ABC Appoints Simon Robinson as New Director of News and Current Affairs

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has appointed Simon Robinson, a senior executive at Reuters, as its new Director of News and Current Affairs, succeeding Justin Stevens. ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks has stated that Stevens was not informed of the search for his replacement prior to his resignation.

Appointment of Simon Robinson

Simon Robinson has been appointed as the Director of News and Current Affairs for the ABC, becoming the first external hire for this role in decades. He is expected to commence in September.

Robinson is the Deputy to the Editor-in-Chief at Reuters, based in London, where he has worked for 16 years. At Reuters, he helps lead a global newsroom of approximately 2,600 journalists. His career began as a reporter and fact-checker at Who Weekly in Sydney, followed by 15 years at Time magazine as a correspondent, bureau chief, and editor.

"I am thrilled and honoured to be named the ABC's Director of News & Current Affairs. As a passionate believer in the power of fact-based, independent journalism, I believe the ABC plays a pivotal role in providing Australians with the reliable reporting we all need."
— Simon Robinson

As a foreign correspondent for over two decades, he reported from numerous countries. As an editor, he has overseen award-winning coverage on topics including Iran, Russia, corporate taxation, and migration.

"Simon Robinson is one of the most experienced and respected newsroom leaders in global journalism. His track record leading large, complex news operations and his deep commitment to fact‑based reporting make him an outstanding choice to lead the ABC’s News division."
— Hugh Marks, ABC Managing Director

Resignation of Justin Stevens and Succession Process

Justin Stevens resigned from his role as Director of News on May 27, after 19 years with the ABC, including four years as news director. His resignation was effective immediately. Stevens cited personal and professional reasons for his departure, stating it was "the right time to move on."

Marks confirmed that Stevens was not informed that the ABC had engaged recruitment firm Hourigan to find his successor or that Robinson had been identified as the preferred candidate. Marks stated that the search was conducted as part of general succession planning and that Stevens' resignation was considered "inevitable" following disagreements over the future direction of ABC News.

Marks noted that he and Stevens held different views on how to move forward, particularly regarding resource allocation, the potential reduction of news content, and the introduction of new formats. The ABC announced Robinson’s appointment the day after Stevens’ resignation.

ABC's Future Direction

During a Senate estimates hearing, Marks stated that Stevens' departure presents an opportunity for the ABC to enter a new phase of operations and "refresh and rejuvenate" its output. He said the broadcaster will refocus its news division, aiming to produce less content but at a higher standard.

"Doing more is not necessarily doing things better."
— Hugh Marks, ABC Managing Director

Marks commented that the organization needs to solve for the pressure of asking staff to "do more to occupy more platforms," adding that "doing more is not necessarily doing things better." He suggested that some legacy programming or services may be discontinued and stated that all leadership roles at the ABC are under review.

Appointment of Grace Tame and Subsequent Controversy

Marks also addressed the hiring of former Australian of the Year Grace Tame to host an ABC podcast series. He confirmed that the hiring decision was made before Tame made public comments regarding the phrase "globalise the intifada" during a visit by Israel’s president.

Marks defended the decision, stating that the podcast addresses topics of importance to many Australians and that Tame "abhors violence." He noted that the ABC must balance delivering content with the understanding that collaboration with some individuals may bring controversy.

Regarding remarks made by ABC Radio Melbourne Drive host Charlie Pickering criticizing Tame’s appointment, Marks stated that ABC management reviewed the comments and determined they did not breach the ABC code of conduct, as Pickering made clear they were his own views.