ABC journalist Sarah Ferguson posts to Washington amid uncertainty over Beijing move
Sarah Ferguson is taking up a new role for the ABC in Washington DC, with her previously announced appointment as the broadcaster’s China bureau chief firmly on the backburner.
The Walkley-award winning senior journalist stepped down from Four Corners last year ahead of a move to Beijing, while husband Tony Jones wrapped up his time on Q&A, set to follow and also work for the ABC in China.
ABC Journalist Sarah Ferguson
Now Ferguson heads to the US in a “special in-depth reporting role” for ABC News amid a historic election for the country, and will spend around six months there.
“The drama of the US story is compelling. It’s the other side of the coin in the great superpower stand-off. And I’ll be reporting in the aftermath of an era-defining election,” Ferguson said.
She joins an ABC team reporting from the US which includes Washington bureau chief David Lipson and North America correspondent Kathryn Diss, with chief foreign Correspondent Phil Williams.
ABC director, news Gaven Morris said Ferguson will add “firepower” to the team.
“We have a top-notch team in the Washington bureau and Sarah’s superb long-form and investigative reporting will add formidable firepower to our coverage of the fascinating and significant US story,” he said.
Morris revealed that plans remain in place for Ferguson to take up her post in Beijing, but would not be drawn on when that might be possible. There are currently no ABC reporters posted in China.
“Sending Sarah to Beijing and having an ABC presence in China remains our top priority,” Morris said.
“However, in the interim Sarah can bring her substantial reporting skills to covering the world’s other superpower.”
The ABC also announced plans to set up a short-term posting in Seoul, South Korea, as it expands its Asia Pacific reporting capabilities.
“We’re looking at how we can most effectively deploy our resources to provide the best world coverage for audiences,” Morris said.
“The ABC’s Asia Pacific reporting sets us apart and is an essential part of our service.”
The ABC’s other posts are located in Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo, New Delhi, Port Moresby, London, Beirut and Jerusalem, as well as Washington.
“On-the-ground reporting for Australians through Australian eyes helps improve our understanding of international events and how they affect our nation and our lives,” Morris said.
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Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
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topics
ABC
ABC News
China
David Lipson
Gaven Morris
Kathryn Diss
Phil Williams
Sarah Ferguson
Tony Jones
US election
