Mary Kostakidis has received the 2026 Gary Webb Freedom of the Press Award, recognising her long record in Australian journalism and her defence of press freedom amid legal action over her criticism of Israel’s war on Gaza.
Last week Mary Kostakidis won 2026 Gary Webb Freedom of the Press Award presented by Consortium News. Previous winners include Oliver Stone, Julian Assange and John Pilger.
Known as the face of Australia’s SBS evening news Kostakidis has also been described a the “conscience” of the broadcaster, for among things, wanting to tell the Palestinians’ story.
A ferocious defender of press freedom, she has been has been engaged in legal action with the Zionist Federation of Australia for a selection of her tweets critical of Israeli aggression and genocide. The ZFA has brought her to federal court in Australia in a high-profile case accusing her of anti-Semitism.
This short film (made by Cathy Vogan) profiles Kostakis and marks the prestigious award.
Idiotic. https://t.co/qF1Bsrpm91
— Consortium News (@Consortiumnews) June 15, 2026
