Key sponsors of the Walkley Foundation, which administers Australia’s premier journalism awards, intervened over concerns about the workplace conduct of Ben Butler, a senior figure who recently resigned as chair of the awards’ judging panel. The personnel change occurred shortly after reports emerged about Butler’s alleged inappropriate remarks made while he was employed at the ABC.
On Wednesday, the Walkley Foundation confirmed Butler’s departure from the judging board and announced that veteran journalist Gary Alcorn would immediately assume the chair position. The decision followed reports that Butler had left the ABC under contentious circumstances in February amid allegations that he had been overheard in a Melbourne newsroom saying a young female ABC staff member should be “killed and buried in a shallow grave.” The incident reportedly caused distress to the staffer involved.
Butler responded on June 14 to inquiries about the claims, describing the accusations as a “distortion of an overheard private conversation” and stating that his resignation from the ABC resulted from a series of short-term contracts rather than the allegations. However, it is understood that an internal investigation into Butler’s conduct was ongoing when he resigned from the public broadcaster.
Initially, the Walkley Foundation defended Butler, with Michael Slezak—federal president (media) of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and fellow board member—describing Butler as “one of Australia’s most decorated and respected journalists” and affirming confidence in his role. This stance remained until multiple sponsors raised concerns last week, prompting the Foundation to accept Butler’s resignation and appoint Alcorn as replacement.
Among the sponsors expressing unease was MECCA, a beauty retailer that supports women in journalism in partnership with the Walkley Foundation. MECCA characterized the alleged behaviour as “unacceptable in any context” and confirmed it had addressed these concerns directly with the Foundation. Despite the situation, MECCA indicated it would continue its support of the Walkley Awards.
Our Watch, another major sponsor affiliated with the Foundation, focuses on preventing violence against women. While the organisation’s response was not detailed, its involvement underscores the broader sensitivity around workplace conduct and gender-related issues within the media industry.
The Walkley Foundation’s response and the sponsors' involvement highlight increasing scrutiny on the behaviour of prominent figures in journalism, reflecting growing demands for accountability and safe work environments.