JOURNALISTS working for the Mercury and the Sunday Tasmanian won awards in four categories at the Tasmanian Media Awards in Hobart last night.

The winners were James Bresnehan (excellence in sports reporting), Tim Martain (excellence in arts reporting) and Sue Neales, who won two awards (excellence in investigative reporting and excellence in print, online and wire service).

Commendations went to Linda Smith (excellence in science, technology and health writing), Danielle McKay (excellence in legal affairs reporting) and Sue Neales (Journalist of the Year - high commendation).

Journalists gathered at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre to celebrate the biggest stories and best skills of 2010.

Tasmanian entertainer John X took on the tough job as master of ceremonies, drawing laughs from the discerning crowd with A Bogan Medley.

Matthew Denholm from The Australian again won the most awards on the night. He took home another four awards, including Journalist of the Year.

The main gong of the night, the Keith Welsh Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism, was awarded to former ABC Tasmania radio presenter Tim Cox.

(Scanned)