SBS Radio has secured two awards at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Awards 2019.

The investigation titled, The interview which uncovered an alleged torturer was recognised with the Gold Award for the Best Investigative Report and a Bronze Award for the Best Radio Report.

The SBS Spanish investigation prepared by producer Florencia Melgar (pictured) revealed how dual Chilean-Australian citizen Adriana Rivas escaped her homeland, where she was accused of aggravated kidnapping of seven people alleged to have been committed in 1970s during the military dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet.

Whilst Adriana continues to deny claims against her, the SBS interview triggered a historical extradition request to Australia which led to her arrest in Sydney on February 19, 2019. She is currently facing an extradition bid from Chile.

Florencia Melgar, Senior Co-ordinating Producer, SBS Radio says she “feels humbled and honoured to be recognised by the New York Festivals Radio Awards. The accolades are a testimony that investigative reporting still has social impact and the ability to influence action.”