Justin Stevens appointed ABC’s new director of news, analysis and investigations
The public broadcaster has finally appointed its new head of news after almost a six-month wait and it comes just in time for the upcoming federal election.
The ABC has announced its new director of news almost six months after outgoing boss Gaven Morris first revealed he was departing the public broadcaster.
As exclusively revealed by The Australian on Tuesday night, the appointment of Justin Stevens as the new director of ABC news, analysis and investigations, was officially announced by the public broadcaster on Thursday.
Stevens was previously the executive producer of 7.30, a role which he held for four years.
His appointment comes ahead of other key contenders in the race for the top news job which included interim news director Gavin Fang, distribution boss Stuart Watt and current affairs chief John Lyons.
Congratulations to @_JustinStevens_ the new Director @abcnews. I’ve known Justin since he was 19 & we worked at Nine’s Sunday. In recent yrs we’ve worked together in his capacity as EP @abc730 where he did a brilliant job. A thoroughly decent person committed to real journalism.
— John Lyons (@TheLyonsDen) March 30, 2022
It’s understood Morris was a big supporter of Fang and wanted him to be his replacement.
The job - which Stevens starts on Monday - is touted as one of the toughest news gigs in the country and the appointment comes ahead of Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling the federal election any day now.
ABC managing director David Anderson welcomed Stevens’ appointment and said he has a “proven track record in editorial leadership across complex issues and events”.
“Justin fully understands the challenges and opportunities the ABC faces as an essential public service in the digital media era,” he said in an issued statement.
“This is a key appointment for the ABC and it comes amid major news events – the continuing effects of the COVID pandemic, the war in Ukraine, domestic issues such as the rising cost of living, and the upcoming federal election.”
Stevens’ appointment means 7.30 now has two key positions to fill including the role of executive producer and the hosting gig after Leigh Sales revealed earlier this year she would be stepping back from her presenting duties in late June.
She will remain at the ABC in a new role.
🧵For 7 of the past 11 years, every day I have worked hand in glove with this man, @_JustinStevens_ , who has just been appointed Director of ABC News. This is a brilliant appointment for the ABC and for its audience 1/3 pic.twitter.com/fXIkhwYgDd
— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) March 30, 2022
Stevens said he was honoured to be appointed the head of ABC news.
“Australians trust ABC News to deliver the quality public interest journalism and services they need and which are a key part of a healthy democracy,” he said.
“That job is more vital than ever.”
Stevens joined the ABC in December 2006 and has worked on 7.30, documentaries and other series in his time at the public broadcaster.
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