Since its establishment, the National Asthma Council Australia has enjoyed a close partnership with Australia's media.

According to Chief Executive Officer, Kristine Whorlow, early media relations activities, commencing around 1991, helped heighten political awareness of asthma and proved to be a key plank in the Council's successful lobbying to have asthma made a National Health Priority Area.

"Today, quality reporting of asthma in the consumer media continues to keep asthma top of mind in the community, reinforces the fact that we need to continue to take asthma seriously and it does much to increase understanding of the condition, its triggers and its management," Kristine Whorlow said.

Recognising the important role the media play in asthma education, the National Asthma Council Australia created the National Asthma Council Australia Media Awards in 1998 to acknowledge and reward excellence in asthma journalism and to promote and encourage responsible reporting of issues relating to asthma treatment, management and education.

2009/10 Asthma Media Awards

Overall Winner

Awarded to: Ms Jill Margo
"When exercise has you just running out of puff"
The Australian Financial Review

Best Print Article

Awarded to: Ms Jill Margo
"When exercise has you just running out of puff"
The Australian Financial Review

Best Radio Broadcast

Awarded to: Ms Madonna King
"Ask an Expert Asthma" with A/Prof. Charles Mitchell
612 ABC Brisbane

Best Television Segment

Awarded to: Ms Natasha Beyersdorf and Mr Grant McIntyre
"Babies Lungs"
6pm News Bulletin, NBN Television

Special Commendation

Awarded to: Ms Katherine Fleming
"Dust mites: Strange bedfellows"
Australian Geographic