Channel 9 reporters have been stripped of the 2021 Clarion Awards

Two 9News reporters were stripped of three journalism awards.

The awards were presented at the 2021 Clarion Awards to Peter Fegan and Rebeka Powell for their reporting of alleged misconduct by former Liberal MP Andrew Laming, including false claims that Laming gave a woman an upskirt.

Laming sued over the serious allegations in a 9News report dated March 27, 2021.

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The Board of Directors of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance announced on Monday that it had decided to withdraw three awards given for reporting, including Best Broadcast Interview, Best TV News Report and Best Journalist of the Year.

The board said no replacement awards will be given.

“The MEAA board acted on the advice of a panel of journalists,” it said.

“The lawsuit follows the Walkley Awards’ decision to withdraw an award for the same subject last November.

“MEAA has taken steps to notify the parties affected by this decision of the outcome of the review process.”

As part of the federal court case, the network issued an apology, which was read by Laming’s attorney, Sue Chrysanthou SC.

“9News has now seen material that suggests the photo taken by Laming was not of an offensive nature,” the editor said.

“9News unreservedly retracts the allegations against Laming and apologizes to him and his family for the harm caused by the report.”