The ABC has tapped Reuters’ executive editor Simon Robinson to head up news and current affairs. He replaces Justin Stevens, who has resigned after a mammoth 19 years with the organisation.
Robinson’s appointment marks the first time in decades that a journalist from outside the ABC has been hired for the role.
The appointment of someone outside of the broadcaster follows Hugh Marks comments last year where he said under his leadership the ABC will be “bold, confident, ambitious and focused on the future”.
Currently based in London, Robinson will help lead a global newsroom of approximately 2,600 journalists across more than 150 countries and will have oversight of editorial output and digital publishing.
Robinson, who began his career in Australia, brings experience in reporting, investigations and large‑scale newsroom transformation. As a foreign correspondent for more than two decades, he reported from dozens of countries across four continents. As an editor, he has overseen award‑winning coverage on Iran, Russia, corporate taxation and migration.
“I am thrilled and honoured to be named the ABC’s director of news and current affairs. As a passionate believer in the power of fact-based, independent journalism, I believe the ABC plays a pivotal role in providing Australians with the reliable reporting we all need. I grew up listening to and watching ABC News. It seemed ever present in my childhood home. On a personal note, I am delighted this role brings me home, among family and friends,” said Robinson on his appointment.
“Simon Robinson is one of the most experienced and respected newsroom leaders in global journalism. His track record leading large, complex news operations and his deep commitment to fact‑based reporting make him an outstanding choice to lead the ABC’s News division,” commented Marks on the change.
Simon will start with the ABC in September. But there are questions with the decision. The Sydney Morning Herald reported “he has no TV experience and is little known in Australia.”
Outgoing director of news Justin Stevens, said in a statement released on Wednesday that his four years in the role “have been incredibly tough but immensely rewarding”.
“Having said that, for reasons both professional and personal, now is the right time for me to move on and for someone else to take over the helm of the best news team in the country,” he said.
Marks thanked Stevens for his “incredible commitment to the ABC” and said he had “worked to achieve outstanding results”.
“Justin has achieved this through a period of significant change and challenges across the media landscape, both internationally and in Australia,” Marks said in a statement.
“I am grateful to have seen the strength of Justin’s editorial instincts and to have observed his commitment to the ABC and audiences. I wish him every success in the future.”
Stevens, a former executive producer of the ABC’s current affairs program 7.30, was 38 when he became news director and has since worked under two managing directors and two chairs while in the role.
