A Sky News podcast series about a woman who was jailed after making false sexual abuse accusations has won first prize at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Awards. Unreliable Witness, which took gold in the investigative journalism podcast category, told the story of Eleanor Williams, who was sentenced to eight and a half years for lying about being groomed, trafficked, and abused by an Asian gang in Barrow-in-Furness.
Williams was 22 when she was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after a jury found that she had lied, fabricated evidence, and inflicted wounds upon herself to support her claims. She was jailed in March 2023.
The series was spearheaded by home editor Jason Farrell and specialist producer Liz Lane, and produced by the Sky News podcast team. Read more: Eleanor Williams: The teenager who faked a grooming scandal, How Eleanor Williams’ false claims unravelled, Sexual abuse victims reveal impact of Eleanor Williams case.
Accepting the award during the virtual ceremony, Jason Farrell said: «The podcast offers a really powerful platform for investigative journalism and audiences really want to listen to it.» Sky’s head of audio, Dave Terris, said the award «recognises Sky News’ investment in the story, and in the narrative podcast space, to create a premium product which has engaged our audiences, topped the podcast charts and now, won an award.»
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