political leaders, as it delved into the shocking murders to ignite a community conversation about coercive control and spotlight the need to identify red flags in friendships and relationships to prevent more domestic atrocities.

Melissa Downes said: “What an incredible night! With three decades in journalism including fifteen years at the 9News Queensland news desk, the experience of podcasting was an exciting shift. Hannah’s Story allowed us to shed light on the answers we were all grappling for since 19 February 2020, a devastating day etched in Australia’s history that has stuck with me ever since.

“Making the podcast with Jess was an honour, and a perfect avenue to magnify the incredible work of Hannah’s parents, Sue and Lloyd, through Small Steps 4 Hannah.”

Jess Lodge said: “I’m incredibly grateful that Hannah’s Story has received this recognition from our peers. Most of all, I’m proud knowing that its growing audience now has a deeper understanding of coercive control and the signs to look out for. I cannot thank Sue and Lloyd Clarke, and everyone who was involved, enough for allowing us to tell their stories.”

9News Queensland News Director, Amanda Paterson, said: “Proud is an understatement. Melissa and Jess, alongside podcast editor Adam Buncher, told Hannah’s Story with the grace, dignity and empathy that Hannah and her three children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, deserve.

“I saw first hand how much Melissa and Jess poured their heart and soul into this podcast, all while delivering 9News Queensland’s leading news bulletins. Their resounding success and last night’s Kennedy Award win not only validates their hard work but also sets the stage for an exciting era of future 9News podcasts.”

Listen to Hannah’s Story everywhere you get your podcasts.
Spotify | Apple Podcasts

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Monday, August 21, 2023