Chris Done

Christopher Wayne Masters, born in Grafton, New South Wales, is a distinguished Australian journalist and author with numerous accolades, including multiple Walkley and Logie Awards. He began his career at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 1966 and became a long-serving reporter for the flagship program Four Corners in 1983. His investigative reports have led to significant public inquiries, such as the Street Royal Commission following his "Big League" program and the Fitzgerald Inquiry prompted by "The Moonlight State."

Masters has authored several books that delve into complex narratives. His work "Jonestown: The Power and the Myth of Alan Jones," initially facing publication challenges from ABC Enterprises, was eventually released and explored controversial aspects of the radio personality's life. More recently, his extensive investigation into Ben Roberts-Smith culminated in the book "Flawed Hero: Truth, lies and war crimes," which contributed to the legal proceedings against the former soldier. Masters also holds an honorary doctorate from RMIT University and was awarded the Public Service Medal.

Chris Masters is a highly decorated Australian journalist, renowned for his impactful investigative reporting, particularly for the ABC's "Four Corners" program, where he became its longest-serving reporter. His work has frequently triggered significant public inquiries and commissions. Notable examples include his 1983 report "Big League," which investigated judicial corruption and led to the Street Royal Commission, and his 1987 "Four Corners" exposé "The Moonlight State," which was instrumental in instigating the Fitzgerald Inquiry into corruption within Queensland. Masters has also received a Gold Walkley Award for his 1985 report "French Connections," concerning the controversial sinking of the Rainbow Warrior.

Beyond his extensive journalism, Masters has authored several books that have garnered critical attention and awards. His literary output includes "Inside Story" (1992) and "Not for Publication" (2002), which offered behind-the-scenes accounts of his television work. His book "Jonestown: The Power and the Myth of Alan Jones" (2006) delved into the life of radio personality Alan Jones, navigating publication disputes before its eventual release. "Jonestown" later won the 2007 Queensland Premier's Literary Awards and the 2007 Walkley Book Award. His more recent works, such as "No Front Line: Australia's Special Forces at War in Afghanistan" (2017), have also been recognized, and "Flawed Hero: Truth, lies and war crimes" (2023) received the 2024 Australian Political Book of the Year award.

Chris Masters' contributions to journalism and public discourse have been widely recognized through numerous honors and awards. He has received multiple Walkley Awards, including a Gold Walkley, and a Logie Award. In recognition of his service to Australian society through journalism, he was awarded the Public Service Medal in 1999 and the Centenary Medal in 2001. Academically, Masters was appointed an adjunct professor in Journalism at RMIT University in 2004, and the institution awarded him an honorary doctorate in Communications in 2006. He also serves on the national board of directors for the children's cancer charity RedKite.