SMH Editor Judith Whelan joins ABC Radio

ABC Radio has appointed Judith Whelan, current Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald to oversee its talk networks and programs.

As Head of Spoken Content, Judith will be responsible for ABC Radio’s flagship programs within the Capital City radio network, Grandstand and the ideas network RN. She also handle ditorial and creative direction to meet the overall strategic goals of ABC Radio and the wider Corp.

“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.”

The appointment as Head of Spoken Content completes ABC Radio’s executive restructure. It will see 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.

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.  

“I am immensely proud to have been offered this role and the opportunity to work for the ABC,” Judith 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.”

Judith Whelan will commence in her new role on November 7.