ABC’s head of current affairs Bruce Belsham to depart
Bruce Belsham, the national broadcaster’s head of current affairs, will leave at the end of June to “pursue other projects”.
Belsham was promoted to the position in April 2012 to head up the ABC’s current affairs programs and content across television, radio and digital, including Four Corners, 7.30, Australian Story, Foreign Correspondent, Lateline and Offsiders.
The move comes after a career at the broadcaster spanning more than three decades which included a Gold Walkley Award-winning investigation with Chris Masters in 1985 into the role the French secret service played in sinking the Rainbow Warrior, and a seven-year stint as executive producer of Four Corners.
The ABC said Belsham had been integral in Four Corners’ digital transformation and touted him as one of the broadcaster’s most respected editorial leaders and accomplished current affairs documentary makers.
“Bruce Belsham’s work has been integral to the high standing and success of ABC current affairs and documentary for many years. He leaves the ABC’s Current Affairs team in excellent shape and poised for significant future growth, with its traditional strength as an industry leader in radio and television being successfully expanded across our digital channels to reach new and broader audiences,” ABC’s director of news Gaven Morris said.
“In-depth and investigative journalism has never been more important, and from next week we’ll be seeking a replacement to fill Bruce’s sizeable shoes.”
Belsham said it was time to move on from full-time management after a long career with the broadcaster.
“I’ve had several different careers during my time at the ABC, across investigative journalism, documentary-making, digital innovation, and senior editorial management, and all of them have been extremely rewarding. However, it is time to move on from full-time management roles and pursue other projects.”
