A Reuters executive has been appointed head of the ABC's news division, as the national broadcaster's managing director denies pushing out his predecessor.
Simon Robinson, the London-based executive editor at the global newswire, will begin the chief editorial role in September.
Mr Robinson, who began his career in Australia, has served at Reuters for 16 years, most recently helping to lead its global newsroom of 2600 journalists.
He will replace Justin Stevens, a 20-year veteran of the ABC, who resigned as news director on Wednesday for "reasons both professional and personal".
ABC's managing director Hugh Marks batted away suggestions he forced Mr Stevens out of the role before senate estimates on Thursday.
In a tense hearing, where Mr Marks faced questioning over allegations of ABC bias, another recent firing and a gamut of other issues, Liberal communications spokeswoman Sarah Henderson said it "very much looks like he was pushed ... and was on the chopping block" for recent controversies.
Senator Henderson put it to the managing director that he threatened to terminate Mr Stevens' role.
"I don't make threats, senator," Mr Marks said, declining to elaborate on discussions.
Whatever the reason for the departure, it is clear the ABC has been preparing for it for months.
Mr Marks, appointed in December 2024, confirmed he had interviewed several individuals as part of a hiring process looking for "someone of the highest calibre".
He declined to confirm Mr Robinson's appointment before Senate estimates, saying an announcement would be made most likely on Friday.
Hours later, the ABC released a statement confirming the appointment in which Mr Marks described Mr Robinson as the correct pick.
"Simon Robinson is one of the most experienced and respected newsroom leaders in global journalism," he said.
"His track record leading large, complex news operations and his deep commitment to fact‑based reporting make him an outstanding choice to lead the ABC's News division."
According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Robinson began his career at Time Inc in Sydney as a reporter at Who Weekly magazine in 1992.
He joined Reuters in 2010, after 15 years as a correspondent, bureau chief and then editor for Time magazine.
In the statement released by ABC, Mr Robinson said he glad to be returning home, where he grew up consuming ABC News.
"I am thrilled and honoured to be named the ABC's Director of News & Current Affairs," he said.
"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."
Mr Stevens' shock resignation comes four years into his tenure as news director, during which time he oversaw a number of controversies and challenges.
Not least of which was the ABC's reporting in the editorially fraught landscape following the October 7, 2023 attacks launched by Hamas on Israel.
Before Senate estimates, Mr Marks said the changeover brought the chance of renewal "to make sure that we're future fit".
Australian Associated Press
