ABC appoints Simon Robinson as Director of News and Current Affairs amid leadership overhaul
The ABC has appointed longtime Reuters executive Simon Robinson as its new Director of News and Current Affairs, marking one of the broadcaster’s most significant editorial leadership changes in recent years following the departure of former news boss Justin Stevens.
The appointment was announced by ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks, who described Robinson as one of the most experienced newsroom leaders in international journalism.
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Currently based in London as Executive Editor of Reuters, Robinson serves as deputy to the global news agency’s editor-in-chief and helps oversee a newsroom of approximately 2,600 journalists operating across more than 150 countries.
Confirmation of his appointment comes just hours after scrutiny intensified over the sudden resignation of Stevens during a tense appearance by Marks at Senate Estimates.
Senator Sarah Henderson questioned whether Stevens had effectively been forced out of the role after nearly two decades at the national broadcaster.
“It does very much look like he was pushed,” Henderson told Marks.
“It does very much look like he was pushed, he was encouraged to resign, he was on the tipping block, I think it’s well known within and outside the ABC.”
Marks did not directly reject the suggestion during the hearing, instead pointing to broader strategic challenges facing the broadcaster.
“As we go into a future that rapidly approaches for many years, but it continues at a pace, you know, it calls into question what our strategic priorities are in all of our output,” Marks said.
“What has served us in the past may not serve us well in the future, and this applies to all of our divisions, not just News and current affairs.”
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Stevens resigned after almost 19 years with the organisation, having led the news division since 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw coverage of federal elections, bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and major international events.
An industry source told Mediaweek the role had become increasingly difficult due to “lots of conflicting internal pressures, carrying the can for everyone’s mistakes, and turning up to get grilled at Senate Estimates”.
Robinson’s appointment signals a strong international focus from the ABC as Marks reshapes the broadcaster’s leadership structure.
Before becoming Executive Editor in 2022, Robinson held several senior editorial roles at Reuters, including Global Managing Editor and Regional Editor for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Over more than a decade with Reuters, he led investigative and enterprise reporting on issues including the Greek banking crisis, migration, corporate taxation, Russian political influence and Iran.
Prior to joining Reuters in 2010, Robinson spent 15 years with TIME Magazine, where he worked as a correspondent, bureau chief and editor across Africa, South Asia, Europe and the Middle East. During that time he reported from more than 50 countries.
Robinson began his media career in Australia as a fact-checker for Who Weekly before building an international reporting career spanning more than three decades.
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He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Film from Macquarie University.
In announcing the appointment, Marks said Robinson’s experience made him ideally suited to lead the broadcaster’s news operations during a period of rapid industry change.
“Simon Robinson is one of the most experienced and respected newsroom leaders in global journalism.”
“His track record leading large, complex news operations and his deep commitment to independent, fact-based reporting make him an outstanding choice to lead the ABC’s News division.”
Robinson said he was honoured to return to Australia to take up the senior editorial role.
“I am thrilled and honoured to be named the ABC’s Director of News & Current Affairs.
“As a passionate believer in the power of fact-based, independent journalism, I believe the ABC plays a pivotal role in providing Australians with the reliable reporting we all need.
“I grew up listening to and watching ABC News. It seemed ever present in my childhood home.
“On a personal note, I am delighted this role brings me home, among family and friends.”
Simon Robinson will begin as the ABC’s new Director of News and Current Affairs in September,
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