Sydney Morning Herald editor Judith Whelan heads to ABC for new role
ABC Radio has announced Judith Whelan, editor of the Sydney Morning Herald will join the company as head of spoken content, overseeing the talk networks and programs.
Whelan, who has been editor of the Sydney Morning Herald for just eight months, will move to her new position on November 7.
In her new role, Whelan will offer editorial and creative direction to ABC radio and the wider network.
Reporting to director of radio, Michael Mason, director of radio, Whelan will be responsible for the ABC’s capital city radio network, sports network Grandstand and ideas network RN.
Mason said of the appointment: “Judith brings to the ABC the perfect suite of skills that our talk networks and programs need in this very challenging digital era.”
“She is an accomplished journalist and editor, equally at home with daily news, detailed investigations and quality features. She has a passion for telling the stories of our cities, an excellent track record in talent management and a proven ability to engage audiences in an increasingly connected world.”
Prior to her role as editor, Whelan was the editor of Good Weekend for eight years, Saturday editor of the Sydney Morning Herald as well as news director.
Whelan was humbled by the new role.
“I am immensely proud to have been offered this role and the opportunity to work for the ABC,” she said.
“The talk networks and programs occupy a very special place in the Australian community and I want to work with staff to deepen that connection with audiences.”
Fairfax editor-in-chief of The Sydney Morning Herald, Darren Goodsir took to Twitter to express his sadness, and in an official statement said: “We wish Judith every success at the ABC. She is a great editor and journalist and this is a terrific opportunity for her.”
