Investigative reporter Kate McClymont testifies in Alan Jones trial

The Sydney Morning Herald chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont has given evidence at a Sydney court in the trial of former radio broadcaster Alan Jones, according to the Guardian and ABC News Australia. Jones has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving five men. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the trial is taking place in Sydney. [1][2][10]

The Guardian reported that McClymont told the court that alleged victims she interviewed received no benefit from her or the media company for telling their stories. ABC News Australia reported that many of the five accusers spoke to McClymont before filing complaints with the police. Her investigative stories published in late 2023 prompted additional alleged victims to come forward and initiated a police investigation, the Guardian and ABC News Australia both report. [1][2]

McClymont writes for The Sydney Morning Herald and is known for exposing corruption across politics, sports, and trade unions. She has earned ten Walkley Awards during her career, including the Gold Walkley Award in 2002 for covering salary cap breaches by the Canterbury Bulldogs, as well as the 2023 Walkley Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism. [6][9]