Jim Carroll, SBS director of news and current affairs, announces retirement
SBS’ director of news and current affairs, Jim Carroll, will retire from the role on 31 August, 2020 after seven years in the position.
Carroll reflected on his time at the broadcaster, in which he has witnessed “some of the most significant stories of my lifetime”. But what he found most rewarding was “the small moments”.
SBS pointed to its achievements during Carroll’s stint as a marker for all he has achieved in the position, including reshaping its newsroom in response to digital platforms, expanding domestic coverage, establishing Europe and China bureaus, refreshing Dateline and Insight, and launching new offerings like The Feed – which last week joined the primary channel from SBS Viceland – Small Business Secrets and Where Are You Really From?
“Under Jim’s leadership, SBS has cemented itself as one of Australia’s most trusted media sources, with a well-earned reputation for impartial and independent reporting on global and domestic issues,” managing director James Taylor said.
“He has also guided the newsroom in its focus on stories otherwise untold – particularly of First Nations and multicultural communities – contributing to SBS’ differentiated position in the Australian media market.
“As we continue to adapt to changing audience behaviours, Jim’s ongoing development of our news and current affairs offering and investment in building a multi-skilled team, has ensured that Australians increasingly have access to this output at their convenience. I am incredibly grateful for his significant dedication and contribution.”
Carroll was deputy news director at Seven in 1988. After four years in the role, he became an executive producer at Nine for eight years, and then spent 11 years at Ten. There, he split his time between two roles, spending five years as head of investor and corporate relations, and almost six as head of news and public affairs.
Following that, he spent a couple of years as a consultant, before joining SBS in 2013 as executive producer of World News Australia and then stepping into his current role.
“The past seven years have seen some of the most significant stories of my lifetime, including ongoing conflicts and issues but also moments of triumph and joy. Rapid change in the way Australians consume news has also been at the forefront of our strategy, and I’m incredibly proud of our evolution in providing trusted, balanced and accurate reporting across multiple platforms,” Carroll said of his time at SBS.
“As I look back over the seven years, what I have found most rewarding are the small moments. The people in our news coverage, and on Insight, Dateline and The Feed who invite us into their lives and trust us to share their stories. These are the stories that set SBS apart, and help to break down misconceptions about issues, communities and individuals.
“Leading the fantastic SBS News and Current Affairs team is one of the great jobs in Australian journalism; it has been an absolute privilege.”
Recruitment for his replacement will begin immediately.
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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Congrats Jim on a fabulous career. It was a pleasure to work under you.
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Good luck Jim. Congratulations on a great career!
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