Justin Stevens, 7:30 executive producer, appointed ABC news director

The ABC has announced Justin Stevens, the executive producer of 7.30, as the new head of ABC News, with managing director David Anderson confirming the appointment this morning in a statement.

The executive producer of 7.30, Justin Stevens, has been chosen to lead ABC news

“Justin has a proven track record in editorial leadership across complex issues and events,” said Anderson.

“Together with the ABC News executive team, Justin will lead the next stage of the ABC News strategy to be more accessible, valuable and relevant to Australians across all platforms, with the highest-quality journalism always at the core.

Stevens replaces Gaven Morris, who left the national broadcaster in October last year after six years in the role.

“It is an enormous honour and I feel the weight of responsibility — for good reason,” Stevens said.

“The bar set for ABC News is the highest of any media organisation in this country given we’re publicly funded and have strict editorial obligations as detailed in the ABC Charter. They are values enshrined in everything we do from editorial accuracy, balance, impartiality and telling stories for all Australians from around the country.

Since Morris’ departure the ABC had undergone an extensive internal and external recruitment process to fill the top spot, while ABC’s head of network and newsgathering Gavin Fang filled in as acting news director.

“I want to thank the members of the ABC News executive for their support during this recruitment process, especially Gavin Fang,” said Anderson.

“He has done an exceptional job acting in the news director role and will continue to play a crucial role in the work of ABC News into the future.”

Both Fang and executive editor of ABC news and head of investigative journalism, John Lyons, 60, were overlooked for the position in favour of Stevens, 37.

Stevens was appointed Executive Producer of ABC nightly current affairs flagship 7.30 in 2017.

He started his career at the Nine Network before moving to the ABC in 2006, working as producer for first Kerry O’Brien and then Leigh Sales on 7.30.

During his time with the national broadcaster he has also worked as a producer on the series Keating: The Interviews with Kerry O’Brien, Supervising Producer on 7.30 and Producer on the AACTA and Logie Award-winning documentary The Killing Season.

As news director, Stevens will be responsible for the nation’s biggest news-gathering workforce, while also being the ABC’s point man when dealing with the Senate.

“In my previous roles I’m used to scrutiny and accountability,” said Stevens.

“That scrutiny and accountability is there for good reason as a public broadcaster funded by taxpayers. I won’t second guess what we do due to any ill-informed criticism, but I’ll also ensure we are transparent about where and how we can do things better and be accountable for what we do.”

Stevens will begin the role on Monday, April 4.

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