Trailblazing Aussie journalist Judith Whelan dies aged 63 after long battle with cancer

The media industry is paying tribute to trailblazing editor and journalist Judith Whelan, who has died following a health battle.

Trailblazing editor and journalist Judith Whelan has died following a health battle.

According to the ABC, Whelan died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. She was 63.

Whelan had worked at the ABC from 2016. She was first appointed director, Regional and Local before taking the role of ABC editorial director in 2022.

Prior to that, she worked on a number of publications including the Sydney Morning Herald, where she also served as news director and editor of its weekend edition.

Aussie journalist and editor Judith Whelan dies aged 63.

The talented media exec was one of just three female editors in the SMH’s history.

Whelan also spent seven years as editor of its insert Good Weekend magazine, which is read by more than one million people weekly.

Well respected in her field, Whelan’s career also saw her stationed in both the Pacific and Europe as a foreign correspondent, and she was also nominated for a Walkley Award for her news and feature writing.

ABC managing director David Anderson was among the first to pay tribute to the “loved and respected” Whelan, confirming her death.

“We have lost a great friend and journalism has lost a true fighter,” he said in a statement released by the national broadcaster.

“Judith always had the instincts that made her such a formidable journalist. She carried with her a commitment to truth and accountability and instilled these values in those who worked with her.

“A valued mentor to younger journalists, Judith nurtured while leading by example. Judith was tough but caring and wanted those around her to succeed. Young reporters knew Judith would champion their work if the story needed to be told.”

At the Good Food Awards with former CEO and Publisher of Fairfax Lisa Hudson (left) in 2007. Picture: Gaye Gerard/Getty Images

Sydney Morning Herald editor Bevan Shields said Whelan will always remain a beloved part of their team.

“Judith was a wonderful editor, colleague and friend. She was at the Herald for more than three decades and remains part of our DNA. We are heartbroken by her death,” he told the Herald.

“She had a finely tuned news radar but also revelled in journalism that could entertain and inform readers. She was a natural leader and a beautiful person. Our thoughts are with Chris, Sophia and Patrick.”

Whelan’s other peers have also offered their condolences on social media.

Whelan (centre) joins then-Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore for an events briefing in 2020. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

“Beyond heartbroken, we were cadets @smh in 1985 and have been friends ever since: Judith Whelan, former Herald editor and ABC executive, remembered as a trailblazer for women,” renowned journalist Kate McClymont tweeted.

“This is terribly sad. Judith Whelan was a true trailblazer. Vale,” tweeted broadcaster and former Ten newsreader Tracy Spicer.

“Still reeling. Judith Whelan was a close, true friend. I so admired her wit, her grit & her judgment,” tweeted journalist Dr Julia Baird.

“As my editor, her belief in my writing fuelled me. She loved music, dancing, opera (esp. Rigoletto!), cooking, supping on joy. I’ll miss her.”

Originally published as Trailblazing Aussie journalist Judith Whelan dies aged 63 after long battle with cancer