For both “professional and personal reasons,” Justin Stevens has resigned from his position as Director of News at the National Broadcaster after 19 years with the ABC.
“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 told staff.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks thanked Stevens for his “incredible commitment to the ABC.”
“Justin has achieved this through a period of significant change and challenges across the media landscape, both internationally and in Australia.
“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,” said Marks.
The head of ABC Regional, Rural and Metro News, Donna Field, will act as News Director until a replacement is found.
On LinkedIn Stevens posted:
There is no more complex news organisation in the country, no more scrutinised institution, and few so laden with public expectations. In that context, I have sought to strengthen and defend our journalism without being blind to our stumbles; to meet the state of constant change in the digital age; and to improve the culture in ABC News to one where we hold ourselves to the same standards as we do of others in the broader community.
It has been a huge four years. Our investigations have had major impacts for the public good. We increased scrutiny of state governments by building the State Investigations team and brought back Stateline. We launched ABC News Loop to reach the vast audiences on third-party platforms. We reviewed then reformed our international coverage and also have a correspondent back in China. Our Federal Election coverage last year was immense, including securing the first ABC election debate in more than two decades. We created YourSay, and its return in coming months will reinforce the commitment we make to the public we serve that we represent their concerns to those in power or pursuing power. We created ABC News Verify and deepened our specialism in Indigenous affairs and climate reporting. Our regional journalism is superb and unparalleled and our regional teams are now more central to our national daily news conversation than ever before.
The work of our teams is resonating with the public. We are number one in digital. Our 7pm audience has grown. The News Channel is stronger than ever. Our news audio podcasts are a powerhouse. We remain the most trusted news organisation in the country.
So much of what the ABC achieves is the result of work that will never carry a byline or attract public recognition. The people behind the scenes who make the journalism possible are as much a part of it as those in front of the camera or microphone.
I will forever treasure the friendships I have made at the ABC and the extraordinary work I have been lucky enough to be a part of. I am excited and energised at the prospect of whatever comes next and I will be cheering the ABC on from the sidelines.