After extended periods acting in the roles, Dr Jane Connors has been appointed Manager, ABC Radio National and Helen Thomas as Manager, ABC NewsRadio.

Acting Director of Radio Kate Dundas announced the appointment saying, “I am thrilled to have two such highly accomplished and experienced broadcasters as Jane and Helen at the helm of ABC Radio National and ABC NewsRadio.”

“With these two appointments ABC Radio is well placed to continue its innovative approach to broadcasting in this multi-media age.”

Connors has spent 16 years at the ABC, starting out as a history researcher. After a seven year spell as Executive Producer of the ABC’s Social History Unit, she became Editor of ABC Radio National’s weekly programs. She was appointed Editor of daily programs in 2004 and has been Acting Manager for ABC Radio National since 2005.

Thomas has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years in print and radio. She completed her cadetship at The Age. After reporting for The National Times, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald she joined Triple j as presenter of The Drum. She jumped ship from the ABC to produce Wendy Harmer during Vega’s inaugural lineup, but went back to the national broadcaster after Harmer was axed.

She spent 16 years with ABC Radio National producing a number of programs including Late Night Live, Background Briefing and ABC Radio National Breakfast. She joined ABC NewsRadio in 2006 as Acting Manager.