Sydney Morning Herald editor Judith Whelan, has been appointed ABC Radio’s Head of Spoken Content, to oversee its talk networks and programs.
Judith will provide editorial and creative direction to meet the overall strategic goals of ABC Radio and the wider corporation.
As Head of Spoken Content, Whelan will be responsible for ABC Radio’s flagship programs within the Capital City radio network, Grandstand and the ideas network RN.
The appointment as Head of Spoken Content completes ABC Radio’s executive restructure.
Judith will report to the Director of Radio, Michael Mason, and will work alongside the Head of Music, Chris Scaddan, whose portfolio covers music networks, including ABC Classic FM, triple j, Double J, ABC Jazz and ABC Country.
“Judith brings to the ABC the perfect suite of skills that our talk networks and programs need in this very challenging digital era,” said Michael Mason.
“She is an accomplished journalist and editor, equally at home with daily news, detailed investigations and quality features. She has a passion for telling the stories of our cities, an excellent track record in talent management and a proven ability to engage audiences in an increasingly connected world.”
As Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, Judith has led a workforce of more than 500, producing award-winning work across multiple platforms.
Her previous roles at Fairfax Media have included an eight-year stint as the Editor of Good Weekend, as Saturday Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald, and also as its News Director, where she led the newsroom’s transformation from a primarily print-focused outfit to a multi-platform publishing operation excelling in video and multi-media storytelling.
Judith Whelan will commence in her new role on 7 November.
“I am immensely proud to have been offered this role and the opportunity to work for the ABC,” Whelan said. “The talk networks and programs occupy a very special place in the Australian community and I want to work with staff to deepen that connection with audiences.”